Market Update · December 2025
Housing Market Analysis: Why Essex County & Newburyport Are Outperforming National Trends
A data-driven comparison of the RE/MAX National Housing Report with local MLS statistics.
Key Finding
While the national housing market shows signs of cooling with declining sales and below-asking prices, Essex County and Newburyport demonstrate remarkable resilience — with positive sales growth, above-asking prices, and tightening inventory.
The Numbers
The Numbers at a Glance
-5.1%
National Sales, YoY
+3.0%
Essex County — 4,213 homes sold
+5.4%
Newburyport — 137 homes sold
Inventory
Inventory: A Tale of Two Markets
| Market | Inventory Change | Months Supply |
|---|---|---|
| National (51 metros) | +14.5% | — |
| Essex County | +15.2% (357 units) | 0.99 months |
| Newburyport | -26.3% (14 units) | 1.22 months |
Critical insight: while Essex County's inventory growth mirrors the national trend, Newburyport is moving in the opposite direction — with active listings down 26% to just 14 homes on the market. Both local markets remain firmly in seller's market territory with under 1.25 months of supply.
Pricing
Home Prices & Appreciation
| Market | Average / Median Price | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| National (median) | $338,105 | +1.3% |
| Essex County (avg) | $899,168 | +2.77% |
| Newburyport (avg) | $1,327,602 | +8.94% |
+8.94%
Newburyport Price Growth — nearly 7x the national rate
$1.33M
Newburyport Avg Price — 3.9x national median
$899K
Essex County Avg — 2.7x national median
Negotiating Power
The Sale-to-List Ratio Gap
Nationally, the average home sells for just 62% of its list price — down 5.8 percentage points from last year. Buyers have significant negotiating leverage. In Essex County, homes routinely sell above asking price at 102%. Bidding wars remain common, and sellers maintain pricing power despite broader market headwinds.
Speed of Sale
Days on Market
| Market | Days on Market | Change from 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| National | 37 days | +5 days |
| Essex County | 34 days | +2 days |
| Newburyport | 44 days | +5 days |
Essex County homes sell 3 days faster than the national average. All markets are seeing slightly longer times on market compared to 2024 — a modest seasonal adjustment rather than a structural shift.
Takeaways
Key Takeaways
1. Local Market Outperformance
Essex County and Newburyport are bucking national trends with positive sales growth while the broader market contracts. Strong local fundamentals — job growth, limited housing stock, and desirable coastal location — continue driving demand.
2. Supply Remains Extremely Tight
Despite inventory growth in Essex County, months supply remains under 1 month. Newburyport inventory is actually shrinking, with just 14 active listings.
3. Premium Pricing Power Continues
Homes selling at or above asking locally (102%) vs. deep discounts nationally (62%). Coastal Massachusetts markets maintain significant seller leverage.
Summary
The Bottom Line
The greater Newburyport and Essex County market operates under fundamentally different dynamics than the national average — with stronger demand, tighter supply, and superior pricing power.
🏠
For Buyers
Competition remains fierce and strategic offers are essential. Be prepared to move quickly and consider escalation clauses in competitive situations.
💰
For Sellers
The data supports confident pricing, particularly in supply-constrained areas like Newburyport where inventory continues to tighten.
Questions about your local market? Every neighborhood is different — let's discuss what these trends mean for your specific situation.
Schedule a Consultation →Data Sources: RE/MAX National Housing Report (November 2025), MLS Property Information Network — Essex County and Newburyport Area Market Reviews (December 18, 2025). National figures represent averages across 51 metropolitan areas. Local figures represent single-family home transactions.
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