Essex County MA Housing Market Update: October 2026

Salem was the tightest market on the coast in October 2026: 1.0 months of supply and 14 single-family listings, with 20 pending sales running ahead of active inventory. Pending sales above active listings is the earliest tightening signal, and Salem had it.

Beverly held 2.2 months of supply, 23 average days on market, and 25 closings, the strongest sales volume on the coast. Beverly condos sat even tighter, at 1.8 months of supply.

Ipswich and Marblehead both ran under 2.5 months of supply, with average days on market under 30 even at seven-figure median prices.

Lawrence was the tightest and fastest market in this group: 1.6 months of supply, 14 single-family homes, 20 average days on market, and a $565,000 median sales price.

Georgetown and Lynnfield single-family markets ran at 1.8 to 2.0 months of supply, with pending sales keeping pace with inventory.

Haverhill posted the most volume in the group: 33 closings and 35 pending sales in October.

Gloucester offered the most choice on the coast: 5.2 months of supply and 56 single-family listings, with condos at 5.3 months.

Newburyport ran at 4.0 months of supply with 43 listings and 47 average days on market.

Nahant sat at 4.0 months of supply with just 3 pending sales.

Salisbury came in at 3.8 months of supply, and Rockport single-family homes at 3.2 months.

Boxford posted 87 average days on market and 2.9 months of supply at a median just over $1 million.

Hamilton ran 53 average days on market.

Lynn had 80 single-family listings, the most choice in this group, with condos at 4.4 months of supply and 69 average days on market.

Groveland came in at 47 average days on market.

Condos were tight in Beverly at 1.8 months of supply and Rockport at 1.8, and tightest of all in Danvers at 1.7 months with 25 average days on market. Amesbury ran 2.0 months with 27 days on market, and Haverhill 2.2 months with 33 days. Salem moved 17 condo closings.

Condo markets ran softer in Swampscott at 109 average days on market, Marblehead at 105, Newbury at 8.0 months of supply, and Lynn at 4.4 months.

A top-tier pause: Boxford and Lynnfield had no pending condo sales in October, and Lynnfield's condo median sits near $1.7 million.

Here is what I watch each month as the numbers come out.

Months of supply per town, and pending sales versus inventory. Pending sales ahead of inventory is the earliest tightening signal there is.

Days on market past 45 to 50. When homes sit that long, list prices usually need to follow.

The luxury tier in Manchester, Newbury, Newburyport, and Lynnfield, where thin volume makes medians jump month to month. Read the trend, not one number.

The season. Coastal Essex County cools into winter regardless of price, so I read October's numbers in that context.

All figures come from the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS Local Market Update for October 2026, monthly not year-to-date, and single-family unless stated.

Small towns swing month to month. Treat one month as a point on a trend, not the whole picture.

Market conditions change. For current listings and advice, text Kathleen Militello, Realtor, with eXp Realty.