Chicagoland Pending Home Sales See Their Biggest Increase of 2026

CHICAGO — Buyer activity picked up across suburban Chicagoland in May 2026, giving the local housing market one of its clearest signs of renewed momentum so far this year.

Homes going under contract increased 4.7% year over year for detached homes and 7.1% for attached homes, marking the region’s largest annual rise in pending sales of 2026. Because pending sales measure signed contracts before a transaction closes, the increase could point to stronger closed-sales activity in the coming months.

The latest numbers suggest more buyers are deciding not to wait for a major change in mortgage rates or inventory. Instead, many appear to be moving forward when the right property becomes available, especially in communities where updated and move-in-ready homes remain difficult to find.

Prices are still moving higher across the suburbs. The median price for a detached home reached $440,000, up 4.8% from a year earlier, while attached homes posted a median sale price of $290,000. At the same time, the regional Housing Affordability Index rose to 110.6, meaning the typical household income is above the level needed to qualify for a median-priced home under the index’s assumptions.

Several communities saw especially sharp increases in detached homes going under contract, including North Riverside, Merrionette Park, Willow Springs, Vernon Hills, North Aurora, and Western Springs. Smaller markets can show large percentage swings from limited sales volume, but the overall trend still points to stronger buyer engagement across the region.

For buyers, the takeaway is that well-priced homes in desirable locations may continue to attract attention quickly. For sellers, the return of pending-sale momentum reinforces the importance of launching with the right price, presentation, and local strategy.

Looking to Buy or Sell in Chicagoland This Summer?

Whether you are searching in the Western Suburbs, exploring a condo in Downtown Chicago, or preparing to sell near the North Shore, connect with the Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier for expert guidance built around current inventory, pricing, competition, and your next move.

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Ranked among the top 1% of real estate teams in the Chicagoland market, Cory Tanzer and the Cory Tanzer Group are experts in helping buyers and sellers navigate today’s market across Downtown Chicago, the North Shore, and the Western Suburbs. Recognized for their neighborhood expertise in areas such as University Village, University Commons, South Loop, and Pilsen, the team helps clients stay one step ahead by understanding where the Chicago market is headed next.