In 2025, real estate activity in New Buffalo, Michigan remains strong as both full-time residents and second-home buyers continue to be drawn to the area’s unique blend of small-town charm and luxury lakefront living. As buyer behavior becomes increasingly influenced by online research, many potential clients begin their journey with search engines—often typing in questions that reflect their concerns, curiosities, and goals. Reviewing the most googled real estate questions 2024 in New Buffalo, MI offers valuable insight into what matters most to buyers and sellers heading into this new year.
New Buffalo continues to attract interest from across the Midwest, particularly among those seeking a getaway from urban centers like Chicago, Indianapolis, and Detroit. With increased remote work flexibility, more buyers are considering New Buffalo for both seasonal and permanent residency. This shift has prompted a wide range of questions—from inquiries about property taxes to concerns about flood zones and lakefront regulations. A well-informed buyer or seller starts with the right information, and understanding these trending questions can offer clarity in a competitive market.
What Is the Current Real Estate Market Like in New Buffalo, MI?
Among the most googled real estate questions 2024 in New Buffalo, MI, this question ranked near the top as both buyers and sellers seek to understand the market trajectory. As of early 2025, the New Buffalo real estate market remains competitive, with steady demand for single-family homes, lakefront properties, and newer construction near the town center. While interest rates have stabilized compared to the fluctuations seen in 2023 and 2024, inventory remains relatively low, especially in premium locations close to Lake Michigan.
According to recent data from the Michigan Association of Realtors, home prices in Berrien County—including New Buffalo—have risen modestly year-over-year, reflecting ongoing demand but also increased pricing sensitivity among buyers. Sellers who price correctly and present homes in move-in-ready condition continue to attract strong offers, particularly in the $800,000 to $1.5 million range, where many second-home buyers are focused.
According to recent data from the Michigan Association of Realtors, home prices in Berrien County—including New Buffalo—have risen modestly year-over-year, reflecting ongoing demand but also increased pricing sensitivity among buyers. Sellers who price correctly and present homes in move-in-ready condition continue to attract strong offers, particularly in the $800,000 to $1.5 million range, where many second-home buyers are focused.
Are Lakefront Homes in New Buffalo a Good Investment?
Another top search query reflects buyers’ long-term thinking: Are lakefront properties worth it? Given New Buffalo’s position along the Lake Michigan shoreline, waterfront real estate is a central focus for many clients. Among the most googled real estate questions 2024 in New Buffalo, MI, inquiries about lakefront investment returns and appreciation rates reveal that buyers are increasingly prioritizing value and long-term security in their purchases.
Lakefront homes in New Buffalo have historically appreciated at a higher rate than inland properties, due to their limited availability and year-round appeal. These homes not only offer lifestyle benefits—such as direct beach access and sweeping lake views—but also serve as strong short-term rental assets for those interested in investment opportunities. However, buyers are advised to work with a local agent to understand key variables such as erosion setbacks, bluff stability, and local ordinances affecting short-term rentals.
Lakefront homes in New Buffalo have historically appreciated at a higher rate than inland properties, due to their limited availability and year-round appeal. These homes not only offer lifestyle benefits—such as direct beach access and sweeping lake views—but also serve as strong short-term rental assets for those interested in investment opportunities. However, buyers are advised to work with a local agent to understand key variables such as erosion setbacks, bluff stability, and local ordinances affecting short-term rentals.
What Are the Average Property Taxes in New Buffalo?
Property taxes remain a primary concern for out-of-state buyers considering a move or second-home purchase in Southwest Michigan. As a result, this question consistently ranks among the most googled real estate questions 2024 in New Buffalo, MI. Michigan’s property tax system calculates taxes based on a property’s taxable value, which is capped to rise no more than 5% per year unless there is a transfer of ownership.
In New Buffalo, average property taxes typically range between 1.4% and 1.8% of a home’s taxable value, although this can vary based on location and school district. Lakefront homes, which carry higher assessed values, will have proportionally higher tax bills. For second-home buyers from states with higher taxes, Michigan often offers a favorable comparison. That said, buyers should budget for the non-homestead rate if the property will not be their primary residence.
In New Buffalo, average property taxes typically range between 1.4% and 1.8% of a home’s taxable value, although this can vary based on location and school district. Lakefront homes, which carry higher assessed values, will have proportionally higher tax bills. For second-home buyers from states with higher taxes, Michigan often offers a favorable comparison. That said, buyers should budget for the non-homestead rate if the property will not be their primary residence.
Can I Use My New Buffalo Property as a Short-Term Rental?
With demand for vacation rentals growing, many prospective buyers want to know whether they can generate income from their properties. As of 2025, short-term rentals are allowed in certain areas of New Buffalo, but regulations vary significantly depending on zoning and neighborhood covenants. This has made short-term rental questions one of the most googled real estate questions 2024 in New Buffalo, MI.
Within the city limits of New Buffalo, homeowners must obtain a short-term rental license and adhere to guidelines regarding occupancy limits, parking, and noise. The surrounding township and nearby areas may have different or more restrictive rules. It is essential for buyers to consult with a local expert to verify whether the property they are considering is eligible for rental use and what limitations may apply.
Within the city limits of New Buffalo, homeowners must obtain a short-term rental license and adhere to guidelines regarding occupancy limits, parking, and noise. The surrounding township and nearby areas may have different or more restrictive rules. It is essential for buyers to consult with a local expert to verify whether the property they are considering is eligible for rental use and what limitations may apply.
What Should I Look for in a Lake Michigan Home?
This question reflects the growing interest in owning property near or on the water, and it's one of the most practical of the most googled real estate questions 2024 in New Buffalo, MI. Purchasing a home along the lakefront involves more than just finding a beautiful view. Buyers need to assess factors such as shoreline condition, flood zone status, and bluff erosion—all of which can impact both property enjoyment and insurance costs.
Additionally, lakefront homes may require specialized maintenance, including septic systems, well inspections, or private seawalls. Some homes may also be governed by homeowners’ associations with specific rules on construction, landscaping, and beach use. A local agent who understands these issues can help buyers navigate inspections, secure qualified contractors, and make informed purchase decisions.
Additionally, lakefront homes may require specialized maintenance, including septic systems, well inspections, or private seawalls. Some homes may also be governed by homeowners’ associations with specific rules on construction, landscaping, and beach use. A local agent who understands these issues can help buyers navigate inspections, secure qualified contractors, and make informed purchase decisions.
How Competitive Is the New Buffalo Real Estate Market?
Buyers and sellers alike are curious about how quickly homes are moving and whether multiple offers are still common. In 2025, the market remains competitive, especially for homes under $1 million that offer walk-to-town convenience or lake proximity. While bidding wars have cooled somewhat compared to the peaks of 2021–2022, well-priced and well-presented properties still draw attention quickly.
A key factor influencing competitiveness is seasonality. Spring through early fall remains the most active buying season, with many properties listed and sold between April and September. Buyers hoping to secure a property should be prepared to act decisively and work with a knowledgeable local agent who can provide early access to new listings and off-market opportunities.
A key factor influencing competitiveness is seasonality. Spring through early fall remains the most active buying season, with many properties listed and sold between April and September. Buyers hoping to secure a property should be prepared to act decisively and work with a knowledgeable local agent who can provide early access to new listings and off-market opportunities.
Do I Need a Local Agent to Buy in New Buffalo?
This practical question continues to trend, especially among buyers relocating from outside the region. While it's possible to begin a home search online, working with a local expert is invaluable—especially in a market like New Buffalo, where neighborhood dynamics, permitting nuances, and lakefront regulations play a major role.
Among the most googled real estate questions 2024 in New Buffalo, MI, buyers frequently ask whether an in-town agent provides a measurable advantage. The answer is unequivocally yes. A local professional not only offers real-time access to new listings but also guides clients through complexities such as inspections, local ordinances, seasonal pricing trends, and negotiation strategies. For sellers, a local agent ensures accurate pricing, effective staging, and visibility with qualified buyers.
Among the most googled real estate questions 2024 in New Buffalo, MI, buyers frequently ask whether an in-town agent provides a measurable advantage. The answer is unequivocally yes. A local professional not only offers real-time access to new listings but also guides clients through complexities such as inspections, local ordinances, seasonal pricing trends, and negotiation strategies. For sellers, a local agent ensures accurate pricing, effective staging, and visibility with qualified buyers.
Connect With a Trusted Local Expert in New Buffalo
Whether you’re buying your first lakefront home, looking for a luxury weekend escape, or preparing to list your property in today’s market, understanding the most googled real estate questions 2024 in New Buffalo, MI is a smart starting point. Jackson Matson offers in-depth knowledge of the New Buffalo market and a personalized approach that aligns with your goals. Contact Jackson Matson today to begin your next real estate move with confidence and clarity.
