Lincoln Square median home prices just took a big jump (34%)

A beautiful stretch of West Giddings Street in Lincoln Square early May (all photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

Having lived in and near Chicago's Lincoln Square for more than three decades, I’ve witnessed its evolution firsthand. While the neighborhood's retail and demographic history is a story in itself, what stands out most is the dramatic surge in single-family home prices. It’s a trend I experience yearly, yet the sheer scale of the increase continues to astonish both me and my longtime neighbors.

All charts generated with Google Gemini by Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty. Sales data  MREDLLC.com

Over same period of January 1s to May 1st, Lincoln Square single family home median price has increased $950,000 to about $1.3M (almost a 34% increase year over year!). This is the biggest jump we've seen over the past seven years by far. My guess is it will hold up by year's end.

Lincoln Square single family home sales January 1st to May 1st

As mentioned above year over year median price has jumped 34%.

Back in 2019, 36 single family homes closed on the MLS from January 1st to May 1st.  The median price of a sold home was about $685,000. The highest priced closed home was 2156 W Windsor Avenue for $2,529,900 (37' x 124' lot size).

In 2026, 19 single family homes closed over the same period with a median sold price of about $1,280,000.  The highest priced sold home so far this year is 2034 W Sunnyside Avenue at $3,375,000 (34' x 133' lot size). 

The median price of a Lincoln Square single family home has risen 86% same period year over year from 2019 to 2026.

Total homes sold and approximate median price in Lincoln Square year over year 

• 2019: 109 homes sold with a median price of $725,000
• 2020: 117 homes sold with a median price of $775,000
• 2021:  43 homes sold with a median price of $820,000
• 2022: 139 homes sold with a median price of $837,000
• 2023: 85 homes sold with a median price of $985,000
• 2024: 107 homes sold with a median price of $1,020,000
• 2025: 80 homes sold with a median price of $1,056,000
• 2026: 36 homes sold with a median price of $1,280,000 (through May 1st)

New construction speculation homes in Lincoln Square continue to push price records. In 2026 so far one home has closed over $3M with three more under contract. This will make it a record year with seven months to go. 

Out of 80 homes sold over 2025, eight homes were sold over $2 million and two homes were sold over $3 million.  In 2024, eight homes sold for over $2 million with one over $3 million. In 2023 only four homes sold for over $2 million and none over 3 million. We also see smaller lot homes (37'x123) achieve over $3M in 2026. In the past the homes selling over $2M and $3M were on larger double lots (50' wide)  or wide and longer (175' long as opposed to standard 125' long). This year we already have a $3M sale on a 37'x123' lot.  

Sold! Lincoln Square penthouse condo with full roof deck $950,000

 

Unobstructed Welles Park views from the front terrace at 2405 W Sunnyside, Unit 5S, Chicago IL 60625 in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

We recently helped our client purchase a top floor new construction condo in Lincoln Square. Our downsizing couple wanted a top floor unit in an elevator building; "the best". With little re-sale inventory available in the area we turned to buildings in development.  We were able to view and secure the three bedrooms, two baths home with full rooftop deck the day it hit the open market.  The eight residential units at 2405 West Sunnyside sold out quickly. 

Our clients appreciated the finish level and design.  They did not have to pick anything out... a plus for them. The developer and listing agents worked with us on several important modifications to accommodate the buyers.

The unit features a full side roof deck with interior staircase and dry bar on the landing. The park and surrounding views are unobstructed with a clear shot of the Chicago skyline. Although we conducted the final walk-through on a rainy morning I still spent a few moments up there!

View of the skyline from 2405 West Sunnyside Unit 5S in late February.

Three bedrooms or more condo sales in Lincoln Square

77 attached units with at least three bedrooms (condo, townhouse) sold in the last 12 months in Lincoln Square. The median price of a sale is about $665,000. 

The highest priced sale in the last 12 months was 2307 W Foster Avenue Unit 3, Chicago IL 60625 for $1,180,000. The lowest three bedroom condo sale was 5445 N California Unit 1B, Chicago IL  for $212,000.

Eight units sold for over $900,000 over the last 12 months.

Questions on new construction or re-sale purchases? Need real estate related vendors, lenders or attorneys? To sell or purchase condos, single family homes, multi-units and land in and around Lincoln Square and all neighborhoods of Chicago please reach out to Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty at erojas@kalerealty.com.

For rent! Gorgeous Lincoln Square two beds, one bath in two-flat $2,600

 FOR RENT: Lincoln Square – 2BD / 1BA – $2,600

https://smyl.mredllc.com/listings/MTI1MzA3NjE6MTU3OTUw

2548 W Argyle Street, Unit 1, Chicago IL 60625, two beds, one bath $2,600/ month.

Available Immediately / January

This is a beautiful home with top notch renovations.

Prime location in the heart of Lincoln Square! Bright, spacious first-floor unit in an owner-occupied two-flat near Lincoln and Argyle. Fully rehabbed in 2022, 1st floor, 2-bedroom, 1-bath home features:

-Large bedrooms (12’x9’ and 11’x9’)

-Central heat & AC (tenant-controlled).

-In-unit laundry.

-Eat-in kitchen with exposed brick, stainless steel appliances, walk-in pantry, and dishwasher.

-Hardwood floors throughout.

-Ample in-unit storage with custom closets.

-Large private deck and shared backyard.

Easy street parking. Short walk to the CTA Brown Line and 24-hour Lawrence & Western buses.

Details:

-No pets, no smoking, no assigned parking

-$500 non-refundable move-in fee

-Credit score 700+ and tenant monthly income 3x rent required

-Prefer lease through 3/31/27

-Tenant application, credit & background check required $65.00 per tenant on lease.

*DO NOT give money to anyone claiming to have keys for this property. Licensed Broker Eric Rojas must personally meet at property for showing and you must fill out the tenant application and screening. 1st month's rent check will be payable to KALE REALTY only after full approval process!*

Exclusive listing by:

Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

2447 N Ashland, Chicago IL 60614

Illinois Licensed Real Estate Broker No. 475.126105

Fair Housing Opportunity

CONTACT: erojas@kalerealty.com

Ask Eric! 20yrs and over $110M personally sold.

#lincolnsquare #ForRent #ericrojasblog #kalerealty

Look in! Lincoln Square single family home sales 2025

 

Homes on West Winona in Lincoln Square (all photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty)

Although not over yet, 2025 is another year of rising single family home prices in Chicago and the Chicago Metro market surrounding six counties. My prediction is we'll continue to see super high demand for single family homes at the current prices as new listing slowly drip to market in the new year.

Let's dial down and take a quick look at single home sales though October in the extremely popular Lincoln Square neighborhood.

Median price of a sold single family home is up 3.5% year to date at $1,100,000. The closed sale price percentage compared to asking price is up to 101.3%!  That means there were a lot of multiple purchase offers resulting in sale price over the original listing price.  

Year to year in 2024 about 8% of homes sold for over $2M in Lincoln Square. 

In 2025 through October 10% of single family homes sold over $2M.

The numbers clearly show a super tight and competitive single family home sale market in Lincoln Square through October this year. Number of unit listings, closed sales and market time (- 42%!) were all down year over year. We are preparing our client sales and purchase plans now for the new year.

If you are looking to buy or sell any property in Lincoln Square of any Chicago neighborhood or near suburb contact my team at erojas@kalerealty,com

Questions? Just ask Eric!

Closed! Lincoln Square townhouse with two car garage

Our client closed on this popular Bowmanville neighborhood townhouse in the Lincoln Square Community Area. The large corner home has spacious rooms, great light, large main floor deck, rooftop deck and rare two-car attached garage!

This spring market has been incredibly competitive for buyers.  5350 N Damen, Unit F, Chicago IL 60625 closed for $596,000 after our clients won a multi-offer situation. Getting in a quick, professional and very strong offer helped them over the top. The median price of a closed townhouse in Lincoln Square area is about $600,000 over the past twelve months. 

We're grateful for our clients effort and collaboration!  It can be exhausting battling it out all spring. If you need help securing a home or need to sell your home with a full service broker at fair commissions please reach out to us! Erojas@kalerealty.com

Eric Rojas, Broker

Kale Realty

2447 N Ashland, Chicago IL 60614

773-510-1597

erojas@kalerealty.com

Lincoln Square small multi-unit sales, two-four flats

 

The 2700 block of West Giddings is lined with small multi-units. The peaceful street ends at the river to the west. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

Our client would like to buy a small multi-unit in Lincoln Square. The plan is to be a live-in owner (also known as an owner-operator). They have experience owning a house in another state and see a multi-unit as more affordable than a Lincoln Square house and a better value than a condo purchase.  In most cases they will be able to use 75% of current rental income from the building towards qualifying for a larger home loan. Ask me about owning multi-units and reach out to my lender Steve Dunnett to learn about financing options stevedunnett@greenstate.org

Lincoln Square Multi-unit sales (two-four units) over the last 12 months

51 small multi-units sold in Lincoln Square over the last 12 months.  The median price of a sold two-four units building is about $800,000.

Two-flats: 31 Lincoln Square two-flats have sold in the last 12 months.  The median price is about $750,000.  Most buildings sold in the median price range need a lot of maintenance and updating.  Five of the two-flat buildings sold for over one million ($1,000,000).

Three-flats: 15 three-flats sold with a median price of  $835,000.

Four-flats:  5 four-flats sold with a median price of $950,000

Currently 5 multi-units are for sale in Lincoln Square while 10 are under contract.

To purchase, lease or sell real estate in Lincoln Square or surrounding neighborhoods and suburbs please reach out to me erojas@kalerealty.com

First Lincoln Square condo sells for over $1M (but median price for attached units slips)

 

A top floor unit at 4854 N Damen in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood has sold for $1,057,000. It appears to be a record price. Photo Realtor.com and VHT.com

Last week I looked at Lincoln Square condo sales specifically on North Western Avenue.  I buried the lead! An attached condo sold for $1M for the first time in Lincoln Square. There had been a couple new construction units closed at $940,000 in 2021 (the precious record) but nothing over a million until this summer.

4854 N Damen Unit 3, Chicago IL 60625 sold for $1,057,000 earlier this year. The "duplex-up" penthouse features a 2nd floor family room and amazing walk-out terrace. It appears to be a record price sale for any attached unit (condo, townhouse) listed on the MLS in Lincoln Square. Despite the milestone, overall median price of a sold attached unit decreased 3.5% year over year. This could be due to high mortgage interest rates putting pressure on overall pricing or simply lower-end options becoming more readily available on the market.

Lincoln Square Condo Sales
Overall 240 attached units (condo and townhouse) have sold in Lincoln Square from January 1st to December 6th this year. The median price of a sold attached unit is about $351,000. Attached units with two bedrooms have a median of $320,000.  Units with three beds have a median of  $570K.

Surprisingly the median price for a sold Lincoln Square attached unit dropped 3.5% year to year from $364,000 in 2023 to $351,000 in 2024.  Median price for an attached unit same period in 2022 was $315,000 and $308,000 in 2021.

Eric Rojas, Broker

Chicago Real Estate Broker with Kale Realty

Over $100M sold! Have a question... ask Eric!

Kale Realty 2447 N Ashland, Chicago IL 60614 in Lincoln Park

Illinois Licensed Real Estate Broker No. 475.126105

Fair Housing Opportunity

erojas@kalerealty.com

PH: 773-510-1597

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Lincoln Square condo sales on North Western Avenue reach $850,000

Condo buildings along Western Avenue in Lincoln Square

My contractors and I made a visit to a client's Lincoln Square condo yesterday on Western Avenue. She needed help installing a closet system. I pulled our crew over from a nearby renovation to get it done quickly with no worries nor charge (we are grateful for our clients!). She bought the newer construction two beds, two baths condo unit with parking space for $299,900 six years ago. The idea was you get a newer, nicer condo for a discount due to the busy Western Ave.  A similar unit in the building just sold for $400,000. She's not only comfortable but in a great equity position.

Lincoln Square condo sales on Western Avenue

Western Ave condo development has been popular due to it's central location in Lincoln Square. City zoning also allows for larger buildings and less parking spaces when in range of the CTA Western Brown Line (Transit Oriented Development). The corridor is a great opportunity to add much needed housing units. 

Eight Lincoln Square condos have sold in the past 12 months with a Western Avenue address.  The median price of a sold condo is a hefty $550,000.  That's just the buildings listed on Western Ave. Several condo buildings that front North Western use a east/ west side street address (psssst we still know it's Western).

New construction condo building facing North Western Avenue but has a
West Farragut Ave address 😉

The highest priced condo sold with a western address is 5442 N Western Unit 3A, Chicago IL 60625 for $832,000. The four beds duplex-up has terrific outdoor space. There is a higher sale in a building listed on West Farragut (but faces Western Ave) for $859,570. 

Contact Eric Rojas, Broker to buy, sell, rent real estate in Chicago

Chicago Real Estate Broker with Kale Realty

Over $100M sold! Have a question... ask Eric!

Kale Realty 2447 N Ashland, Chicago IL 60614 in Lincoln Park

Illinois Licensed Real Estate Broker No. 475.126105

Fair Housing Opportunity

erojas@kalerealty.com

PH: 773-510-1597

Follow me on Facebook

Logan Square single family home median price up 100% over ten years ago

Large traditional homes in Logan Square, Chicago

I recently met with clients at their Logan Square home. I worked with them as their buyer's agent during the the supercharged 2021 season. They asked me to come by and consult on home improvements and it's affect on re-sale value. I'm always eager to provide prospective to my clients before big decisions! 

Logan Square Home Sales

200 Logan Square single family homes were sold on the MLS from January 1st to November 22nd this year.  The median sales price is about $1,080,000. The median is slightly up from the same period last year ($1,012,000). It does mark two straight years Logan Square single family homes have hit the $1M median price mark.

In 2021 - when my clients bought their home - about 300 single family homes sold with a median price of $880,000. 

Over the same period in 2014 the median price of a single family home in Logan square was $529,000! In ten years the median price is up over 100%.

Eric Rojas, Chicago Real Estate Broker with Kale Realty

Over $100M sold! Have a question... ask Eric!

Kale Realty 2447 N Ashland, Chicago IL 60614 in Lincoln Park

Illinois Licensed Real Estate Broker No. 475.126105

Fair Housing Opportunity

erojas@kalerealty.com

PH: 773-510-1597

Lincoln Square house median price over one million dollars (Chicago)

The median price of a single family home in Lincoln Square Community Area is about $1,050,000 this year. When we moved to Lincoln Square permanently in 2007 the median price of a sold home was $615,000.  I've watched many changes in Lincoln Square to the streets, business, schools, politics... and the real estate!

Lincoln Square area map via Chicago Cityscape The area sprawls West Montrose to West Peterson and North Ravenswood all the way west to the North Branch Chicago River. 

95 single family homes  have sold from January 1st to November 15th, 2024. The median price is about $1,050,000.  Seven single family homes have closed over $2M and one house closed for $3.8M.

Over the same period last year (2023) only 75 homes closed with a median price of about $1,020,000.  

Homes in the furthest northwest portion of Lincoln Square sell for considerably less than those in the southeast portion. Proximity to the CTA Brown Line, Metra and retail/ shopping has much to do with the value discrepancy. For instance, homes NORTH of West Foster Avenue and WEST of North Western Avenue have a median closed price of about $561,000. While homes SOUTH of West Foster Avenue and EAST of North Western Avenue have a median sales price of $1.2M.

To buy, sell, rent or if you have nay questions involving real estate (attorneys, condo associations, improvements) please reach out to me! Ask Eric!

Eric Rojas, Broker

Chicago Real Estate Broker with Kale Realty

Over $100M sold! Have a question... ask Eric!
Kale Realty - 2447 N Ashland, Chicago IL 60614 in Lincoln Park
Illinois Licensed Real Estate Broker No. 475.126105
Fair Housing Opportunity
erojas@kalerealty.com
Ph: 773-510-1597

Will Lincoln Square's Saint Matthias rectory building finally become apartments?

 

The former Saint Matthias parish rectory building at the corner of North Oakley and West Ainslie is subject to an apartment conversion proposal. Selling the long vacant property for development has proved difficult. All  photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

A Lincoln Square church building at 2310 W Ainslie may become "nine market rate apartments" according to development filings.  Another attempt to re-zone and develop the shuttered Saint Matthias parish building will be heard at an October 3rd, 2024 community zoning meeting. The convent building on  North Claremont around the corner was already converted to apartments by a different developer. The rectory building has proved more difficult to sell and develop. The last legitimate proposal was shot down by the community process (mainly due to losing the open yard space on the corner).

Public notices for a community zoning meeting have been posted on surrounding properties and car windshields.   

Housing in this desirable Lincoln Square location remains in great demand. 

-Over the past 12 months the average rent for a two bedrooms apartment in a four block radius from the development is about $2,300 / month. 
-The median price of a closed single family home in a four block radius of the proposed development is about $1.2M.
-Median price of a sold condo in the same area is $417,500. 

Contact me to buy, sell or rent in the Lincoln Square area. We'll be happy to answer your questions concerning available properties real estate related issues. erojas@kalerealty.com

Lincoln Square home sale surpasses $3 million for the first time

A single lot Lincoln Square home sale has surpassed the $3 million mark for the first time. It's possible there is a private sale out there over $3M but I have not been able to find one. $2 million sales are up as well. Houses on West Leland, Lincoln Square shown in the photo above (Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty).

Lincoln Square home sale prices appear to have reached new heights this summer.  A single lot single family home built in 2020 has resold for $3,800,000 according to MREDLLC.com records (my broker multiple listing service).  4431 North Hamilton, Chicago IL 60625 closed in late June this summer smashing the $3 million mark. The newer construction home built on an over-sized 37.5 x 178 resides on one of the more desirable blocks in the neighborhood. 

Six total homes have sold for over $2 million this year from January 1st to September 18th while two more homes priced over $2 million are closing soon. In 2023 four total homes closed over $2 million and is 2022 only two homes closed over $2 million over the same period. Only three homes closed over $2M in charged up 2021 despite historically low interest rates.

Contact Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty to buy, sell and rent real estate on the North Side of Chicago and the near suburbs. erojas@kalerealty.com

Lincoln Square vacant lot sold for $630,000, now $1.8M house

A new construction house at 4936 N Bell nears completion. According to my resources the home is priced for sale just over $1.8M. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

New construction is in full swing in Lincoln Square for spring season. 4936 N Bell, Chicago IL 60625 sold last year as vacant land for $630,000. The previous original small "farmhouse" was demolished. The new home sits on the wide 30" x 125" lot and features four to five bedrooms and over four bathrooms. The suggested price is just over $1.8M. Considering the size of the lot, the prevailing new home finishes and the location the home should sell quickly when completed.

4936 N Bell shown in the middle prior to demolition. 

Despite rising mortgage interest rates in 2023 the single family home market remained in high demand. Single family homes and land/ development opportunities priced comparably to the past few years in Lincoln Square were gobbled up. In fact median price was up 20% over 2022.

- 85 Lincoln Square single family homes sold in 2023 with a median price of about $985,000. Median price was up 20% over 2022!

- In 2022, 131 single family homes sold with a median price of $825,000.

To buy homes in Chicago and near suburbs (including private and off-market opportunities) contact Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty erojas@kalerealty.com

New 74 rental unit development approved in central Lincoln Square location

 

The buildings shown here between West Eastwood and the "L" tracks along western Ave will be redeveloped to create a 74 unit mixed-use building. Photo in November 2023, Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

After years and years of scaffolding draping the east facade of THAT building adjacent to the "L" tracks... re-development is in the works. Many years ago I walked the loft building interior with a contractor looking for ideas for the huge open floor spaces.

The new 4640 N Western rendering https://hirschmpg.com/

In July the city approved a 74 rental unit development for 4632-4644 North Western Avenue in Lincoln Square. Urbanize Chicago has a nice rundown and renderings of the project HERE   The four story loft building ("the scaffolding building") will be renovated while the two story property will be demolished and replaced by a six story building. Rents mentioned in the proposal ranged from $1,500 for a studio, $1,700 for and one bedroom and $2,700 for two bedrooms. 

The development is just west across the street Western Brown Line station and steps from Giddings Plaza. 11 units will be set aside as affordable.  It joins the 63 unit 100% affordable new construction building also across the street and just north of the Western Brown Line stop. Another 130+ units in the center of Lincoln Square is great for local business and vibrancy!

More Lincoln Square real estate posts HERE

To buy, sell, invest and rent in Lincoln Square and surrounding neighborhoods contact Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty - erojas@kalerealty.com

Apartment construction finally begins at former Lincoln Square strip mall

40 residential units coming to the 5200 block of North Lincoln Avenue. The units will join another 67 residential units within a couple blocks of each other at this northwest Lincoln Square location. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

My tour of new construction multi-unit apartments and condos around Lincoln Square continues! A 40 unit building was proposed for 5214-5224 N Lincoln Avenue back in 2020.  Construction finally began last week.  The building is close to the North Lincoln / West Foster intersection and adjacent to a strip mall with a Dunkin Donuts, orthodontist and a bubble tea place among other storefronts.  To the north is the Diplomat Motel which was bought by the city and will become a transitional shelter for homeless.  Tony's Fresh Market is across the street.

The old strip mall at 5214 N Lincoln just North of West Foster Avenue back in 2023 prior to demolition. 

All told there are at least 107 condo and apartment units in development near the corner of  Lincoln and Foster! The new residents are great for local business, vibrancy and tax revenue.  The buildings make good use of the former one story strip malls and eye-sore properties.

To buy, sell, rent and invest on the North Side of Chicago and near suburbs please reach out erojas@kalerealty.com  I'm happy to answer your questions.