Plymouth County, MA Housing Market Update: August 2026

Summary of Main Points

• During August, home prices in Plymouth County rose by 6.5% year over year to $702,648, showcasing the region’s strength as an attractive market for buyers seeking more affordable options compared to surrounding suburbs.
• Sales in the area increased by 5% year over year, indicating solid demand fundamentals despite a 15% increase in inventory and a rise in months of supply to 2.2.
• Almost half of the homes sold above the listed price, with a median time on the market of 26 days, illustrating sellers’ continued advantage in a market experiencing growing supply.

Housing Market Overview in Plymouth County, MA

In August 2026, Plymouth County continued to stand out as a dynamic market in Greater Boston. With prices rising at a rate three times higher than the national average, increasing sales volume, and a significant number of homes selling above the listed price, the region remained a popular choice for buyers. The affordability of the South Shore, with a median price of $703,000, continued to attract those looking for value without compromising on proximity to Boston.

Below is a detailed overview of the housing market data in Plymouth County for August 2026, along with recommendations for both buyers and sellers entering the fall season.

Snapshot of the U.S. Housing Market

Nationally, home prices saw a 2% increase, while pending sales declined by about 1%, with homes spending an average of 50 days on the market. Plymouth County emerged as a standout in demand compared to other Greater Boston counties, with prices rising at a rate triple that of the national average, sales growing by 5%, and homes selling in just 26 days. The region’s relative affordability, with a median price of $703,000, continued to attract buyers seeking value near Boston.

“The housing market in the U.S. faced challenges in August due to factors such as inflation and an AI-driven economy, resulting in higher mortgage rates and impacting buyers, sellers, and investors,” said Chen Zhao, Redfin’s head of economics research. “While the market had been showing signs of improvement in terms of affordability and activity, recent economic uncertainties and rising prices have caused a slowdown. For buyers looking to make a purchase, now could be an opportune time given the decreased competition and slightly increased inventory. Sellers should focus on competitive pricing to attract attention.”

Price Surge and Affordability in Plymouth County

In August, the median sale price in Plymouth County reached $702,648, marking a 6.5% year-over-year increase, significantly higher than the national average of 2.0%. The price per square foot also saw a 4.8% growth to $381, the strongest among the four counties analyzed, indicating broad-based appreciation rather than a shift in the mix of homes selling. On average, homes sold for about 1% above their listed price.

The surge in prices in Plymouth County is attributed to the ongoing trend of buyers migrating from higher-cost counties. With a median price of $703,000, Plymouth County remains a more affordable option compared to Norfolk and Middlesex counties, making it an attractive choice for families seeking suburban living within reach of Boston. While around 21% of active listings had price reductions, this likely stemmed from aggressive initial pricing rather than a widespread market weakness.

Growth in Sales Volume Amidst Contractions Elsewhere

Home sales in Plymouth County increased by 5% year over year to 602 in August, with pending sales remaining relatively stable at 618 (+0.2%)—making Plymouth County the only one among the four Greater Boston counties to report positive sales growth. The median time for a home to go under contract was 26 days, up by 4 days from the previous year. Approximately 48% of homes were sold above the listed price, a slight decrease compared to the previous year.

Nationally, pending sales decreased by about 1%, and homes spent an average of 50 days on the market. Plymouth County’s 26-day pace was notably faster than the national average, although slightly slower than the sub-24-day figures in neighboring Norfolk and Middlesex counties. The 5% growth in sales volume, amidst declining volumes in other parts of Greater Boston, highlights the region’s appeal to value-conscious buyers.

Moderate Growth in Inventory Compared to Neighboring Counties

The number of active listings in Plymouth County increased by around 15% year over year to 1,953 in August, with new listings rising by 16% to 650. The growth in inventory was moderate, indicating a market where demand has been able to keep up with new supply effectively. The months of supply stood at 2.2, higher than the previous year but still below the national average of about 4.

Nationally, active listings rose by approximately 3%, with new listings increasing by about 6%. Plymouth County’s 15% rise in active listings, while less substantial than the 20%+ increases in Middlesex, Norfolk, and Suffolk counties, still represented a significant shift from the historically tight conditions seen in 2023-2024. The increase in the supply pipeline should offer buyers more options as they enter the fall season without compromising the advantage held by sellers.

Increase in High Tier Volume and Continued Demand for Starter Homes

Redfin analysis of MLS data • Rolling three-month period (May-July 2026)

The high tier segment, with a median price of $1.15 million, experienced a significant volume growth of 14.2% year over year, despite a slight decrease in prices (-0.2%). The percentage of homes sold above the listed price increased by 1.6 points in this category, indicating strong competition for premium properties. The luxury tier, with a median price of $2.67 million, saw a 3% appreciation but also an increase in days on the market to 36.

Starter homes, with a median price of $520,647, remained highly competitive among non-luxury segments, with nearly 59% of homes selling above the listed price and a 6.7% increase in volume. The bottom tier experienced modest volume growth (+1.3%) and price gains (+2.2%), with a significant increase in homes selling above the listed price.

Guidance for Buyers and Sellers in the Plymouth County Market

For buyers in Plymouth County, the data from August indicates a robust seller’s market with an expanding selection of homes. With the median home selling in 26 days, nearly half closing above the listed price, and prices increasing by 6.5% year over year, the South Shore continues to offer affordable options. The 15% increase in active listings provides buyers with more choices, especially in areas like Brockton, Rockland, and East Bridgewater where prices are below $600,000.

For sellers, Plymouth County presents one of the most favorable seller’s markets in the region. With a 5% increase in sales volume—the only positive growth among the four counties—prices rising by 6.5%, and a high percentage of homes selling above the listed price, sellers have the upper hand. However, the 21% rate of price reductions is the highest in the region, indicating the importance of pricing competitively to attract quick offers. Consider taking advantage of the fall season before seasonal demand subsides.

City-Specific Market Data for Plymouth County, MA

Data covering a three-month period (June-August 2026) is shown for cities with 50+ sales.