As we moved from mid-June into mid-July, the Kelleys Island real estate market continued to show steady activity. We saw more movement compared to the previous month, with several properties changing hands, while inventory remained limited.
One thing we continue to see is that buyers are interested, but they are taking their time and being selective. Buyers are paying close attention to location, condition, updates, and overall value before making a move. Properties that offer something special, whether it is waterfront, additional living space, rental potential, or a great island location, continue to stand out.
One of the biggest stories in the market continues to be the limited amount of residential inventory available on Kelleys Island. During this reporting period, there were only two active single-family homes available. The available homes represented two very different segments of the market, including a larger four-bedroom West Lakeshore home listed just under $1.18 million and a two-bedroom home on Sweetvalley listed at $412,900. The Sweetvalley property went pending on July 17, shortly after the end of this reporting period, showing that buyers continue to act when the right opportunity becomes available.
Looking back at the same time period last summer, there was a noticeable difference in activity. From mid-June through mid-July 2025, there were no reported home sales on Kelleys Island. During that same period this year, two homes successfully closed, with another property moving into contract shortly after the reporting period ended. This shows that while buyers remain selective, there continues to be solid demand when properly positioned properties become available.
One of the highlights this past month was the recent sale of a historic property on Harbor Lane that sold for $749,000, matching its full list price. The property’s combination of island character, thoughtful renovations, separate guest space, and flexible living options helped it stand out. Sales like this continue to show that buyers appreciate the unique properties that make Kelleys Island special.
We also saw a smaller inland cottage-style home on Sunset Drive sell during this period. The two-bedroom, one-bath home sold for $300,000 after approximately 50 days on the market. While it sold below its original asking price, it continues to show there is steady demand for more affordable island properties when the pricing feels right for buyers.
The lot and land market remained steady but a little quieter compared to residential sales. Four buildable lots remained available during this period, ranging from smaller parcels around three-quarters of an acre to larger parcels over one acre. Current asking prices ranged from approximately $125,000 to $189,000. Buyers continue to carefully consider location, utilities, access, and future building plans when evaluating land opportunities.
The land market also remained very consistent compared to last summer, with one buildable lot sale during both periods. During the June 15 through July 14, 2025 timeframe, a lot in the Southaven subdivision sold for $180,000. During the same period this year, a buildable lot on Orchard Lane sold for $105,000 after approximately 39 days on the market. While these two sales represent different locations and price points, both show that buyers continue to have interest in well-positioned island lots when the opportunity and pricing make sense.
Kelleys Island remains a special place for those who value the island lifestyle, and we expect continued interest and limited inventory to keep the market active as we move through the summer season.
