Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today (10/22/26) released the real estate statistics for the third quarter of 2026 (July, August, and September), which reflected a market balancing continued demand for property with ongoing affordability and financing challenges. While property sales, property values, and mortgage activity showed modest increases compared to the third quarter of 2025, higher levels of foreclosure-related filings illustrated some of the financial pressures facing homeowners and prospective buyers.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds recorded 30,440 documents during the third quarter of 2026, a 1% increase compared to the 30,209 documents recorded during the same period in 2025. July had the highest level of recording activity during the quarter, with 11,065 documents recorded.
“The third quarter statistics reflect a market that continues to balance demand for property with ongoing affordability challenges,” stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. “While several key indicators showed modest increases compared to last year, higher borrowing costs and broader economic pressures continued to influence real estate activity throughout Norfolk County.”
The number of deeds recorded during the third quarter of 2026, representing both commercial and residential real estate transfers, totaled 4,676, a 1% increase compared to the 4,612 deeds recorded during the third quarter of 2025. Deeds recorded for consideration, which represent actual sales, totaled 2,560, a 3% increase compared to the 2,497 property sales recorded during the third quarter of 2025. July recorded the highest number of property sales during the quarter, with 998 deeds recorded for consideration.
“The increase in sales activity compared to the third quarter of last year suggests that demand for Norfolk County real estate remains present despite the challenges facing buyers in today's market,” said Register O'Donnell. “At the same time, activity varied significantly from month to month, indicating that real estate activity cooled more noticeably toward the end of the quarter despite being what is traditionally one of the busiest periods of the year for the housing market.”
The total value of commercial and residential real estate sales during the third quarter of 2026 was approximately $2.97 billion, a 5% increase compared to the $2.84 billion recorded during the same period in 2025. The average sale price for commercial and residential properties was $1,160,457, a 2% increase from the third quarter of 2025. August recorded the highest average sale price of the quarter at $1,177,803.
“Property values continued to rise during the quarter, compounding affordability challenges facing many buyers,” noted Register O'Donnell. “While that reflects continued demand for Norfolk County real estate, it makes it much harder for first-time homebuyers to enter the market and more difficult for existing homeowners to move up to larger homes.”
During the third quarter of 2026, a total of 4,811 mortgages were recorded, a 2% increase compared to the 4,697 mortgages recorded during the third quarter of 2025. Total mortgage indebtedness increased 16%, rising from approximately $4.7 billion during the third quarter of 2025 to approximately $5.5 billion during the third quarter of 2026.
“Mortgage activity remained relatively steady during the third quarter. However, higher average interest rates remain a significant factor shaping today's real estate market,” stated Register O'Donnell. “While buyers and businesses remain active, higher borrowing costs continue to affect purchasing power and influence financing decisions.”
The Registry continues to closely monitor foreclosure activity. During the third quarter of 2026, 21 foreclosure deeds were recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, compared to 12 recorded during the third quarter of 2025. Notices to foreclose, which represent the first step in the foreclosure process, increased to 95 during the third quarter of 2026 from 81 during the same period last year.
“The increase in the number of foreclosure deeds and notices to foreclose is troubling. It also could suggest that more of our neighbors may have financial difficulties in the future especially in this rising interest rate environment,” said Register O'Donnell. “We all experience unforeseen events in our lives, and sometimes events beyond our control can have devastating emotional and financial effects, so 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, “The third quarter statistics reflect a market that remains active but faces continuing pressures. Year-over-year gains in property sales, property values, and mortgage activity indicate that demand for Norfolk County real estate remains present. However, affordability concerns, elevated borrowing costs, and increases in foreclosure-related filings demonstrate that challenges remain.”
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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.
