Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that real estate activity in Norfolk County in March 2026 showed positive movement in several key areas, particularly sales volume and mortgage activity, even as limited housing inventory and broader economic pressures continued to shape the market.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds recorded 8,812 documents in March 2026, a 15% increase compared to March 2025 and a 24% increase from February 2026.
“Document recordings remain strong, reflecting continued engagement with the real estate market across Norfolk County,” stated Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. “Despite broader economic uncertainty, people continue to buy, sell, refinance, and invest in property throughout the county.”
A total of 1,176 deeds were recorded in March, the same number as in March 2025 and up 24% from February 2026. Deeds recorded with consideration, which represent property sales, totaled 493, a 14% decrease compared to March 2025, though up 30% from the previous month of February 2026.
“The decline in deeds involving a sale compared to last year continues to be tied to the limited number of homes coming onto the market,” said Register O’Donnell. “Inventory constraints remain the primary factor affecting sales activity, as many homeowners are reluctant to sell and give up favorable mortgage terms secured in prior years, particularly at a time when rising fuel prices and other household costs are placing additional pressure on family budgets.”
The average sale price for all commercial and residential properties in March 2026 was $1,263,819, a 21% increase compared to March 2025 and 14% higher than February figures. Total commercial and residential real estate sales volume reached $623 million, representing a 5% increase from March 2025.
“These figures continue to show strong demand for property in Norfolk County,” Register O’Donnell noted. “Competition for a limited supply of available homes and commercial properties continues to drive prices higher, as buyers remain active in the market despite affordability challenges and increased pressure on household budgets. Norfolk County continues to be a highly desirable place to live and do business.”
Mortgage activity remained solid in March. The Registry recorded 1,667 mortgages, a 53% increase compared to March 2025 and 37% higher than February of 2026. According to The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the average mortgage interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage during March 2025 ranged between 6.63% and 6.67%, while rates in March 2026 ranged between approximately 6.00% and 6.38%.
“Mortgage activity continues to demonstrate confidence among buyers, investors, and property owners,” said Register O’Donnell. “With interest rates lower than they were a year ago, financing conditions improved for some buyers and homeowners, which likely played a significant role in the increase in mortgage filings.”
The Registry continues to closely monitor foreclosure activity. In March 2026 there were 5 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, down from 12 in March 2025. Additionally, there were 15 notices to foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, which is a decrease from the 28 recorded last year.
“There is no question that this reduction in the number of foreclosures and notices to foreclose is good news. 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 who 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.
“Overall, March’s results reflect a resilient real estate market in Norfolk County,” Register O’Donnell concluded. “Strong prices, increased mortgage activity, and steady overall registry activity highlight sustained demand, even as limited inventory and broader cost‑of‑living pressures continue to influence market conditions. We will continue to monitor these trends closely as the spring real estate season progresses.”
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The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, 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 via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
