As summer winds down and we gear up for a busy fall season, we take a quick look back at August - a month that brought notable changes in the real estate landscape across towns northwest of Boston. From significant price increases to an increased number of homes sold, the signs point to a resilient and active market. And with a wave of new listings expected in the coming weeks, the stage is set for an active fall market. Here's a look at the key trends from August — and what they could mean for buyers and sellers alike.
Single Family Homes: Prices Climb, But Buyers Take Their Time
Prices On The Up
Single-family home prices continue their upward trajectory compared to August 2024, with particularly dramatic gains in:
· Lincoln: Up 31% year-over-year.
· Westford: Up 24%.
· More moderate increases in Concord, Bedford, and Winchester, all up around 5%.
These rising prices pushed median home values higher in most towns. For example, Concord's median sale price rose to $1.825M, a 4% jump from last August, while Westford's median surged by 21% to over $1.1M.
Homes Taking Longer to Sell
While prices are up, buyers seem more cautious. The average days to offer extended in many markets:
· Lexington, Winchester, and Acton all averaged 22 days to offer.
· Bedford saw a jump from 14 to 42 days – a 200% increase.
This trend reflects the typical seasonal slowdown in summer, combined with reduced urgency from buyers amid rising prices.
Strong Demand Still Pushing Prices Above Asking
Even with longer market times, many homes continue to sell over list price:
· Concord led the pack with homes selling for an average of 106% of asking.
· Most towns still saw sale prices 1–6% above list on average.
Condos: Fewer Sales, But Rising Values in Key Towns
Sales Volume Down, Prices Up
The condo market saw a noticeable dip in activity:
· Sales volume was down by 50% in Westford and Winchester.
· Despite this, Bedford and Concord saw condo prices rise by 15–23%, with Concord's median up to $925,000.
Inventory Shrinking, Speed Increasing
Fewer listings led to quicker sales in places like:
· Winchester: Days to offer dropped from 37 to 16 days.
· Acton: Also saw faster movement despite lower average sale prices than last year.
However, some towns (like Lexington and Concord) did see days on market increase, suggesting a divided condo market with lower priced properties moving quickly and premium homes sitting longer.
What’s Next? Gearing Up for a Busy Fall
We’re already seeing signs of an active September. Many sellers are prepping for sale, and we expect a wave of new listings over the next two weeks. With 12+ weeks until Thanksgiving, there's still ample time to list your home, attract serious fall buyers, and close before the holidays.
Thinking of making a move? Whether you're planning to sell before the holidays or get a jumpstart on your spring 2026 plans, now is a great time to explore your options. Reach out to one of our experienced local agents – we’d love to help.
