If you thought the North Shore luxury market might take a breather after the holidays, January had other plans.
The latest numbers for the core New Trier communities—Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, and Glencoe—show a market that remains remarkably strong. Prices are climbing, demand is steady, and in most areas, homes are still selling at or above asking price.
Let’s break down what the January 2026 data actually tells us.
Median Prices Continue to Climb
Price appreciation remains the dominant theme across the New Trier area.
January 2026 Median Sales Prices:
Kenilworth: $2,100,000 (+14.8% vs. January 2025)
Winnetka: $1,804,000 (+10.0%)
Glencoe: $1,690,000 (+7.7%)
Wilmette: $1,075,000 (+16.2%)
Every community posted solid year-over-year gains, with Wilmette leading the way at an impressive 16.2 percent increase.
Kenilworth once again tops the list as the most expensive market, crossing the $2.1 million median mark, while Winnetka and Glencoe continue to show steady, sustainable growth.
The takeaway is clear: North Shore home values are not just holding steady—they’re accelerating.
Sellers Are Still Getting Top Dollar
Another key indicator of market health is how close homes sell to their original list price.
Average Percent of Original Price Received (January 2026):
Winnetka: 103.2%
Glencoe: 102.6%
Wilmette: 102.5%
Kenilworth: 98.5%
Three of the four communities averaged well above 100 percent of asking price. That means multiple-offer scenarios remain common, especially in Wilmette, Winnetka, and Glencoe.
Kenilworth, with its smaller and more specialized inventory, sits just under 100 percent—typical for a high-end market where pricing strategies can be more nuanced.
For sellers, this is about as favorable an environment as you could hope for.
Market Time: A Mixed Picture
How quickly are homes selling? It depends on the community.
Average Days on Market (January 2026):
Wilmette: 28 days (–20.0%)
Glencoe: 43 days (–12.2%)
Winnetka: 53 days (+32.5%)
Kenilworth: 63 days (+37.0%)
Wilmette stands out as the speed champion, with homes selling in under a month on average—a notable improvement from last year.
Glencoe also saw quicker sales compared to January 2025.
Winnetka and Kenilworth, on the other hand, experienced longer average market times. That’s not necessarily a warning sign—higher price points and more custom properties often require longer marketing periods—but it does highlight the importance of proper pricing and positioning.
Inventory Levels Tell an Important Story
Months supply of inventory helps explain why prices remain so strong.
Months Supply of Homes for Sale (January 2026):
Wilmette: 1.0 months
Winnetka: 1.3 months
Kenilworth: 1.8 months
Glencoe: 1.9 months
Anything under 3 months is considered a seller’s market—and every single New Trier community is well below that threshold.
Compared to last year:
Wilmette: –16.7%
Kenilworth: –35.7%
Winnetka: –27.8%
Glencoe: +26.7%
With the exception of Glencoe, inventory tightened significantly year over year, keeping competition high and pricing firm.
Even in Glencoe, where supply increased, demand remains strong enough to support rising prices.
What This Means for Buyers
For North Shore buyers, the message is straightforward:
Well-priced homes are still drawing multiple offers
Competition is especially strong in Wilmette and Winnetka
Being prepared—financially and strategically—is critical
Flexibility and decisiveness are key to success
This is not a market where casual house hunting works. Buyers who win are the ones who are ready to act.
What This Means for Sellers
For sellers in the New Trier communities, conditions remain highly favorable:
Prices are rising
Inventory is limited
Buyers are active
Strong homes are selling at or above list price
That doesn’t mean every home automatically sells itself. Thoughtful pricing, smart preparation, and targeted marketing still make a major difference—especially in the higher-end segments of Winnetka and Kenilworth.
Bottom Line
January 2026 confirmed what we’ve been seeing on the ground: the North Shore real estate market continues to show real strength.
Demand remains healthy, inventory remains constrained, and buyers are willing to pay a premium for the right home in the right location.
Whether you’re thinking about buying your next home or considering selling, understanding these market dynamics is essential to making smart decisions.
Curious how this data applies to your home or your plans?
Reach out to The Kernahan Group—Maria and Will Kernahan, your North Shore and Chicago residential property experts. We’ll help you create a strategy based on today’s market realities, not last year’s headlines.