Holland, MI Homes and Real Estate: A Local's Guide
Holland has everything from 1890s Queen Anne homes near downtown to brand-new builds in the surrounding townships, and each era has its own strengths and its own things to check. We live and work here, and we grew up in the building industry, so this is the guide we'd give a friend buying or selling in Holland.
Holland at a glance
About 35,000 people live in the city of Holland, with more in Holland, Park, and Laketown townships around it. The city's population was 35,372 in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Downtown: Eighth Street's shops and restaurants sit on one of the largest snowmelt systems in North America. About 690,000 square feet of sidewalks and streets are heated with waste heat from the city's power plant, a system that dates to 1988 (City of Holland).
The water: Lake Macatawa runs from the city to Lake Michigan, with Holland State Park and Big Red lighthouse at the channel.
Historic homes: The Holland Historic District, listed on the National Register in 1983, covers parts of 11th through 15th streets, with 194 buildings in Late Victorian, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman styles.
The Holland market right now
Buyers have more homes to choose from than they did this spring, and prices are still rising. In September 2026, Ottawa County had 481 active listings, up 22% from a year earlier, and the median sale price rose 6.1% to $430,000. Homes averaged 30 days on the market (WMLAR).
What that means for you: our seller's guide covers pricing and prep in this market, and the monthly market update has the latest numbers.
Holland homes by era, and what we check in each
Every kind of home has its own weak spots, and knowing them tells you where to look first.
Late 1800s and early 1900s homes
Where you'll find them: the historic district and older streets near downtown and Hope College.
What we check: foundations, original wiring and plumbing, old windows, past renovation quality, and lead paint disclosures on anything built before 1978.
Mid-century homes
Where you'll find them: established neighborhoods across the city and townships.
What we check: roof and window age, original electrical panels, basement moisture, and which updates were permitted.
Lake Macatawa and waterfront homes
Where you'll find them: along the lake and its bayous.
What we check: seawalls and docks, drainage and grading, and permits for any shoreline work.
Condos and lofts
Where you'll find them: downtown and near the lake.
What we check: association finances and reserves, special assessments, and what the association covers.
New construction
Where you'll find it: newer subdivisions in the surrounding townships.
What we check: builder track record, pre-drywall inspection, grading and drainage, and the warranty.
Buying or selling in Holland
Selling: small updates often matter more than big remodels. On one recent home, about $30,000 in updates helped it sell for $877,000, six months after it was bought for $740,000. What's my home worth?
Buying: judge a house by its bones before its finishes. Our buyer's guide walks through the process and what to inspect by the age of the home.
Thinking about buying or selling in Holland?
Whether you're looking to sell or searching for your next home, talk to us. We'll build you a plan that fits your home and your goals.
Liz Burton (616) 218-6402 lizburton@homelakeshore.com
Sean Terpstra (616) 886-9839 sean@homelakeshore.com
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, Holland city; City of Holland, Snowmelt System; Holland Historic District; WMLAR, September 2026 housing report