Noteworthy Highlights
- In August, Suffolk County saw a significant 7.3% increase in home prices, reaching $857,131, primarily driven by luxury transactions that elevated the median price.
- Despite the price surge, sales volume dropped by almost 10% to 466 homes, with pending sales also decreasing by 7.3%, indicating affordability challenges impacting market activity.
- The months of supply rose to 4.1, and the average time a home spent on the market increased to 39 days, suggesting a shift towards a more buyer-friendly market in Boston’s urban core.
Overview of Suffolk County, MA Housing Market
| Median Sale Price | Pending Sales | Active Listings | Days on Market | Sold Above List |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $857,131 (+7.3% YoY) | 390 (-7.3% YoY) | 2,608 (+16.1% YoY) | 39 days (+5 days YoY) | 25.1% (-2.9 ppt YoY) |
August showed mixed signals in Suffolk County’s housing market. While prices surged, there was a decline in sales activity and a notable increase in unsold inventory. With about 4 months of supply, the market is adjusting to elevated condo inventory and affordability challenges affecting buyer demand.
Below is an analysis of housing data for Suffolk County, MA in August 2026, along with recommendations for buyers and sellers as we head into the fall season.
Snapshot of the U.S. Housing Market
| Median Sale Price | Pending Sales | Active Listings | Days on Market | Buyer-Seller Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $398,596 (+2.2% YoY) | 336,973 (-1.3% YoY) | 1,534,918 (+2.7% YoY) | 50 days (0 days YoY) | Sellers outnumber buyers by 57.9% |
Nationally, home prices rose by 2%, pending sales declined by approximately 1%, and the average days on market stood at 50 days. Suffolk County’s price increase outpaced the national average but aligned closely with national inventory levels, signifying a significant shift in the market dynamics.
“The U.S. housing market encountered challenges in August due to economic factors affecting mortgage rates and buyer sentiment,” noted Chen Zhao, Redfin’s head of economics research. “Buyers should act now to take advantage of reduced competition and increased inventory, while sellers must price their properties competitively to attract attention.”
Suffolk County Leads Greater Boston with 7.3% Price Growth
In August, the median home price in Suffolk County surged by 7.3% year over year to $857,131, surpassing the national average of 2.0%. While price per square foot increased moderately, the overall gain was influenced by larger or higher-end units dominating the market. Only 16% of active listings experienced a price reduction, indicating market competitiveness.
Despite the strong price growth, sales volume declined by nearly 10%, reflecting a market where fewer but higher-priced transactions skewed the median without broad-based price appreciation.
Decrease in Sales Volume as Urban Demand Cools
In August, home sales in Suffolk County dropped by 9.7% year over year to 466, with pending sales declining by 7.3% to 390—marking the lowest demand levels among Greater Boston’s core counties. The median time to sell increased to 39 days, up 5 days from the previous year, indicating a slower market pace affected by affordability constraints.
Nationally, pending sales fell by about 1%, and homes typically spent 50 days on the market. Despite Suffolk County’s faster market pace, the year-over-year slowdown highlighted the challenges posed by the market’s pricing structure, particularly in the condo and multi-family segment.
Surge in Inventory as Months of Supply Increase
Active listings in Suffolk County rose by approximately 16% year over year to 2,608 in August, with new listings increasing by 27% to 542. The months of supply reached around 4, marking a significant uptick from the previous year and approaching a balanced market threshold. The combination of rising listings and declining sales accelerated the inventory buildup, likely extending the average time properties spend on the market.
Nationally, active listings increased by about 3%, with months of supply hovering around 4. Suffolk County’s supply level aligning with the national average indicates a notable shift from the market dynamics observed in previous years, driven by new construction and pricing challenges in the condo market.
Luxury Prices Rise While Starter Tier Stagnates
| Price Tier | Median Price (YoY) | Sold (YoY) | DOM (YoY) | % Above List (YoY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury (top 5%) | $2,974,650 (+6.6%) | 123 (-2.4%) | 25 days (-5 days) | 13.0% (-6.0 ppt) |
| High (65th-95th%) | $1,199,645 (+2.5%) | 648 (+1.2%) | 23 days (+1 days) | 38.3% (+1.7 ppt) |
| Non-luxury (35th-65th%) | $758,238 (+3.5%) | 555 (+2.2%) | 22 days (+0 days) | 40.7% (-3.8 ppt) |
| Starter (5th-35th%) | $530,063 (+0.9%) | 463 (-1.7%) | 27 days (+4 days) | 32.4% (-2.4 ppt) |
| Bottom (bottom 5%) | $305,933 (-2.4%) | 36 (0%) | 34 days (-3 days) | 19.4% (-2.8 ppt) |
Data analysis by Redfin from MLS data • Rolling three-month period (May-July 2026)
The luxury tier, with a median price of $2.97M, experienced a 6.6% increase in prices year over year, with a decrease in above-list activity, indicating a more stabilized market segment. However, the non-luxury segment saw the highest above-list rate, suggesting competitiveness in mid-market condos and townhomes. The starter tier exhibited minimal price growth and a decrease in volume, indicating challenges for entry-level buyers in Suffolk County.
Navigating the Market for Buyers and Sellers
For buyers in Suffolk County, the current market presents favorable conditions with increased inventory and reduced competition. Focus on the starter and bottom tiers where prices are steady, and consider making offers below asking price for listings that have been on the market for an extended period. The leverage is now in the buyer’s favor.
Sellers should be aware of the challenging transaction environment despite the headline price growth. With declining sales volume and rising inventory, pricing competitively is crucial, especially for condos and multi-family units. Luxury sellers may still benefit from strong pricing but should be prepared for a less competitive market compared to the non-luxury segment.
Suffolk County, MA Market Trends by City
Data from a rolling three-month period (June-August 2026). Cities with 50+ sales are highlighted.
| City | Median Sale Price (YoY) | Sold | New Listings | Active Listings | DOM | % Above List | Supply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | $859,431 (+3.4% YoY) | 1,613 | 1,932 | 3,998 | 26 | 30.3% | 3.2 |
| Revere | $704,534 (+21.5% YoY) | 93 | 140 | 217 | 22 | 50.6% | 2.9 |
| Winthrop | $628,584 (-13.3% YoY) | 50 | 84 | 141 | 23 | 36.8% | 4.8 |
| Winthrop Town | $628,584 (-13.3% YoY) | 50 | 84 | 141 | 23 | 36.8% | 4.8 |
This article has been generated, partially using generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology, in collaboration with Redfin’s head of economics research, Chen Zhao. It is recommended to verify all information independently before making any decisions based on this content. For professional advice, consult a real estate agent or financial advisor. County-level data is not seasonally adjusted. For comprehensive housing market data, refer to the Redfin Data Center.