Key Insights
- In August, Norfolk County’s median home prices surged by 4.6% year over year to reach $787,365, surpassing Middlesex County and the national average. This growth was mainly driven by robust demand in the non-luxury and starter home segments.
- Despite a 19% increase in active listings and a 21% rise in new listings, the months of supply remained low at 1.9, indicating a seller’s market with continued strong seller leverage even with growing inventory.
- About 46% of homes were sold above the list price, and the median time for a home to go under contract was 23 days, aligning with Middlesex County and well ahead of the national average of 50 days.
Overview of Norfolk County, MA Housing Market
| Median Sale Price | Pending Sales | Active Listings | Days on Market | Sold Above List |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $787,365 (+4.6% YoY) | 590 (+0.2% YoY) | 2,025 (+19.2% YoY) | 23 days (+1 days YoY) | 45.8% (-4.4 ppt YoY) |
August showcased Norfolk County as a standout performer among Boston’s suburbs. With prices rising at double the national rate and pending sales remaining stable despite increased inventory, the market continued to be highly competitive, especially in the non-luxury segment where 65% of homes were sold above asking price. The county’s diverse mix of affluent neighborhoods and more affordable areas provided opportunities across various price points.
Below, you’ll find an analysis of Norfolk County, MA housing data for August 2026, along with recommendations for both buyers and sellers entering 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 saw a 2% increase, while pending sales declined by around 1%, and the average time on market was 50 days. Norfolk County outperformed on various metrics, with higher price growth, steady sales, and a quicker selling pace of 23 days—half the national average. The county’s strong demand, driven by quality schools and commuter convenience, maintained favorable conditions for sellers.
“The housing market in the U.S. faced challenges in August due to economic factors like inflation and AI-driven changes, leading to higher mortgage rates and impacting buyers, sellers, and investors,” commented Chen Zhao, Redfin’s head of economics research. “Despite recent improvements, economic uncertainty and rising prices are causing more people to stay on the sidelines, slowing down the market. For buyers looking to make a purchase, the current lower competition and increased inventory present a favorable opportunity, while sellers need to price their properties competitively to attract attention.”
Price Growth in Norfolk County Surpasses National Rate
In August, the median home price in Norfolk County reached $787,365, showing a 4.6% year-over-year increase, double the national average of 2.0%. The price per square foot also rose by 2.9% to $429, indicating widespread appreciation rather than a specific segment driving the growth. On average, homes sold slightly above their list price, with only about 16% of listings experiencing price reductions, the lowest among the four major Boston counties.
Despite a 19% rise in active listings, Norfolk County remains constrained in supply, with the months of supply at 1.9, half of the national figure. This tight supply-demand balance favored sellers, although buyers had slightly more options compared to the previous year.
Stability in Sales and Pending Activity Amid Increased Inventory
Home sales rose by 1.1% year over year to 697 in August, with pending sales remaining steady at 590 (+0.2%), demonstrating market stability despite a nearly 20% growth in inventory. The median time for homes to go under contract was 23 days, just a day longer than the previous year. Around 46% of homes sold above the asking price, showing a slight decrease compared to the previous year.
Nationally, pending sales dropped by around 1%, and homes typically spent 50 days on the market. Norfolk County’s ability to absorb the increased inventory while maintaining stable sales and a quick selling pace of 23 days indicates sustained demand, particularly in areas like Wellesley, Needham, and Franklin.
Inventory Expansion with Maintained Supply-Demand Dynamics
The number of active listings surged by approximately 19% year over year to 2,025 in August, with new listings increasing by 21% to 619. Despite this significant growth, the months of supply remained below 2, well under the national average of around 4, as strong sales absorbed much of the new inventory. This low supply level indicates that Norfolk County continues to be a seller’s market, although conditions are slightly easing.
Nationally, active listings rose by about 3%, and new listings increased by approximately 6%. Norfolk County’s substantial inventory growth, likely driven by homeowners capitalizing on high prices and equity levels, contrasts with Suffolk County, where supply levels are approaching national norms. However, Norfolk’s fundamentals remain tight enough to sustain above-asking sales across most price tiers.
Non-Luxury Segment Leads Competition; Luxury Sales Decline
| Price Tier | Median Price (YoY) | Sold (YoY) | DOM (YoY) | % Above List (YoY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury (top 5%) | $2,817,721 (+5.6%) | 165 (-19.5%) | 27 days (+11 days) | 30.9% (-9.1 ppt) |
| High (65th-95th%) | $1,214,536 (+1.9%) | 646 (-7.7%) | 19 days (+2 days) | 61.6% (+3.0 ppt) |
| Non-luxury (35th-65th%) | $749,701 (+2.0%) | 705 (+5.9%) | 20 days (+1 days) | 65.2% (-0.2 ppt) |
| Starter (5th-35th%) | $525,362 (+1.4%) | 552 (+3.2%) | 22 days (+2 days) | 50.0% (-8.5 ppt) |
| Bottom (bottom 5%) | $309,079 (-0.2%) | 71 (-13.4%) | 23 days (+1 days) | 23.9% (-15.1 ppt) |
Data analysis by Redfin from MLS data • Averaged over three months (May-July 2026)
The luxury segment with a median price of $2.82 million experienced a 5.6% price increase year over year, but sales volume dropped by nearly 20% and days on market increased by 11 days to 27. The percentage of homes sold above the list price in the luxury tier declined by 9 percentage points, indicating a more selective buyer pool as inventory grows.
The non-luxury segment with a median price of $750,000 had the highest percentage of homes sold above list price at 65.2%, remaining highly competitive. The starter tier saw an increase in sales volume (+3.2%) with moderate price gains (+1.4%), while the bottom tier experienced a decline in both sales volume and above-list rates, suggesting reduced demand for lower-priced properties.
Guidance for Buyers and Sellers in Norfolk County
For buyers in Norfolk County, the August data confirms a competitive yet manageable market. With homes selling in 23 days on average and 46% closing above the asking price, there are opportunities, especially in the starter segment where volume growth is positive, and above-list rates have decreased slightly, providing more room for negotiation. Towns like Stoughton, Randolph, and Canton offer entry points below $750,000 with easing competition.
For sellers, Norfolk County continues to be a seller’s market with a low supply of 1.9 months, 46% of homes selling above the list price, and prices rising at double the national rate. The non-luxury segment remains attractive, with 65% of homes selling above list price. However, with inventory increasing by nearly 20% year over year, pricing accurately from the start is crucial, as the market is less forgiving of overpricing compared to the previous year.
City-wise Market Data for Norfolk County, MA
Averaged over three months (June-August 2026). Cities with 50+ sales are included.
| City | Median Sale Price (YoY) | Sold | New Listings | Active Listings | Days on Market | % Above List | Supply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quincy | $669,557 (-4.3% YoY) | 217 | 305 | 461 | 21 | 48.7% | 2.5 |
| Weymouth Town | $649,570 (+3.1% YoY) | 194 | 178 | 268 | 20 | 57.8% | 1.2 |
This content has been generated using artificial intelligence technology and insights from Redfin’s economics research team. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, it’s recommended to verify all data independently before making any decisions based on this information. For personalized advice, consult a real estate professional or financial advisor. Data for counties is not seasonally adjusted. For detailed housing market statistics, refer to the Redfin Data Center.