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North Idaho Real Estate Market Report

Current North Idaho Market Insights: Sandpoint, Coeur d’Alene & Beyond

Updated November 2025 Data sourced from Coeur d'Alene Regional REALTORS®, Redfin, Rocket Homes, and local brokerage insights. Market conditions can shift rapidly—contact Julie and Michael at Territory Real Estate for personalized analysis.

Welcome to Territory Real Estate's comprehensive Market Report for North Idaho. As your premier boutique brokerage, we're deeply rooted in the communities we serve, from the pristine shores of Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille to the vibrant waterfront of Coeur d'Alene. Our mother-son team, Julie and Michael, leverages local expertise and our consistent Best of Zillow recognition to guide you through this dynamic market.

North Idaho's real estate landscape remains resilient in 2025, with steady demand driven by remote workers, retirees, and lifestyle seekers drawn to our lakes, mountains, and outdoor paradise. While national trends show moderating growth, our region—spanning Bonner County, Kootenai County, and beyond—continues to outperform, with median prices up modestly and inventory easing to favor buyers. Expect a 2-3% price appreciation through year-end, fueled by stabilizing rates around 6.5-7%.

We proudly serve: Sandpoint, Coeur d'Alene, Priest River, Spirit Lake, Rathdrum, Hayden, Athol, and select properties in Boundary County (including Bonners Ferry) and Shoshone County. Whether you're eyeing luxury waterfront in Coeur d'Alene or raw land near Schweitzer, this report breaks it down by key areas.

Overall North Idaho Trends (Q3-Q4 2025)

  • Median Home Price: $550,000–$600,000 (up ~2-5% YoY across counties).
  • Inventory: Up 10-20% from 2024 lows, with 1,200–1,500 active listings region-wide—giving buyers more negotiating power.
  • Days on Market: Averaging 60-100 days (down slightly YoY), with hot properties (e.g., lakefront) moving in under 30 days.
  • Sales Volume: Up 10-13% YoY, totaling ~2,500 single-family closings in Kootenai alone through Q3.
  • Forecast: Slower appreciation (2% nationally, 2.7% locally in Coeur d'Alene), but luxury ($1M+) holds strong due to limited supply. Remote work and tourism bolster vacation rentals in Sandpoint.
 
 
Metric Q3 2025 Value YoY Change Notes
Median Price $575,000 +4-10% Strongest gains in Kootenai; cooling in Boundary.
Active Listings 1,491 (Kootenai) +20% More options for starter homes under $500K.
Months of Inventory 3-4 months +0.5 months Balanced market; favors neither side heavily.
Sales Volume ~650 (Q3 Kootenai) +13% Peak season push; luxury segment resilient.
 

Market Snapshot by Community

Coeur d'Alene (Kootenai County)

The crown jewel of North Idaho, Coeur d'Alene's waterfront and downtown allure keep demand high. Median prices reflect premium lake access, with new construction booming in nearby Hayden.

  • Median Sale Price: $575,000 (up 2.7% YoY).
  • Homes for Sale: 353–396 active (up 6.6% MoM).
  • Price per Sq Ft: $324 (up 0.9% YoY).
  • Days on Market: 60-90 days.
  • Hot Spots: Tubbs Hill, Sanders Beach—ideal for luxury escapes.
  • Outlook: 2.7% growth by mid-2025; inventory rise eases entry for first-timers, but waterfront premiums persist.

Sandpoint (Bonner County)

Sandpoint's mountain-lake vibe—think Schweitzer skiing and Pend Oreille boating—drives recreational and investment demand. A 13-14% correction from pandemic peaks creates buyer opportunities.

  • Median Sale Price: $600,000 (stable, down 4% from highs).
  • Homes for Sale: 150–200 active (inventory up 15% YoY).
  • Price per Sq Ft: $290–$310.
  • Days on Market: 80-100 days.
  • Hot Spots: Downtown lofts, lakefront cabins, Schweitzer condos.
  • Outlook: Vacation rentals thrive; expect steady 2% appreciation as tourism rebounds.

Bonner County (Including Priest River & Coolin)

Bonner County's rural charm and acreage appeal to homesteaders. Transaction volume is solid, but thinner supply keeps prices balanced.

  • Median Sale Price: $550,000 (up 2% YoY).
  • Sales Volume: ~200 closings Q3 (up 8%).
  • Inventory: 200–250 listings.
  • Days on Market: 90-110 days.
  • Outlook: Agriculture-protected land and Selkirk retreats see steady interest; modest growth ahead.

Kootenai County (Hayden, Rathdrum, Post Falls, Spirit Lake)

This county leads in volume and stability, with new builds in Rathdrum attracting families priced out of Coeur d'Alene.

  • Median Sale Price: $575,000 (up 10% YoY); $526,100 overall (up 0.2%).
  • Homes for Sale: 1,491 (up 20% MoM).
  • Days on Market: 21–99 days (down 1-23% MoM).
  • Sales Volume: 2,449 single-family (up 13% for 2024 full-year).
  • Hot Spots: Hayden Lake access, Rathdrum starter homes (~$420K for 1,200 sq ft).
  • Outlook: Homeownership at 72% (above national avg.), but affordability challenges for young buyers; expect continued leveling.

Boundary County (Bonners Ferry)

The northern gateway offers value in acreage and turn-key homes, with a cautious but balanced market.

  • Median Sale Price: $574,000 (down 4% YoY).
  • Inventory: 80–100 listings.
  • Days on Market: 100+ days.
  • Outlook: Well-priced rural properties move quickly; 2-3% stabilization in 2026.

Additional Areas: Shoshone County & Athol

  • Shoshone (Silverton, Pinehurst): Median ~$450,000; shortest market time in North Idaho—up 5% YoY.
  • Athol: Emerging for affordable rural retreats; medians $500K, inventory growing.

Buyer's & Seller's Guide

  • Buyers: More inventory means leverage—focus on pre-approvals amid 6.5% rates. Opportunities in corrected Sandpoint luxury.
  • Sellers: Price competitively; stage for quick sales in peak season. Luxury holds value in waterfront niches.
  • Investors: Vacation rentals in Sandpoint yield high ROI; remote work boosts long-term holds.

Connect with Territory Real Estate

Ready to navigate this market? Julie and Michael are here with integrity, trust, and heart—your Best of Zillow team for personalized guidance. Let's claim your corner of North Idaho.

Schedule a Consultation | Call/Text: (208) 603-4460

Data as of October 2025. Past performance does not guarantee future results. For full MLS stats, visit cdarealtors.com/market-data.

North Idaho Resource Center

# North Idaho Resources

Welcome to our curated guide to essential resources for North Idaho. Whether you're a new resident, prospective buyer, or long-time local, navigating permits, utilities, and services can be streamlined with the right contacts. We've focused on key areas like utilities, health and environmental permitting, county and city planning, and state wildlife resources—tailored to communities like Sandpoint, Coeur d'Alene, and Bonners Ferry. For real estate transactions, these links can help with everything from septic approvals to dock installations on our stunning lakes.

We've organized this by category for easy reference. Always verify the latest details on official sites, as requirements can evolve.

Utilities & Energy Providers

North Idaho's utilities ensure reliable power, water, and waste services. Avista serves much of the region for electricity and natural gas, while cooperatives like Northern Lights handle rural areas.

 
 
Provider Description Contact/Website
Avista Utilities Electricity, natural gas, and energy efficiency programs for Sandpoint, Coeur d'Alene, and surrounding areas. avistacorp.com 1-800-227-9187
Northern Lights, Inc. Electric cooperative serving rural Bonner and Boundary Counties, including Priest River and Bonners Ferry. nlic.com 208-263-7151
Kootenai Electric Cooperative Power for parts of Kootenai County, including Hayden and Rathdrum. kootenai.coop 208-765-1200
Idaho Water Resources (via local districts) Water and irrigation; check local providers like East Greenacres Water District (Coeur d'Alene) or Sandpoint Park District. Varies by area; idwr.idaho.gov for oversight.
 

Tip: For broadband/internet, explore providers like Frontier or local fiber options through the Idaho Broadband Initiative at broadband.idaho.gov.

Health & Environmental Permitting

Protecting public health and the environment is key in our lake- and river-rich region. These agencies handle septic systems, water rights, and waterfront developments.

 
 
Agency Services Contact/Website
Panhandle Health District Septic permits and inspections for Bonner, Boundary, Benewah, Kootenai, and Shoshone Counties. Required for all subsurface sewage systems. panhandlehealthdistrict.org/licensing-and-permitting/septic-permits-and-records 208-415-5190
Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) Water rights permitting, stream channel alterations, and joint applications for dams/docks. Oversees resources statewide. idwr.idaho.gov 208-287-4800 (Boise HQ); Local water resource agent in Bonners Ferry (3rd Wed monthly).
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Coeur d'Alene District) Dredge and fill permits, including dock and shoreline permitting on Lake Coeur d'Alene, Pend Oreille, and Priest Lake. www.nws.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Branch 509-835-7287
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Wastewater disposal permits and water quality certifications (often in coordination with USACE). deq.idaho.gov/permits/water-quality-permits-certifications 208-373-0502
 

Pro Tip: For joint permitting (e.g., docks), use the USACE-IDWR-IDL Joint Application Form available on IDWR's site.

County Planning & Zoning Departments

Local counties manage land use, building permits, and zoning for unincorporated areas. Essential for subdivisions, rural builds, and compliance.

 
 
County Focus Areas Contact/Website
Bonner County Planning Land-use planning, zoning, comprehensive plans, and agriculture protection for Sandpoint-area properties. bonnercountyid.gov/departments/Planning 208-265-1458
Kootenai County Planning & Zoning Development reviews, floodplain management, and comprehensive plan amendments for Coeur d'Alene vicinity. kcgov.us/484/Planning-and-Zoning-Commission 208-446-1070
Boundary County Planning Zoning, subdivision reviews, and environmental assessments for Bonners Ferry and rural north. boundarycountyid.org/department/planning 208-267-5504
 

Note: For city properties, route through municipal planning (see below). Public hearings are common—check calendars for updates.

City Resources

Municipal sites cover building permits, utilities, parks, and community services in key North Idaho hubs.

 
 
City Key Resources Contact/Website
Coeur d'Alene (CDA) Planning department, housing studies, ADU plans, and waterfront development. Includes Envision CDA 2042 Comprehensive Plan. cdaid.org/planning 208-769-2268
Sandpoint Building permits, zoning maps, parks/recreation, and lake access info via city hall. sandpointidaho.gov 208-263-3489
Bonners Ferry Planning/zoning, public works, and chamber resources for Boundary County seat. bonnersferryidaho.gov (City site); bonnersferrychamber.org 208-267-3105
 

Bonus: Check local chambers for business licenses—e.g., Sandpoint Chamber at sandpointchamber.org.

State Resources: Fish, Wildlife & More

Idaho's natural beauty demands responsible stewardship. Start here for hunting/fishing licenses, habitat conservation, and outdoor regulations.

 
 
Agency Services Contact/Website
Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) - Panhandle Region Fishing/hunting licenses, creel surveys (e.g., Kootenai River), bear education, and wildlife reporting. Covers Coeur d'Alene to Bonners Ferry. idfg.idaho.gov/region/panhandle 208-769-1414 (Coeur d'Alene Office)
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation State parks like Farragut (Athol), Round Lake, and Priest Lake—boating, camping permits. parksandrecreation.idaho.gov 208-514-2424
Idaho State Tax Commission Property tax assessments, exemptions, and real estate transfer info. tax.idaho.gov 208-334-7660
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Idaho Office Endangered species, migratory birds, and federal habitat protections (field office in Coeur d'Alene). fws.gov/office/idaho-fish-and-wildlife 208-378-5243
 

Additional Resources

If you're buying property, we recommend starting with county planning for site suitability. Need help connecting the dots? Reach out to Julie and Michael at Territory Real Estate—we're here to guide you through the process.

Last updated: November 2025. Links and details subject to change; contact agencies directly for the most current info.

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