Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reports that real estate recordings for the third quarter of 2025 (July, August, September) show continued growth in overall market activity, with increases in total documents, deeds, mortgages, and property values compared to the same period in 2024.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds recorded 30,209 documents during the third quarter of 2025, a 9% increase from the 27,799 documents recorded in the third quarter of 2024. July was the busiest month in the third quarter of 2025 for real estate activity, with 10,696 documents recorded, marking a 9% increase from July 2024.
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| Register O’Donnell Delivers 2025 Third Quarter Real Estate Activity Report |
“The third quarter of 2025 continued the upward trend we’ve seen throughout the year,” stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. “This increase in overall recordings reflects sustained engagement in the real estate market across Norfolk County.”
The number of deeds recorded in the third quarter of 2025, which reflect both commercial and residential real estate sales and transfers, was 4,612, marking a 7% increase during the same period in 2024. The number of deeds recorded for consideration (actual sales) also rose by 4% to 2,497 in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the third quarter of 2024.
“In the third quarter of 2025, we saw positive trends in real estate recording activity, with all three months showing a rise in deed recordings compared to 2024 which suggests that buyers and sellers remain active despite broader economic concerns,” noted Register O'Donnell. “This indicates a healthy level of activity in the real estate market and we hope to see similar increases in real estate sales and transfers as we close out the year in the fourth quarter.”
The total volume of commercial and residential sales for the third quarter of 2025 reached $2.83 billion an 11% increase compared to the third quarter of 2024. The average sale price for commercial and residential properties climbed to $1,137,238, reflecting a 7% increase from the same time period in 2024. While the overall average sale price increased for the quarter, August 2025 saw a notable dip, with the average sale price coming down to $1,028,481, a decrease of 18% from August 2024.
“The average sale price of property which is a mix of commercial and residential sales increased over the third quarter due to a steep rise in prices in July 2025 compared to the previous year and Norfolk County’s desirability as a place to both live and work,” stated Register O'Donnell. “However, anecdotal reports suggest properties may have been staying on the market slightly longer in July and September, which could be an indication that prices will continue to stay in check going into the next quarter, but only time will tell.”
Mortgage activity also showed notable growth in the third quarter. A total of 4,697 mortgages were recorded in the third quarter of 2025, up 11% from the 4,231 recorded in the same period last year. The total mortgage indebtedness rose to $4.71 billion, an 86% increase compared to $2.53 billion in the third quarter of 2024.
“The increase in mortgage recordings in the third quarter indicates that individuals are actively securing loans.” Register O'Donnell continued, “While rates may not be as low as in previous years, they are not preventing people from taking out new property loans. Additionally, the significant increase in mortgage indebtedness indicates that residents are making substantial financial commitments, whether purchasing new homes or refinancing existing ones.”
The foreclosure market in Norfolk County saw positive developments during the third quarter of 2025. There were 12 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, down 50% from the 24 recorded in the third quarter of 2024. Notices to foreclose also declined by 7%, with 81 notices recorded compared to 87 during the same time period last year.
“The reduction in foreclosure activity during the third quarter is an encouraging sign. With that said, we must remember that foreclosure activity has a human impact, 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.
“The positive growth we have seen during the third quarter highlights the resilience and continued desirability of Norfolk County as a place to live, work, and invest,” said Register O'Donnell. “Despite fluctuations in the broader economy, the local real estate market has shown consistent strength across key indicators including sales volume, mortgage activity, and property values. This sustained momentum reflects the confidence of residents and businesses in our communities. As we move into the fourth quarter we hope to see this momentum continue.”
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.
