June Real Estate by the Numbers

Norfolk
County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today released the real
estate recording statistics for June 2026, which indicate increased real
estate activity across Norfolk County compared to June 2025,
particularly in document recordings, property sales, and mortgage
activity.

The
Registry of Deeds recorded 11,172 documents in June 2026, a 7% increase
compared to the 10,433 documents recorded in June 2025 and a 19%
increase from May 2026.

“June
2026 demonstrated strong real estate activity, particularly in the
number of deeds and mortgages recorded, which make up a significant
portion of the documents processed by the Registry,” noted Norfolk
County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. “The increase in document
recordings suggests that buyers, sellers, and lenders remained active
in the market throughout the month.”

The
total number of deeds recorded for June 2026, representing both
commercial and residential real estate sales and transfers, was 1,825, a
9% increase from the 1,677 deeds recorded in June 2025 and a 25%
increase from May 2026. Looking at just real estate sales, 1,151
properties were sold in June 2026, a 14% increase compared to June 2025.

“The
increase in property sales suggests continued demand for real estate in
Norfolk County,” stated Register O'Donnell. “The strong gain in sales
activity compared to both last year and last month is an encouraging
sign as we move through the summer homebuying season.”

The
average sale price for both commercial and residential real estate was
approximately $981,000, a 15% decrease compared to June 2025 and an 18%
decrease from May 2026. The total value of commercial and residential
sales recorded in June 2026 was approximately $1.13 billion, a 3%
decrease from the $1.17 billion recorded in June 2025.

“This
reduction in overall real estate prices compared to last year may offer
some relief to those looking to purchase property in Norfolk County,”
said Register O’Donnell. “Lower average sale prices could create new
opportunities for first-time homebuyers and current homeowners looking
to move who were previously priced out of the market. However, purchase
prices remain high relative to past years.”

Lending
activity also remained strong in June. A total of 1,855 mortgages were
recorded in June 2026, a 9% increase from the 1,707 mortgages recorded
in June 2025 and a 23% increase from May 2026. Total mortgage
indebtedness was approximately $2.91 billion, a 95% increase compared to
June 2025.

“The
rise in mortgage activity reflects continued interest in property
financing throughout Norfolk County,” stated Register O'Donnell. “While
borrowing costs remain a consideration for many buyers, the number of
mortgages recorded indicates that individuals and businesses continue to
invest in real estate.”

The
Registry continues to closely monitor foreclosure activity. In June
2026, there were 5 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage
foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, compared to 3 foreclosure
deeds recorded in June 2025. Notices to foreclose, which represent the
first step in the foreclosure process, decreased to 17 in June 2026 from
28 in June 2025 and from 28 in May 2026.

“While
Notices to foreclose remain low this month, the increase in foreclosure
deeds is something we are watching closely,” said Register O'Donnell.
“Foreclosure activity has a real impact on families and communities, and
we want residents to know that resources are available if they are
facing financial hardship.”

For
the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has
partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs (617-479-8181 x376) and
NeighborWorks Housing Solutions (508-587-0950) to help anyone facing
challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to
contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and
Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400.

Register
O'Donnell concluded, “June's real estate activity reflects a market
that remains active, with strong increases in recordings, property
sales, and mortgage activity. Norfolk County continues to be a desirable
place to live and work, and despite ongoing economic challenges, June's
recording activity reflects continued confidence in the local real
estate market.”

To learn more about Registry of Deed’s events and initiatives, like us on Facebook® at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on X® at X.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram® at Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.