May 2025 Market Update: What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in St. Paul this spring, you’ve probably noticed a lot of chatter about shifting prices, inventory changes, and market uncertainty. So, let’s cut through the noise. Here’s what’s really happening in two of St. Paul’s most sought-after neighborhoods: Highland Park and Mac-Groveland.

🏡 Prices Remain High, But Trends Are Diverging

In Highland Park, the median listing price is hovering around $490,000, with some reports showing averages as high as $545,000. However, sold prices in early 2025 have been a bit lower, with March’s median sold price at $437,000. Interestingly, that’s a 4% decrease year-over-year, even though sellers are continuing to list homes higher than last year. This suggests that while expectations remain optimistic, buyers have been negotiating a bit more successfully in recent months.

In Mac-Groveland, the picture is a little different. The median listing price sits around $499,000, and homes that sold in April 2025 had a median price of $450,900 — a 9% increase compared to last year. Some sales in February even crossed the $500,000 mark. This neighborhood is showing stronger appreciation and signals a very competitive environment where well-priced homes are still seeing significant buyer demand.

📊 Inventory Is Growing, But It’s Still a Seller’s Market

Both neighborhoods have seen an increase in the number of homes for sale compared to earlier this year. Highland Park listings climbed from 41 homes in March to 79 by May. Mac-Groveland’s inventory also grew, reaching 65 homes in early May.

But don’t let those numbers fool you — even with more homes on the market, supply remains tight. Depending on the month, the supply in both areas ranges from just over 1 month to around 4 months — well below the 6 months typically considered a “balanced” market. This means sellers still hold the advantage, especially for homes that are move-in ready and priced competitively.

🔥 Homes Are Selling Fast (And Often Above Asking)

In Highland Park, the average time on market is about 29 days, with some homes selling even faster. Around 47% of March sales closed below the asking price, which means buyers do have some negotiating power — but only on certain properties.

By contrast, Mac-Groveland is seeing even stronger demand. As of April, a remarkable 62.5% of homes sold above the asking price. Homes there are often going pending in just 12 to 23 days, signaling that buyers are moving quickly when the right property comes up.

💡 What This Means for You

If you’re buying, be prepared for competition — especially in Mac-Groveland. Pre-approvals, flexibility, and strategic offers are key. The slight rise in inventory could provide more options, but you’ll need to act decisively.

If you’re selling, conditions remain favorable. However, it’s important to price your home wisely. In Highland Park, where sold prices have softened a bit, overpricing can lead to longer days on market. In Mac-Groveland, strategic pricing might even spark bidding wars.

Both neighborhoods continue to outperform the broader St. Paul market, where the median sold price is about $296,000. So whether you’re moving up, downsizing, or investing, Highland Park and Mac-Groveland remain prime spots for strong long-term value.

Ready to make your move in St. Paul? 🏡✨ Whether you’re buying or selling, let’s navigate this dynamic market together. Contact me today to start your journey towards finding the perfect home or securing the best deal for your property. Your dream home awaits! 📞💼