2021 was a fascinating year for the real estate market — particularly in Chicagoland. And over the past 12 months, our local coverage tracked all the breaking news. Check out the hometown stories which most interested our Chicago readers.

No. 10: Low inventory still driving up Chicago housing prices

Inventory shortages continue to make the homebuying market competitive throughout 2021, as supply was often unable to keep up with demand.

No. 9: @properties purchases technology, consulting firm Suburban Jungle

@properties took another step in its growth this year when acquiring the New York-based real estate technology and advisory firm Suburban Jungle Group. Suburban Jungle provides pre-search consultation services to homebuyers to help them find the ideal neighborhood or suburb for their needs and match them with a vetted real estate agent.

No. 8: Chicago granny flats under fire by Fannie and Freddie

The city of Chicago began accepting permit applications on May 1 for construction of new accessory dwelling units — also known as coach houses and granny flats — and to bring into compliance preexisting ADUs and basement units not currently on the books.

No. 7: RE/MAX: Chicago housing market takes a pause in September

Chicago’s housing market took something of a breather back in September, as days on market rose 3.8% from August, and months supply of inventory jumped 9.8%, according to RE/MAX’s National Housing Report.

No. 6: The ‘hottest’ Chicagoland ZIP codes are in the suburbs, says Zillow

Zillow compiled a list of the “hottest” Chicagoland ZIP codes based on viewership data. And the results might surprise you.

No. 5: Real estate investors set their sights on Chicago

Real estate investors re-entered the housing market in a big way in the second quarter of 2021, and Chicago was at the top of the list for investor purchases.

No. 4: Zeke Morris makes history as first African American president of Illinois REALTORS®

Illinois REALTORS® made history this year, naming Ezekiel “Zeke” Morris its 2022 president. He is the first African American person to hold the position.

No. 3: Chicagoland home prices rising, Mainstreet reports

The price for attached homes was on the rise in October, according to data from the Mainstreet Organization of REATLORS®.

No. 2: Chicago climbs The Economist’s most livable cities in the world list

Some cities fared better than others during the global pandemic and Chicago was one of them, according to The Economist’s 2021 Livability Index’s ranking of the most livable cities in the world.

No. 1: The top 10 most expensive ZIP codes in Chicagoland

As home prices continue increasing, some areas in Chicagoland saw especially significant appreciation — particularly in the suburbs. Earlier this month, Stacker has compiled a list of those ZIP codes with the most expensive homes. Find out if you or your clients’ neighborhoods made the list.