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Dunham Lake waterfront homesHartland Township waterfront homes

Welcome to Dunham Lake

Dunham Lake is a quiet, no-motor lake on the Livingston-Oakland county line, about 10 miles from downtown Fenton. The Livingston County side is in Hartland Township. When I checked in October 2026, my site had current Dunham Lake listings, and the button above always shows what's available today.

Lake Overview

• Location: Hartland Township (Livingston County) and Highland Township (Oakland County) (Dunham Lake residents guide). DNR boating rules cover each county's part (Michigan DNR Livingston County watercraft controls), and the DNR named-lakes list files it under Oakland (Michigan's Named Inland Lakes, DNR data via MLSA).
• Size: about 102 acres in DNR data (Michigan's Named Inland Lakes, DNR data via MLSA); the association calls it a 110-acre glacial lake (Dunham Lake residents guide).
• Depth: the deepest basin is about 125 feet (Dunham Lake residents guide).
• Boating: motorboats are prohibited by DNR rule R281.747.16 (Michigan DNR Livingston County watercraft controls); the association bans gas and electric motors (Dunham Lake residents guide).
• Greenbelt: a greenbelt deeded to Dunham Lake Estates owners surrounds about two-thirds of the lake (Dunham Lake history).
• Public access: listing remarks say the lake is reserved for residents.
• Shoreline: Microsoft building-footprint map data shows about 41 buildings near the shore.

Living on Dunham Lake

Dunham Lake is made for paddling, sailing and swimming instead of wakes. Members share sandy beaches, a lakeside park and greenbelt walking paths (Dunham Lake residents guide).

Hartland Township & Schools

Dunham Lake's Livingston County side is in Hartland Township. The current listing is in Hartland Consolidated Schools with a private well and septic, and the association notes homes around the lake use septic systems (Dunham Lake history). I confirm the township, district and utilities for every address. See my Hartland community page for more.

Tips for Buyers

• Understand riparian rights. Michigan waterfront ("riparian") owners generally have rights to dock and reach the water (EGLE inland lakes guide). "Lake privileges" or a shared lot is different, so read the deed and any easement.
• Know the local rules. I'll check Hartland Township zoning, association rules, and any dock or shoreline rules for the specific parcel.
• Seawalls and permanent docks generally need an EGLE permit, while seasonal docks usually don't (EGLE dock handout). Ask for permit records.
• Confirm sewer or septic and well, and schedule inspections for any private system.
• Check the address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center and get a flood insurance quote early.
• The Dunham Lake Property Owners Association's Civic Committee collects annual dues (unpaid dues can become a lien) and approves building, fence and shed plans (Dunham Lake residents guide). I'll get dues status in writing.
• Taxable value generally "uncaps" after a sale (MCL 211.27a), so don't budget off the seller's tax bill.
• Private docks and rafts aren't permitted along association property (Dunham Lake residents guide), so we'll confirm how a lot reaches the water.

Tips for Sellers

• Lead with the quiet, no-motor water, the greenbelt trails and the association beaches.
• Explain how your lot reaches the lake: direct frontage or greenbelt access.
• Have dues, septic and well records ready.

FAQ

Can I use a motorboat on Dunham Lake?

No. DNR rules prohibit motorboats (Michigan DNR Livingston County watercraft controls).

Is Dunham Lake in Livingston or Oakland County?

Both. It sits on the county line (Michigan DNR Livingston County watercraft controls).

How big is Dunham Lake?

About 102 acres in DNR data (Michigan's Named Inland Lakes, DNR data via MLSA).

Let's Talk Lake Life

Dreaming of quiet mornings on Dunham Lake? I'd love to help you find your spot. Give me a call at (810) 962-4908.