Snapshot of Recent Home Sales in Greater Boston - December 17, 2025
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December 17, 2025: Snapshot of Recent Home Sales in Greater Boston
On December 17, 2025, the Greater Boston real‑estate market delivered a steady stream of transactions that reflected the city’s resilience amid a warming winter and the persistent rise in mortgage rates. The Boston.com news piece, titled “Recent Home Sales in Greater Boston – December 17”, chronicles 26 sales that took place that day, ranging from cozy townhomes in Cambridge to sprawling single‑family estates on the outskirts of Newton. Below is a concise, data‑driven look at those transactions, plus context gleaned from the article’s accompanying links.
1. The Numbers that Matter
| Neighborhood | Sale Price (USD) | Sq Ft | Beds/Baths | Days on Market | Price/Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge | 1,200,000 | 2,600 | 4/3 | 3 | 462 |
| Brookline | 870,000 | 2,950 | 3/3 | 12 | 295 |
| Newton | 950,000 | 3,200 | 4/3 | 7 | 296 |
| Quincy | 530,000 | 2,300 | 3/2 | 18 | 230 |
| Somerville | 630,000 | 2,400 | 3/2 | 9 | 262 |
| Malden | 420,000 | 1,800 | 3/2 | 21 | 233 |
| Needham | 1,050,000 | 3,600 | 4/3 | 4 | 292 |
| Wellesley | 1,220,000 | 3,800 | 5/4 | 2 | 321 |
| Lexington | 780,000 | 3,000 | 4/3 | 11 | 260 |
| Belmont | 720,000 | 2,800 | 3/3 | 14 | 257 |
Median sale price: $680,000
Average price per square foot: $289
Average days on market: 10.5
These figures illustrate a market that remains hot in Boston’s most coveted neighborhoods while still offering opportunities in its outer suburbs. Notably, the price‑per‑sq‑ft metric for Cambridge and Wellesley remains above $400, underscoring the premium that buyers are willing to pay for proximity to the city and prestigious schools.
2. Market Trends Revealed
Seller‑Friendly Dynamics
The article highlights that 19 of the 26 homes closed above their listing price, with an average over‑listing percentage of 6%. This aligns with the trend noted in Boston.com’s linked Market Outlook report, which cites that over‑listing rates have plateaued at roughly 5% since the first half of 2025.Mortgage Rates on the Rise
A link to the Mortgage Rate Tracker on Boston.com indicates that the average 30‑year fixed‑rate mortgage is hovering around 6.5%, up from 5.8% a year earlier. Despite higher rates, the article notes a continued demand for high‑quality properties in the Boston metro, especially among first‑time buyers and move‑ups.Low Inventory in Core City
The Housing Supply Report (another linked source) notes that the core city still has a 4.2‑month inventory of homes, a drop of 1.1 month from the previous December. The article emphasizes that this scarcity is pushing up prices, especially for larger homes and those in high‑ranked school districts.
3. Highlighted Properties
Cambridge 4‑Bed, 3‑Bath Townhouse
- Price: $1.2 million
- Square Feet: 2,600
- Key Features: Contemporary renovation, 2‑car garage, close to the Charles River.
- Sale Notes: Closed 3 days after listing, 10% above asking.
Wellesley Estate
- Price: $1.22 million
- Square Feet: 3,800
- Key Features: 5‑bed, 4‑bath, 1.5‑acre lot, private lake.
- Sale Notes: One of the fastest sales in the city this year, closing 2 days after listing.
Newton Family Home
- Price: $950,000
- Square Feet: 3,200
- Key Features: New kitchen, 4‑bed, 3‑bath, two‑story.
- Sale Notes: Sold 7 days after listing, 3% above asking.
Each of these homes had a separate listing on Zillow, and Boston.com included direct links to the full listing, offering potential buyers a deeper dive into photos, floor plans, and property history.
4. Additional Context from Follow‑On Links
Boston Housing Market Outlook (Boston.com) – This secondary article provided a broader macro‑view, noting that Boston’s median price per square foot rose 4% over the past year. It also cited a slight uptick in inventory in the Greater Boston area, largely driven by new construction in the suburbs.
Local School Rankings (Boston.com) – Many of the highlighted homes sit in the top 10 school districts. The article linked to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s ranking page, reinforcing the premium on school quality.
Mortgage Rate Tracker (Boston.com) – A real‑time dashboard that shows current rates and historical trends. The article cited that rates have stabilized at 6.5% after a brief spike mid‑2025.
Realtor Profiles (Boston.com) – Several sellers’ agents are featured, including a link to a realtor’s portfolio page. The article noted that the agent behind the Cambridge townhouse had closed 12 homes in the last 90 days, indicating a strong presence in the high‑end market.
5. What Buyers Should Take Away
- Act Quickly – With an average of 10 days on market and a high over‑listing rate, buyers need to be prepared to make offers promptly.
- Financing is Key – Mortgage rates are high but stable; getting pre‑approved can give buyers an edge.
- Location Matters – Properties near top schools and downtown Boston command higher prices, but suburban areas still offer value, especially for larger homes.
- Consider New Construction – The article’s linked New Builds feature highlights that many developers are offering turnkey options in the suburbs, which can be a good alternative if inventory is tight in core Boston.
6. Bottom Line
December 17, 2025’s batch of home sales in Greater Boston showcases a market that is both robust and competitive. Median prices have edged upward, and homes are selling quickly, often above asking price. The market’s resilience is buoyed by a strong demand for high‑quality homes near the city, the stability of the mortgage rate environment, and the allure of Boston’s top schools and cultural amenities. For buyers and sellers alike, staying informed through sources such as Boston.com and linked real‑estate portals remains essential to navigate this vibrant market successfully.
Read the Full Boston.com Article at:
[ https://www.boston.com/real-estate/real-estate-news/2025/12/17/recent-homes-sales-in-greater-boston-dec-17/ ]