Realogics Sotheby's International Realty · 2025 Data

Eastside Waterfront
Market Reports

In 2024, only 3.6% of all single-family homes sold across the Puget Sound region were waterfront properties. This is the definitive data resource for buyers and sellers navigating the Pacific Northwest's most scarce and consequential real estate market.

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Current Report

2025 Realogics Sotheby's International Realty
Waterfront Report

The 2025 Waterfront Report from Realogics Sotheby's International Realty covers 16 distinct communities across 12 counties, providing year-over-year analysis of median sales price, average frontage, days on market, and closed sales volume — the most comprehensive waterfront data set available in the Pacific Northwest.

From Mercer Island's record-setting $8.11M median to Lake Sammamish's family-accessible entry points, this report is the foundation of every waterfront purchase and sale strategy I build with my clients.

2025 Report at a Glance

16

Communities Analyzed

3.6%

of homes sold were waterfront

$8.11M

Highest median — Mercer Island

12

Counties Covered

2025 Data — All Eastside Markets

Waterfront Market Comparison at a Glance

Source: 2025 Realogics Sotheby's International Realty Waterfront Report · All figures reflect 2024 closed sales

Market Median Price Avg Frontage Days on Market Price Range Explore
Mercer Island

Lake Washington · Island privacy

 $8,112,500 101 ft 159 days $3M – $28.5M+ View Page →
Kirkland

Lake Washington · Urban walkability

 $6,300,000 71 ft 63 days $2M – $20M+ View Page →
Bellevue

Lake Washington · Downtown access

 $3,860,000 72 ft 72 days $2M – $50M+ View Page →
Lake Sammamish

Lake Sammamish · Family swimming

 $3,340,000 130 ft 55 days $1.5M – $10M+ View Page →
Issaquah

Lake Sammamish · Tiger Mtn proximity

 $2.5M – $6M 80–120 ft 45–75 days $1.5M – $8M View Page →
Bainbridge Island

Puget Sound · True island lifestyle

 $2,600,000 126 ft 60–90 days $1.2M – $12M+ View Page →

All data sourced from the 2025 RSIR Waterfront Report. Deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Expert Analysis

Waterfront Market Insights & Comparisons

Market Comparison · 2025

Mercer Island Waterfront vs. Bellevue Waterfront Homes

Price, schools, commute, and lifestyle compared across two of Lake Washington's most sought-after waterfront markets. The unbiased guide from a 25-year multi-market specialist.

Read the Comparison →

Coming March 2026

Lake Sammamish vs. Lake Washington Waterfront

A complete side-by-side comparison of the Eastside's two primary waterfront lakes — price, frontage, safety, schools, and lifestyle.

Coming April 2026

5 Mistakes Eastside Waterfront Buyers Make

Dock rights, bulkhead conditions, beach access, HOA traps, and the due diligence most buyers skip — and how to avoid every one of them.

Coming April 2026

Kirkland vs. Mercer Island Waterfront

Schools, commute, lifestyle, and price compared — the two most frequently cross-shopped Lake Washington waterfront markets.

Historical Reports Archive

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Common Questions

Waterfront Market Report FAQ

How often is the Eastside waterfront market report updated?

Realogics Sotheby's International Realty publishes the Waterfront Report annually, typically in mid-year, analyzing the prior full calendar year of closed sales. The 2025 report covers all 2024 closed transactions. The 2026 report covering 2025 data is expected in spring 2026. Each report analyzes 16 communities across 12 counties.

Which Eastside waterfront market has the highest appreciation?

Mercer Island recorded the most dramatic appreciation in the 2025 report, with median sales price increasing 57% from 2023 to 2024 — from approximately $5.16M to $8.11M. This reflects both the extreme scarcity of the market (only 18 sales in 2024) and the premium placed on Gold Coast west-facing estate properties.

How scarce is waterfront property on the Eastside?

Extremely scarce. According to the 2025 RSIR Waterfront Report, only 3.6% of all single-family homes sold across the analyzed counties in 2024 were waterfront properties. On Mercer Island specifically, just 18 waterfront homes sold — representing roughly 8% of all island sales. This scarcity is structural, not cyclical: no new waterfront land is being created.

Which waterfront market sells the fastest on the Eastside?

Lake Sammamish leads on market velocity with an average of 55 days on market, followed by Kirkland at 63 days and Bellevue at 72 days. Mercer Island has the longest average at 159 days — a reflection of the extreme price points involved and the smaller buyer pool for $5M–$28M island properties. Faster DOM means more competition for buyers and faster liquidity for sellers.

What is the difference between Lake Washington waterfront and Lake Sammamish waterfront?

Lake Washington is larger, deeper, and carries significantly higher prestige — home to Mercer Island, Bellevue, and Kirkland waterfront at median prices of $3.86M–$8.11M. Lake Sammamish is smaller, calmer, and warmer, making it better for family swimming; it offers wider average frontage (130 ft) at lower median prices ($3.34M). Buyers often choose Lake Sammamish for value and water safety; they choose Lake Washington for prestige, views, and address recognition. For a full comparison, see our Eastside Waterfront Homes guide.

25 Years · Multi-Market · Unbiased

Data Is Only Useful With an Advisor Who Knows How to Apply It

The numbers in these reports tell you where the market has been. I tell you where it's going — and more importantly, whether a specific property on a specific date is priced correctly for what you're trying to accomplish.

With CLHMS certification, 25+ years of Eastside waterfront experience, and active representation across all six waterfront markets covered in this report, I provide the unbiased, cross-market expertise that single-market agents cannot.

Freddy Delgadillo · Realogics Sotheby's International Realty · Freddy@JudahRealty.com