The numbers tell a clear story: Brown County's real estate market outperformed both state and national metrics in 2025, with stronger price appreciation, faster sales, and healthy inventory levels setting the stage for a promising 2026.
2025 Year in Review
Our market reached a significant milestone:
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We broke the billion-dollar mark in sales ($1, 019,779,058) value - up 13% from the previous year.
The median sales price in Brown County rose to $360,000, showing a 6% increase. This growth outpaced both Wisconsin's median of $325,000 (up 4.8%) and significantly exceeded the national average increase of 0.2% ($419,950).
Brown County's market efficiency remains strong, with homes selling in an average of 40 days - matching last year's pace and notably faster than both Wisconsin (69 days) and national (84 days) averages. The current inventory sits at 3.58 months, higher than both Wisconsin (2.9) and national (2.8) levels, though still below the 6-month mark that typically indicates that we are getting toward a healthier more balanced market.
Some interesting demographic shifts also emerged in 2025. The average first-time homebuyer is now 41 years old, up three years from last year, while repeat buyers average 62 years. The 60-78 age group remains our largest segment of both buyers and sellers. Gen X and the Baby Boomers are in total control of the market. Notably, 26% of transactions nationally were all-cash purchases.
The market showed remarkable consistency with 2024 in terms of sales volume and average prices. We observed a welcome increase in inventory from last year's 2.5 months to our current 3.58 months. June marked a shift toward more stabilized pricing, and interest rates settled into a less volatile pattern at (or just below) 6%. This translates to an easier time for Buyers and patience for Sellers. We are still seeing occasional multiple offers on well priced homes but most homes are not taking a bit longer to sell and offers with home sale contingencies, inspections and appraisals are becoming more of the norm.
2026 Market Predictions
Looking ahead to 2026, we see several encouraging factors. One of the keys to unlocking inventory and getting Buyers off the sidelines is maintaining interest rates between 5.5% and 6.25%, which aligns with current administration goals. Not having continual volatile swings in the interstate rate will really help all be able to plan better.
Another encouraging sign: Income growth is outpacing inflation, and we're seeing innovative approaches to housing density and affordability at the municipal level. Green Bay is implementing changes like narrower roads, smaller lots, and new policies allowing accessory dwelling units in backyards. Housing affordability is one of the hottest topics nationally, statewide and locally. Housing is changing and being open to what we need to do to create affordability is something we all need to keep an open mind about. This year I feel we will see a number of innovative ways to help Buyers and Sellers move around in the market. Example…Tapping into a 401K to utilize money tax free to put towards a down payment. Stay tuned on more news on that front.
While we're projecting a modest 2-4% (the norm for our market) price increase for 2026, the unexpected dramatic decrease in current Brown County listings that we are currently experiencing (I am hoping it is just the cold!) could create upward pressure on prices if the trend continues. Despite this inventory challenge, early indicators suggest 2026 could outperform 2025. Purchase apps are the strongest they have been in years.
Our market has demonstrated remarkable resilience and stability, positioning us well for the year ahead. This year is our strongest start ever. We have a good feeling about real estate in 2026…You know who to call for experienced, honest advice!
