Montana Real Estate Market Stats
The Sotheby’s 2026 Mid-Year Luxury Outlook® Report is here!
As Sotheby’s International Realty celebrates its 50th anniversary, this newly released report provides the vital insights you need to navigate a strong global luxury real estate market that continues to outperform the general housing sector. From the impact of historic intergenerational wealth transfers and stock market growth to the shifting real estate portfolios of an aging yet active affluent population, this mid-year update highlights the key motivations driving today’s increasingly diverse buyer pool.
Whether exploring the enduring appeal of the world’s great wealth centers or uncovering the regions experiencing a vibrant resurgence, the report digs beneath the surface data to reveal how luxury buyers are balancing lifestyle goals with wealth preservation. Driven by 50 years of brand perspective and backed by ground-level expertise from top real estate professionals and global economic leaders, this report delves into expanding market nuances—including the booming $8 trillion global longevity and wellness market. Staying informed is essential to making confident decisions in today’s dynamic landscape; let the trusted insights in this mid-year report guide your next move.
View Sotheby’s 2026 Resort Report
Resort markets across the Western U.S. continue to thrive, with demand for open space and year-round recreation driving impressive gains. This annual in-depth report provides analysis for 17 resort markets for the year prior. Sotheby’s International Realty continues to lead the luxury space, securing top sales in multiple markets in 2025—including Whitefish, Montana’s highest sale at $15.2M!
The Ski Resort Market
The ski resort market continues to hold steady and grow with no signs of stopping, which is evident in Whitefish/NW Montana. For a comprehensive look at last year’s resort market stats and what to expect in the year ahead, read the full 2026 Resort Report below.
Whether you’re considering purchasing a luxury retreat or selling a property in a sought-after location, staying informed is key to making the most of today’s dynamic real estate market. With 36+ years of real estate experience, Debbie Maue and her team are a valuable resource every step of your journey.
Whitefish Stats – Winter 2024
The current population estimate of Whitefish is 8915 which is a 13% increase over the 2020 census. A slight slowdown of the 13% increase from the 2020 census of 18%. This does NOT account for 2nd homes and part-time residents. Short-term rental permits dropped from 66 issued in 2022 to 64 in 2023.When it comes to Montana real estate market stats, Inventory is still pretty slim here. 229 active compared to 257 last year and 286 in 2019. Market times are up slightly at about 115 days (down from 123 last month) vs. 97 last year and 131 in 2019. List price vs. sale price is tighter at 98.9 (94.7 last month) compared to 96.3 last year and 96 in 2019. We are at 19 months of inventory which is up a fair amount from 10 last year and 15 in 2019.
I’d attribute that mainly to lack of much “new” property to choose from and rates with buyers holding still out a bit. Although, all conversations seem to indicate we might see close to 6% towards the end of the year but no conversations I’ve heard of going below that for anytime soon. Last-Average sale price. $1.215.168 (down from $1.6m last month) from $1.122.920 last year and $960.500k in 2019. (4th Quarter Micro Report is down below)
The Whitefish Building Department saw 63 new residential units which was 1/5th of the units in 2020. Commercial development saw only 5 new buildings which was a drop from 2022 but an increase over only 1 unit in 2021. New subdivision activity increased with 55 new lots approved for preliminary plats and 35 new lots created with final plat.