The September housing market across our northwest suburbs showed signs of shifting dynamics. Higher prices, more inventory, and longer market times all point toward a market finding a new equilibrium after several intense seller-driven years. Let’s take a closer look at the single-family home market in towns in the Patriots Trail region north of Boston.
Prices: Strong Gains in Many Towns
Home values continued to climb across much of the region compared to September 2024.
- Acton led the pack with a dramatic 64% increase in average sale price, while Boxborough (+26%) and Carlisle (+46%) also posted substantial gains.
- Bedford saw healthy growth too, up 19% year-over-year, and Lexington rose by 23%.
- A few towns dipped, notably Concord (-10%) and Winchester (-5%), though both remain among the area’s higher-priced markets.
Median prices followed similar patterns — strong upward momentum in Acton, Boxborough, and Carlisle, while Concord and Winchester eased slightly.
Days to Offer: Buyers Taking Their Time
Homes are taking longer to go under agreement, reflecting a shift toward a more deliberate pace:
- Bedford, Westford, and Lincoln now hover around 30 days to offer.
- Lexington and Winchester are averaging three to four weeks — still active but less frenzied than the prior year.
- Concord’s jump from 42 to 71 days highlights how luxury price points and buyer caution can extend timelines.
Market Activity: More Homes Changing Hands
After several years of tight supply and limited turnover, September brought a clear uptick in market activity across many towns.
- Acton saw a dramatic jump, with four times as many homes sold compared to last year.
- Winchester and Lincoln each posted 150% more sales, suggesting stronger movement in those markets.
- Carlisle also doubled its number of transactions, while Arlington recorded a modest decline.
This increase in closings reflects a mix of more listings coming on the market and buyers feeling ready to act, hinting at a healthier, more dynamic pace of sales than we’ve seen in recent Septembers.
Sale Price vs. List Price: Holding Steady
Despite more inventory, sellers are still commanding strong prices.
- Most towns are averaging right around 100% of list price, meaning homes are selling very close to what sellers are asking.
- Winchester continues to be competitive at 102% of list, while Arlington stood out at 107%, indicating pockets of strong demand.
- Concord and Westford, meanwhile, are seeing homes close slightly below asking, suggesting there may be a little more room for negotiation.
A Market Finding Its Balance
Taken together, the data points to a market that’s finding its footing after several years of extremes. We’re not fully in a buyers’ market yet — prices remain strong and competition persists in several towns. But it’s also not the red-hot sellers’ market of a few years ago, when nearly every home sold in days with multiple offers.
Inventory gains and longer marketing times are giving buyers more breathing room, while steady sale-to-list ratios show that demand is still solid. Overall, it’s a more balanced and even market — one where both sides can make confident moves.
Thinking About Buying or Selling This Fall?
With the market shifting toward balance, timing and strategy matter more than ever. With such a nuanced market, it's important to work with someone who knows the local dynamics inside and out. Whether you’re planning to list or looking for your next home, talk to one of our local experienced agents about how today’s trends can work to your advantage.
