Spring 2026 is the most inventory-rich market in Massachusetts in several years — which is worth noting without overstating. More homes are for sale than we have seen since before the pandemic-era squeeze. That does not mean prices are falling or that buyers are in a strong negotiating position across the board. It means the market is starting to behave like a market again.

Here is what the data shows as of late May 2026.

Massachusetts

According to Massachusetts Association of Realtors data published in April 2026, there were 15,697 homes for sale in Massachusetts in March 2026 — up 4.9% year over year. New listings were up 5.7% compared to March 2025, meaning sellers are entering the market at a slightly higher rate than they were a year ago.

Closed sales fell slightly: single-family sales were down 2.2% year over year, and condo sales were down 1.3%. More supply, slightly fewer completed transactions — the market is active but buyers are taking a bit more time.

Pricing by segment:

The condo number is worth noting specifically. A 1.5% decline in median condo price is the first meaningful dip in that segment in several years, and it reflects a combination of higher inventory and buyers who have more choices. For anyone who has been priced out of single-family homes in the North Shore or Middlesex County, the condo market in spring 2026 is offering the best conditions in recent memory.

Mortgage Rates

As of late May 2026, 30-year fixed mortgage rates in Massachusetts are running between 6.4% and 6.74% depending on the lender and borrower profile, according to NerdWallet and Money.com. The average refinance rate for a 30-year fixed is approximately 6.88%. The 15-year fixed is averaging around 6.15%.

Rates have been sticky in the mid-6s for most of 2026 despite Federal Reserve signals pointing toward a more accommodative stance. The practical implication: buyers who have been waiting for rates to fall below 6% before making a move should not anchor their timing to that number. The mid-6s may be the operating range for the foreseeable future.

For a buyer purchasing at the Massachusetts median of approximately $645,000 with 20% down, the monthly principal and interest payment at 6.5% is approximately $3,260.

Southern New Hampshire

In Q1 2026, the Southern NH single-family median sale price was $530,000, up modestly year over year. Inventory has improved significantly: active listings are up approximately 19.6% from a year ago, and days on market have stretched from a median of 32 days in 2024 to 44 days in early 2026.

However, months of supply remains at approximately 1.4 months — well below the 4-6 months that defines a balanced market. Sellers are still receiving strong offers on well-priced properties. The inventory improvement gives buyers more to look at, but it has not shifted negotiating dynamics in most towns.

Nashua specifically showed a median of approximately $514,000 in Q1 2026, up 10.6% year over year — one of the stronger price appreciation figures in the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is now a good time to sell in Massachusetts? Single-family sellers on the North Shore and in Middlesex County are still operating in a seller’s market by most measures: prices are up year over year and months of supply remains below 2. The best conditions remain for well-maintained, well-priced properties in commuter-accessible locations.

Is now a good time to buy a condo in Massachusetts? The condo segment is the most favorable for buyers it has been in several years. Median prices are down slightly and inventory is up. Buyers who were priced out of single-family homes have more options in this segment than they did 12 months ago.

What is driving the inventory increase in Massachusetts? A combination of more sellers entering the market after a period of rate-lock hesitation, and modestly longer days on market. Sellers who priced aggressively in 2024 and did not transact are re-listing in 2025 and 2026 at adjusted prices.

Are rates expected to drop significantly in 2026? Most forecasters as of spring 2026 expect 30-year rates to remain in the 6% to 6.5% range through the year, with the possibility of modest declines in the second half. A drop to the 5s is not widely forecast for 2026.

How is the Seacoast NH market performing compared to Southern NH inland towns? The Seacoast (Portsmouth, Exeter, Hampton) has historically commanded a premium and has shown more price resilience. Inland Southern NH towns (Nashua, Manchester, Concord) have seen stronger year-over-year appreciation in Q1 2026 on a percentage basis but at lower absolute price points.

Sources: MAR via Boston Agent Magazine | Money.com mortgage rates | NH Public Radio