08/06/2026
The Fox Chain O’Lakes continues to offer one of the most diverse waterfront markets in Northern Illinois—from channel-front cottages and year-round ranches to premium lakefront homes and legacy estates.
This mid-year snapshot covers waterfront properties listed between January 1 and August 5, 2026. The MLS report identified 156 properties in the search area:
50 active
17 pending or under contract
59 sold
30 off-market
For the active waterfront market, the average list price is $698,478, the average market time is 48 days, and the average price is $311 per square foot.
The properties that sold averaged $626,050, with an average market time of approximately 17 days. That tells an important story: when a waterfront property is priced correctly and offers the right combination of condition, access, views, and lifestyle appeal, it can move quickly.
The current active market ranges from approximately $199,000 to $3.199 million. That range reflects the different levels of waterfront living available on the Chain—from more approachable channel-front opportunities, to updated year-round homes, to high-end properties with expansive frontage, multiple structures, private piers, boat slips, and resort-style amenities.
The homes that stand out most often share several important features: usable water access, quality seawalls, private piers or boat slips, attractive views, outdoor entertaining areas, floodplain considerations, thoughtful updates, and the ability to enjoy the property throughout all four seasons.
That is what makes the Fox Chain market unique. It is not one single price point or one single type of buyer. It is a collection of waterfront lifestyle opportunities, each with its own combination of location, frontage, improvements, boating access, and value.
For clarity, this market snapshot focuses on detached single-family waterfront homes and does not include condominium, townhome, or other attached-property sales. Individual property values can vary significantly based on lake, frontage, condition, improvements, and exact location.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling on the Fox Chain, I can help you understand where your property fits in today’s waterfront market.
Dan Vladic - RE/MAX Advantage
847-529-2899
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