Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell today released the real estate recording statistics for April 2025, which indicate a continued increase in overall real estate activity compared to April 2024.
The Registry of Deeds recorded 8,671 documents in April 2025, an increase of 4% compared to the 8,312 documents recorded in April 2024 and an increase of 15% from March 2025.
“April 2025 demonstrated robust real estate activity particularly in both the number of mortgages and deeds recorded, which represent a majority of the documents recorded at the Registry of Deeds,” noted Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. “While we are seeing movement in the real estate market, economic factors continue to play a role, and we will be monitoring how trends evolve in the months ahead.”
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| Norfolk County Register of Deeds |
The total number of deeds recorded for April 2025, representing both commercial and residential real estate sales and transfers, was 1,322, showing a 6% increase from the 1,250 deeds recorded in April 2024 and a 17% increase from the previous month of March 2025.
“The data from April suggests a more active start to this year’s homebuying season compared to last year,” stated Register O’Donnell. “While economic factors such as interest rates and inflation continue to play a role in buyer decisions, Norfolk County continues to see regular real estate sales and transfers.”
Lending activity also saw an uptick in April. A total of 1,443 mortgages were recorded in April 2025, a notable 16% increase from the 1,243 mortgages recorded in April 2024. According to The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the average mortgage interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in April 2025 was between 6.62% and 6.83%, a slight decrease compared to April 2024, when interest rates were between 6.82% and 7.17%.
“The rise in mortgage activity suggests continued interest in property financing and while borrowing conditions have improved slightly from this time last year, larger economic concerns such as affordability, inflation, and job stability are still influencing how buyers approach long-term investments, especially first-time homebuyers,” stated Register O’Donnell.
The average sale price of commercial and residential properties for April 2025 was $1,381,678, a 33% increase compared to April 2024 and an increase of 18% from March 2025. The total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales also saw a rise, increasing by 28% to $859,403,533 in April 2025, and up 66% from the previous month.
“Norfolk County remains a desirable location to both live and work, thanks to its vibrant communities and the dedicated efforts of municipal staff and leaders,” remarked Register O'Donnell. “However, the limited property inventory continues to pose challenges for buyers, particularly those purchasing their first home. This tight availability is one factor in rising sale price and navigating a competitive market can present difficulties, especially for those first-time home buyers.”
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds continues its close monitoring of the foreclosure market. In April 2025, there were 6 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, the same number as in April 2024. Notices to foreclose, which represent the initial step in the foreclosure process, decreased significantly to 20 in April 2025, a 53% drop from the 43 recorded in April 2024.
“The reduction in these notices to foreclose is an encouraging sign. With that said, we cannot forget that foreclosure activity has a human face associated with it, and there are still a number of our neighbors who have lost their homes, and even more are dangerously close to losing their homes,” said Register O'Donnell. “I would urge anyone struggling to pay their mortgage or who knows someone who is struggling to contact one of the non-profit organizations listed on our website, www.norfolkdeeds.org.”
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, “April’s real estate activity showed stable growth, with steady increases in key areas. Norfolk County remains an attractive market for both buyers and sellers. While economic factors such as inflation, interest rates, and inventory levels will shape future activity, the overall strength of the local market underscores the county’s continued appeal as a place to buy a home and live.”
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
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