Live data and analysis for buyers, sellers, and investors across Greater Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and the Commonwealth — sourced from MAR, Redfin, Zillow, and Realtor.com.
Market Snapshot
Key indicators across the Commonwealth as of Q2 2026 — based on Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR) and Redfin MLS data.
Single-family homes remain the most demanded property type, representing 67% of all transactions. Entry-level homes below $500K now exist in only 3 MA municipalities.
Condos offer a more accessible entry point in urban markets. Back Bay, South End, and Cambridge condos are commanding premium prices with waitlists in luxury buildings.
Homes in Boston receive an average of 2 offers and sell in 26 days. Worcester is even faster at 24 days. Correctly priced homes under $1M still see multiple-offer situations.
Supply climbed to 2 months statewide (up from 1.9 months in 2025). Boston metro is even tighter at 1.8 months. A balanced market requires 4–6 months — we're still well below that.
Homes are selling at exactly list price on average — a sign of a balanced but still competitive market. 44.5% of homes sold above asking, while 16.2% had price reductions.
Residential permits increased 15% YoY in Q1 2026 — the first meaningful recovery since 2021. However, permits remain 40%+ below peak levels, limiting meaningful inventory relief near-term.
Historical Prices
Greater Boston median sale price has climbed 62% over 7 years, from $530K in 2019 to $857K in 2026. While the pace of growth has moderated since the 2020–2022 pandemic surge, prices remain at record highs with no crash in sight.
Boston Median Price/Sq Ft Trend
By Location
Every market in Massachusetts tells a different story. Here's a side-by-side comparison of key metrics across the state's major markets.
| City / Region | Median Price | YoY Change | Avg. Days on Market | Price / Sq Ft | Market Type | Heat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston (City) | $852,000 | +1.9% | 26 days | $681 | Seller's Market | Very Hot |
| Cambridge | $1,050,000 | +9.8% | 18 days | $895 | Seller's Market | Very Hot |
| Somerville | $875,000 | +8.4% | 21 days | $740 | Seller's Market | Hot |
| Brookline | $1,380,000 | +4.2% | 24 days | $810 | Seller's Market | Hot |
| Newton | $1,450,000 | +3.1% | 28 days | $785 | Seller's Market | Warm |
| Framingham | $580,000 | +5.1% | 30 days | $365 | Seller's Market | Warm |
| Worcester | $450,000 | +4.7% | 24 days | $228 | Seller's Market | Very Hot* |
| Lowell | $430,000 | +3.8% | 29 days | $218 | Balanced | Warm |
| Quincy | $680,000 | +2.6% | 27 days | $450 | Seller's Market | Warm |
| Waltham | $745,000 | +3.4% | 26 days | $490 | Seller's Market | Warm |
| Wellesley | $2,050,000 | +2.8% | 35 days | $760 | Balanced | Warm |
| Springfield | $288,000 | +2.1% | 38 days | $145 | Balanced | Moderate |
| Cape Cod Region | $875,000 | +5.2% | 45 days | $620 | Seller's Market | Warm |
*Worcester ranked #3 nationally on Realtor.com's 2026 hottest markets list with 12.6% projected home sale growth. Sources: Redfin, MAR, GBAR Q2 2026.
Financing
Rates have stabilized in 2026 after years of volatility. Here's the current rate environment and what it means for your monthly payment in Massachusetts.
Most popular option for first-time buyers. On a $600K home with 10% down, monthly P&I ≈ $3,325.
Ideal for buyers who want to pay off sooner. Saves ~$180K in interest vs 30-year on same loan amount.
Requires 3.5% down. Includes monthly MIP. Popular with first-time buyers and lower-credit applicants.
Lower initial rate, but carries rate risk after year 5. Best for buyers planning to sell or refinance within 5 years.
Supply & Inventory
Massachusetts has a structural housing shortage that decades of constrained building have created. The Affordable Homes Act (signed 2024) and MBTA Communities Act are providing regulatory relief — but meaningful inventory increases remain 2–3 years away.
Q1 2026 Transactions by Property Type
New Construction Permits Trend
Market Conditions
Massachusetts is transitioning from an extreme seller's market toward balance — but we're not there yet. Here's what buyers and sellers can realistically expect right now.
2026 Outlook
What experts, major platforms, and market data say about where Massachusetts real estate is headed through the end of 2026.
Projected appreciation through end of 2026. Boston and Cambridge at the upper end (4–6%); Western MA slower at 2–3%. No crash scenario — fundamentals too strong.
NAR Chief Economist forecasts 30-year rates averaging 6.1% in 2026, dipping from 6.6% in 2025. Rates below 6% would trigger significant buyer demand surge.
Projected inventory growth through year-end. New construction permits up 15% YoY, Affordable Homes Act ADU provisions, and more sellers accepting the new rate reality.
NAR projects existing home sales up 11% nationally in 2026. Massachusetts tracking similar trajectory — Q1 2026 sales volume already up 18% vs Q1 2025.
Interactive Tool
See exactly what your budget buys in today's Massachusetts market — based on real 2026 prices and rates.
Adjust sliders — all figures update live based on current MA market data.
Common Questions
Real answers to the questions buyers, sellers, and investors ask most about the Massachusetts housing market in 2026.
First-Time Buyer GuideOur licensed Massachusetts agents have real-time access to MLS data and deep local market knowledge. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing — let's talk strategy.