Hamilton County’s Million-Dollar Market Is Busier Than Last Year: A Late-Fall Luxury and Lake Update

Hamilton County’s Million-Dollar Market Is Busier Than Last Year: A Late-Fall Luxury and Lake Update

Morse Reservoir Docks

Overall home sales in Hamilton County slowed in October, but sales of $1 million-plus homes were up about a third from a year ago, according to Indiana REALTORS data. Lake and golf homes led recent top sales, including homes on Geist and Morse. Rates have eased three weeks in a row to 7.18%, and Westfield just advanced a new 190-home community priced up to $1.4 million.

Hi, I’m John Long with Coldwell Banker Kaiser Real Estate in Carmel. Every week I share what’s happening around Hamilton County and what it means for buyers and sellers. This week I’m back at the top of the market, with a look at luxury and lake homes as we head into the holidays.

The big picture: slower overall, steady at the top

The Indiana Association of REALTORS market dashboard for Hamilton County shows 484 closed sales in October 2026, down 20% from a year ago, with a median sale price of $455,000 (up 2% year over year). There were 635 new listings and about 2.3 months of inventory, which means buyers have more to choose from than they’ve had in a while.

The high end tells a different story. The same dashboard shows closed sales of $1 million-plus homes up 34% and pending $1 million-plus sales up 32% compared with last year. In plain terms, fewer homes are selling overall, but buyers at the top of the market are still active.

Lake and golf homes led recent top sales

RealtyWire’s list of the five highest-priced Hamilton County sales for the week ending Nov. 1 added up to $7.56 million. A few highlights:

– Westfield (Brookside): a 2016 single-story home with a pool and walk-out basement sold for $1.81 million. It went under contract the day it was listed.
– Fishers (Canal Place on Geist): a waterfront ranch with a floating dock, boat slip and heated pool sold for $1.555 million, under contract six days after listing.
– Westfield (Chatham Hills): a brand-new 2026 custom ranch in the golf community sold for about $1.55 million.
– Noblesville (South Harbour on Morse): a fully remodeled 1976 home with 68 feet of water frontage and a private dock sold for $1.27 million.

Each home is different, and past sales don’t predict what any one home will bring. But the pattern is clear: updated homes with water, golf or single-level living are drawing serious buyers, even in November.

New luxury construction coming to Westfield

On Nov. 4, the Westfield Advisory Plan Commission approved Fischer Homes’ plans for The Lakes at Freemont, near Freemont Moore Road and 193rd Street, in a 6-1 vote, according to Current in Westfield. The plan calls for 190 single-family homes priced from about $500,000 to $1.4 million. It was trimmed by about 30 homes and reworked to include more larger homes, and the developer agreed to improve part of Freemont Moore Road. The city council was scheduled to consider final approval on Nov. 9. If you’re shopping new construction in north Westfield, this one is worth watching.

Rates and the lakes

Freddie Mac’s survey put the average 30-year fixed rate at 7.18% for the week of Nov. 5. That’s the third straight weekly drop, though still above the 6.22% of a year ago. Zillow’s economists expect rates to stay above 7% through mid-2027, so I wouldn’t wait on a big drop.

On Morse Reservoir, Citizens Energy Group’s spillway maintenance runs through mid-December, with the water lowered only a few inches. As of Nov. 9, Citizens listed Morse at 808.81 feet, just under its spillway crest of 809.44.

My tip this week: a winter lake or luxury listing can work, if you plan for it

Many owners wait until spring to list a lake or high-end home. Sometimes that’s the right call. But the buyers shopping now are often serious, and there’s less competition. If you’re thinking about selling this winter:

1. Pull out your summer photos and video. Buyers want to see the water, the dock and the yard at their best, not just bare trees.
2. Gather dock, lift and seawall details: age, condition, any service records, and HOA or Citizens Energy rules that apply.
3. Keep winterization records handy for pools, irrigation and boat lifts so buyers know the home has been cared for.
4. Price it for today’s market. Well-priced homes are going under contract quickly. Overpriced ones tend to sit.

Buyers, winter is a good time to tour, since you’ll see how a home handles cold weather and how the lot looks without leaves.

Quick FAQ

Are million-dollar homes still selling in Hamilton County?
Yes. Indiana REALTORS data shows $1 million-plus closed sales in Hamilton County up 34% from a year ago in October 2026, even as overall sales fell.

What is The Lakes at Freemont in Westfield?
It’s a planned Fischer Homes community of 190 single-family homes near Freemont Moore Road and 193rd Street, priced from about $500,000 to $1.4 million. The plan commission approved it Nov. 4, and the city council was set to take it up Nov. 9.

Is it a bad idea to sell a lake home in winter?
Not necessarily. There’s often less competition, and the buyers out now tend to be motivated. Good summer photos and complete dock and seawall details help a lot.

Let’s talk about your next move

Whether you’re thinking about selling a lake home on Morse or Geist, buying a luxury home in Carmel or Westfield, or just want to know what your home might be worth right now, I’m happy to help. Call or text me at (317) 750-9698.

John Long, REALTOR® | Coldwell Banker Kaiser Real Estate | 12401 Old Meridian St, Carmel, IN 46032 | (317) 750-9698