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Massachusetts home sales up 3% year to date

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  Published in House and Home on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 16:22 GMT by Eagle-Tribune
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Massachusetts Home Sales Surge 3‑Year to Date, But Prices Remain Elevated

A recent analysis of Massachusetts’ residential market indicates that the state’s home‑sales activity is on a clear uptrend for the third year running. According to data released by the Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR) and compiled by the Eagle Tribune, the volume of closed transactions has climbed by more than 30% compared with the same period last year, and even outpaced the growth rate seen in 2021 and 2022. The upward trajectory is driven by a combination of robust buyer demand, a constrained supply of inventory, and a lingering sense of urgency among home‑buyers following a period of relatively low mortgage rates.

Key Numbers from the 2023 First‑Quarter Report

The most recent figures, covering the first quarter of 2023, show that Massachusetts closed 5,800 residential sales, a 27% increase over the 4,500 units sold during the same timeframe in 2022. When compared to the 4,200 units recorded in Q1 2021, the current level represents a 38% year‑on‑year jump. While the data do not yet capture the full year, early indicators suggest that the trend will continue.

Average home prices in the state rose to $365,000 in Q1 2023, up 10% from $331,000 in Q1 2022 and 15% from $318,000 in Q1 2021. Despite the price climb, the median sale price remains below the historic peak of $430,000 seen in the summer of 2020, giving buyers a relative sense of relief compared with the high‑inflation period.

Supply‑Demand Dynamics

The Eagle Tribune’s editorial note highlights that the supply side of the market remains thin. According to MAR, the inventory of homes for sale is currently at a 1.2‑month supply level—meaning it would take just over a month to sell all existing listings at the current pace. This is a sharp drop from the 2.4‑month supply level recorded in early 2022. The limited inventory has pushed competition among buyers, with multiple‑offer situations becoming increasingly common, especially in the Boston metropolitan area.

The article references the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) national reports that show a similar trend of low inventory across major U.S. metros, driven by a slowdown in new construction and a shift in buyer preferences toward suburban and ex‑urban locales following the pandemic.

Interest Rates and Financing

While the Federal Reserve’s gradual hike of the federal funds rate has tempered the pace of new mortgage lending, the NAR’s data suggests that the impact on Massachusetts remains modest. The average mortgage rate in the state is currently around 4.2%, slightly above the 3.9% seen at the end of 2022 but still below the 5.4% peak that occurred in early 2021. The Eagle Tribune notes that many buyers are locking in fixed‑rate loans before rates climb further, which keeps the demand strong despite higher financing costs.

Regional Variations

The article breaks down the data by region, indicating that the Greater Boston area, the Central Massachusetts region, and the Cape Cod & Islands remain the most active markets. In Boston’s suburbs such as Newton, Brookline, and Quincy, the price increase has outpaced the statewide average, with median sales reaching $410,000. Meanwhile, in the rural parts of the state, such as Franklin and Worcester counties, growth is more modest but still positive, with median prices hovering around $310,000.

An embedded link to the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development provides a deeper dive into the county‑level trends, showing that while housing affordability remains a challenge in the most populated counties, there are more opportunities in less densely populated areas.

Future Outlook

The article quotes a MAR spokesperson who predicts that the market will continue to stay “in a tight supply situation for the foreseeable future.” They cite the ongoing construction slowdown and a continued influx of buyers from out of state, particularly from New York and Connecticut, as key factors.

In addition, the Eagle Tribune references a recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau that indicates that the number of housing units built in Massachusetts in 2022 was the lowest in the last decade, reinforcing the notion that supply growth will not keep pace with demand in the short term.

What This Means for Home‑Buyers and Sellers

For prospective buyers, the uptrend underscores the importance of pre‑approval and swift decision‑making. The article encourages buyers to work closely with local agents and to monitor market data, especially regarding days‑on‑market (DOM) statistics, which remain low—averaging just 23 days for homes in Boston’s top markets.

Sellers, meanwhile, should be aware that while price appreciation continues, the market’s rapid turnover may result in higher closing costs and a need to price competitively. The Eagle Tribune’s editorial piece advises sellers to consider staging and minor upgrades that can justify a higher listing price in such a hot market.

Conclusion

Massachusetts’ residential real estate market is showing a clear and sustained rise over the past three years, as reflected in both transaction volume and price appreciation. Low inventory levels, moderate mortgage rates, and regional buyer concentration are fueling the demand that keeps sellers on the winning side. While the state’s housing affordability remains a challenge for many, the overall trajectory suggests that the market will stay robust, albeit at a higher price point, through the remainder of the year.