Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reports that real estate recording activity for the first quarter of 2026 (January, February, and March) reflected continued stability across the Norfolk County real estate market, with increases in overall document recordings, sales volume, average sale prices, and mortgage activity compared to the same period in 2025.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds recorded 23,802 documents during the first quarter of 2026, marking a 5% increase during the same period in 2025. March was the busiest month of the quarter for real estate activity, with 8,812 documents recorded, marking a 15% increase from March 2025. However a concern is that the number of deeds recorded during the first quarter of 2026 was lower than during the same period in 2025.
“The first quarter showed steady engagement in real estate activity across Norfolk County,” stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. “While activity typically fluctuates at the beginning of the year, these figures demonstrate that residents and businesses continue to buy, sell, refinance, and invest in property throughout the county. The activity in March overcame a sluggish start in the real estate market in January and February of this year.”
The number of deeds recorded during the first quarter of 2026, which reflect both commercial and residential real estate transfers, was 3,252, marking a 5% decrease during the same period in 2025. Deeds recorded for consideration, representing actual sales, totaled 1,346, marking a 7% decrease compared to the first quarter of 2025.
“The decline in deed recordings associated with property sales continues to reflect the limited number of homes coming to market,” said Register O’Donnell. “Homeowners may be reluctant to sell and give up favorable mortgage rates obtained in prior years, particularly as rising fuel prices and higher day‑to‑day living costs place added strain on household budgets.”
The total volume of commercial and residential real estate sales during the first quarter of 2026 reached $1.75 billion, marking a 5% increase during the same period in 2025. The average sale price for commercial and residential properties rose to $1,301,355, marking a 13% increase compared to the first quarter of 2025.
“Even as the number of sales declined slightly, overall sales volume and average prices increased during the first quarter,” stated Register O’Donnell. “This reflects continued demand for both commercial and residential property across Norfolk County and reinforces the desirability of our communities as places to live, work, and do business. Limited supply with this overall demand contributes to increased sale prices.”
Mortgage activity showed notable growth during the first quarter of 2026. A total of 4,137 mortgages were recorded, marking a 26% increase during the same period in 2025. According to The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the average mortgage interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage during the first quarter of 2025 ranged between 6.6% and 6.9%, while rates during the first quarter of 2026 ranged between approximately 5.98% and 6.38%.
“The increase in mortgage filings indicates that residents continue to actively secure financing for property purchases and refinancing,” Register O’Donnell continued. “Improved lending conditions compared to last year during the same time period appear to be encouraging continued participation in the real estate market, even as affordability challenges remain.”
The foreclosure market in Norfolk County saw positive developments during the first quarter of 2026. There were 11 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, down 39% from the 18 recorded in the first quarter of 2025. Notices to foreclose also declined by 4%, with 66 notices recorded compared to 69 during the same time period last year.
“The reduction in foreclosure activity during the first quarter is an encouraging development,” said Register O’Donnell. “At the same time, we must remember that foreclosure activity has a human impact, and there are still individuals and families facing serious financial challenges. I would urge anyone struggling to pay their mortgage, or who knows someone in this situation, to reach out to 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.
“The first quarter results highlight a real estate market that continues to show resilience and stability across Norfolk County,” Register O’Donnell concluded. “Higher sale prices driven by demand with limited inventory as well as increased mortgage activity demonstrate folks want to live in our Norfolk County communities. As we move further into the 2026 home buying season, we hope to see an increase in available property inventory and continued market activity.”
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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.