Greater Boston Housing Market Sees Healthy Sales In July Despite Limited Inventory, Record High Prices

BOSTON, Aug. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In July, the Greater Boston housing market was extremely active as buyer confidence continues to soar among a thriving economy, local job market and record-high prices for both the single-family and condominium markets, according to data from the Greater Boston Association of REALTORS® (GBAR).

Although there was a softening in sales totals from record highs last July, each marketplace finished with above average sales volume for the month. The single-family detached home sales dropped on an annual basis for the first time in thirteen months as 1,596 units were sold in Greater Boston. This total is a 16.1 percent decrease from the all-time record high sales total of 1,903 homes sold last year and is the fifth highest sales total for July. The condo market experienced a 17.4 percent decline in sales from 1,377 in July 2015 to 1,137 last month and marked the seventh highest sales total for the month of July.

"Limited inventory and easing of demand from record numbers a year ago has led to this decline, however sales figures remain well above average for the month of July," said GBAR President Andrew Sarno, Broker Associate with RE/MAX Andrew Realty Services in Medford. "Last year's record-high was slightly inflated by the slow spring market and we are pleased with the continued activity and consumer confidence we've experienced this summer. Frankly, the level of activity we've seen is exceptional given where prices are, however we are beginning to see some buyers get priced out at the entry level."

The single-family median sales price rose a modest 4.5 percent from $550,000 in July 2015 to $575,000 last month. This represented the twenty-second consecutive month that the single-family median sales price has improved as well as an all-time record high median sales price.  Likewise, the condo market median sales price increased 7.6 percent to $495,000 up from $460,000 in July 2015, setting a new record-high for July.

"Desirability to live in Greater Boston remains strong but entry-level buyers in particular are finding their home search to take more time as they struggle to find a home they can afford," said Sarno. "At the same time, many home owners continue to take advantage of the equity in their homes and either trade up or downsize, which keeps the market active across the full range of prices."

The inventory shortage continues to plague Greater Boston as again the largest statistical change came with the falling inventory numbers. In the single-family market, inventory dropped 23.1 percent from 3,706 homes for sale in July 2015 to 2,850 last month. Similarly, the condo market inventory took a 23 percent hit with 1,457 condos on the market last month compared to 1,893 from July 2015. As a result of short supply, pending sales dropped 6.6 percent in the single family market from 1,282 to 1,198 and experienced a 6 percent drop from 964 in July 2016 to 906 last month in the condo market.

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SOURCE Greater Boston Association of REALTORS(R)

Related Links

http://www.gbar.org