Greater Boston Real Estate Market Update – October 2025

Inventory creeps up, finally

More listings, but not quite a buyer’s market.

After years of inventory behaving like a mythological creature no one could prove existed, listings are actually up. Across Greater Boston, there are about 22% more homes on the market than this time last year. It is not enough to flip the script, but buyers are breathing a little easier.

Sellers are realizing that “listing on Thursday and sold by Sunday” is not automatic anymore. Homes are taking a bit longer to find their match, and even great listings need strong presentation and pricing to stand out.

Prices steady, not soft

The frenzy is gone, demand is not.

The average sale price across Greater Boston reached $1.17M in September, up from $1.12M last year. That is a signal that prices are holding, not slipping. Sellers who prepare well are still landing strong offers, while buyers finally have room to think before writing one.

Buyer activity stays solid

Deals are still getting done.

September recorded 1,013 closings across Greater Boston, a touch higher than last year’s 952. On average, homes took about a month to go under contract. Slower than peak years, still quick by national standards.

Rates, reality, and resilience

Not cheap, but stable.

Mortgage rates continue to hover around 6.6 to 6.9 percent. That keeps some first time buyers on the sidelines, but stability is bringing move up and downsizing buyers back into the market.

What buyers are noticing

• More listings to compare
• A little more time to decide
• Fewer bidding wars than the peak years

What helps sellers win right now

• Thoughtful pricing based on the most recent comps
• Full prep and staging to stand out in search results
• Clear launch plan with strong photos, floor plans, and open house strategy

Local gem: Forge Baking Company, Somerville

Touring in Somerville or Cambridge? Grab a coffee and croissant at Forge Baking Company on Highland Avenue. It is a neighborhood spot where renovation chatter and appraisal talk share the same table.

Ready to plan your move?

Need a neighborhood by neighborhood game plan or pricing strategy for your home? Connect with Victoria. If you are just starting your search, browse the latest homes for sale in Boston.

Market stats change over time. Data here reflects MLS PIN reports for September 2025 and an active inventory snapshot this fall.

Greater Boston coverage for this report includes Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Medford, Arlington, Belmont, Watertown, Newton, Waltham, Lexington, Winchester, Woburn, Stoneham, Melrose, Needham, Dedham, Framingham, Natick, Weston, Wayland, Concord, Lincoln, and Hingham.