Piscataquis County Housing Market Cools Down

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 20:19 GMT by Bangor Daily News
      Locales: Maine, UNITED STATES

Piscataquis County Housing Market Cools After Pandemic Surge, Affordability Remains a Key Challenge

Dover, Maine - Piscataquis County's housing market is undergoing a noticeable shift, transitioning from the frenzied activity of the pandemic era to a more stabilized, though still complex, landscape. After experiencing a surge in demand and prices driven by out-of-state buyers seeking rural escapes, the county is now witnessing a decline in sales volume, an increase in inventory, and a softening of prices. This change brings a mixed bag of consequences for both buyers and sellers, while the long-standing issue of affordable housing for year-round residents remains a critical concern.

The boom years of 2020 and 2021 saw an unprecedented influx of individuals and families eager to escape urban centers and embrace the tranquility of Piscataquis County. This surge in demand, coupled with limited supply, drove home values to record highs. However, the momentum has demonstrably slowed. Data from the Piscataquis County Registry of Deeds confirms the cooling trend, revealing a decrease in the number of completed home sales. Crucially, the number of available properties - the inventory - is also on the rise, giving prospective buyers more options than they've seen in years.

According to the Maine Association of Realtors, the median sale price in Piscataquis County stood at $250,000 as of November 2023. While this represents a decrease from the $286,500 recorded in November 2022, it's still substantially higher than the pre-pandemic median of $200,000 in November 2019. This illustrates a clear pattern: prices have retreated from their peak, but remain elevated compared to historical levels. Kevin Walls, a Realtor with Century 21 Hometown Realty in Greenville, notes that the market is simply "returning to more normal levels" after the extraordinary conditions of the past few years.

The shift in dynamics is impacting transaction times. "It's taken longer to sell properties," Walls explains. "We're seeing some price reductions, and buyers have more negotiating power." This represents a significant change from the competitive bidding wars that characterized the peak of the market, where buyers often waived contingencies and paid well above asking price. Now, buyers have the breathing room to carefully evaluate properties and submit offers that reflect their assessment of value.

However, the positive news for local buyers is somewhat tempered by the underlying housing shortage that predates the pandemic. The influx of vacation homes and second homes exacerbated the lack of affordable options for year-round residents who work and live in the county. The availability of properties for short-term rentals further restricts the supply of housing for long-term tenants and homeowners. Sarah Howorth, director of Rural Development for Piscataquis County, emphasizes the gravity of the situation, calling it a "huge problem."

"We need to find ways to create more affordable housing options for our community members," Howorth states. County officials and local organizations are actively pursuing several solutions. A key initiative is the Maine Highlands Housing Partnership, which is currently working to construct 35 new affordable rental units in Guilford. This project represents a tangible effort to address the immediate need for affordable housing, but officials acknowledge that it's just one piece of the puzzle.

"We're hopeful that these efforts will make a difference," Howorth says. "But we need continued investment and collaboration to address this issue." Securing state funding and fostering partnerships with private developers will be crucial to scaling up affordable housing initiatives throughout the county. Long-term strategies may also need to include zoning reforms to allow for greater housing density and innovative housing models.

The current market environment presents both opportunities and challenges. Sellers need to adjust their expectations and be prepared to negotiate, recognizing that the days of quick sales at premium prices are largely over. Buyers, on the other hand, can take advantage of increased inventory and a more balanced market to find properties that meet their needs and budget. Walls sums up the current state succinctly: "The market has changed... But it's still a good place to live." The key now is to foster sustainable growth that ensures housing remains accessible to all members of the Piscataquis County community.