Essex County Housing Market Report

Sales Activity & Pricing Trends

Strong Year-to-Date Performance

The Essex County market has closed 3,694 single-family transactions through November 9th, representing a healthy 3.30% increase over 2024. This sustained activity demonstrates continued buyer demand despite higher interest rate environments.

The average sale price of $906,700 reflects a $31,686 increase year-over-year, showing that Essex County properties continue to appreciate steadily. Price per square foot has also risen to $415, up 2.79% from last year.

Price-to-List Ratios Show Market Balance

Homes are selling at 102.22% of their list price on average, meaning buyers are still willing to pay above asking in many cases. However, this ratio has decreased slightly by 0.81% compared to 2024, suggesting a more balanced negotiating environment as inventory increases.

When compared to original list prices (accounting for price reductions), homes are selling at 101.01% of their original asking price, down 1.24% from last year. This indicates sellers are adjusting expectations more frequently before closing.

Metric	2024	2025	Change
Closed Units	3,576	3,694	+118 (3.30%)
Average Sale Price	$875,014	$906,700	+$31,686 (3.62%)
Average Sale $/SqFt	$403.70	$414.98	+$11.28 (2.79%)
Average Days on Market	31	33	+2 (6.45%)
Sale Price % of List Price	103.05%	102.22%	-0.83%

Inventory & Market Dynamics

Inventory Growth Provides More Options

Current inventory stands at 578 active listings, up 13.56% from last year's 509 units. This increase gives buyers more choices and creates a healthier, more balanced market environment.

The months supply of inventory has risen to 1.60 months, up from 1.45 months in 2024. While this represents a 10.34% increase, the market still favors sellers as anything under 6 months supply is typically considered a seller's market.

Days on Market Trending Upward

Homes are taking an average of 33 days to sell, compared to 31 days last year. This modest 6.45% increase reflects the growing inventory and indicates buyers are taking slightly more time to evaluate options. Current listing inventory is averaging 70 days on market, down 5.41% from last year's 74 days.

Listing Activity Remains Strong

A total of 5,019 homes have been listed year-to-date, representing a 5.69% increase over 2024. This surge in new listings has contributed to the improved inventory levels we're seeing.

Over the past 12 months, the market has seen:

Activity Type	2024	2025	Change
Units Listed	5,084	5,336	+252 (4.96%)
Units Price Changed	1,052	1,301	+249 (23.67%)
Units Went Pending	4,484	4,650	+166 (3.70%)
Units Sold	4,198	4,326	+128 (3.05%)

What This Means for You

For Sellers

Essex County remains a strong seller's market. With homes selling at 102% of asking price and inventory still relatively tight at 1.60 months supply, sellers maintain pricing power. However, the 23.67% increase in price changes suggests that strategic pricing from the start is more important than ever.

Properties are moving slightly slower than last year (33 vs. 31 days), giving sellers time to prepare their homes properly while still achieving premium prices. The average sale price increase of 3.62% demonstrates that properly positioned homes continue to appreciate.

For Buyers

While the market remains competitive, conditions are improving for buyers. The 13.56% increase in active listings means more choices, and the slight uptick in days on market (from 31 to 33 days) provides a bit more breathing room for due diligence.

Smart buyers are working with experienced agents to identify opportunities, especially among the 1,243 listings that have had price adjustments this year. With homes still selling above list price on average, working with a knowledgeable professional is essential to navigate competitive situations effectively.

Market Leadership: 7 Years at #1

Bentley's Real Estate is proud to be Greater Newburyport's #1 brokerage for the seventh consecutive year. With a 14.39% market share across Amesbury, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury, and West Newbury, we've represented 193 transaction sides year-to-date in 2025.

This sustained leadership position reflects our team's deep local knowledge, exceptional client service, and proven track record of results. Since 2019, we've grown our market presence from 14.86% to our current position as the clear market leader—a testament to the trust our community places in us.

When you work with Bentley's Real Estate, you're partnering with the area's most experienced and successful team. Our market leadership means we have unparalleled insights into local pricing trends, buyer preferences, and the most effective strategies for achieving your real estate goals.

Looking Ahead

As we close out 2025, Essex County's housing market shows all the signs of sustainable growth. The combination of steady price appreciation, increased inventory, and consistent transaction volume points to a healthy market heading into 2026.

Key factors to watch in the coming months include:

• Interest rate movements and their impact on buyer demand
• Seasonal inventory patterns as we enter winter months
• Continued balance between supply and demand
• Price adjustment trends as buyers and sellers find equilibrium

Whether you're looking to buy or sell, understanding these market dynamics is crucial to making informed decisions. The data shows that Essex County remains a strong market with opportunities for both buyers and sellers who approach it strategically.