With the first quarter of 2025 behind us, we've dug into the closed sales data for Newburyport, MA, comparing Q1 2024 to Q1 2025. As your hyper-local realtors, we're excited to share what the numbers reveal as of April 9, 2025—insights on prices, sales activity, and time on market that matter to buyers and sellers in our coastal treasure. Drawing from this data, plus a nod to our earlier “Newburyport, MA Winter Market Unveiled: 2024 VS. 2025” blog, here’s your guide to the spring market ahead.
Median Sale Prices: A Subtle Shift from 2024 to 2025
In Q1 2024, Newburyport’s single-family homes boasted a median sale price of $984,200 across 27 closings, reflecting a vibrant mix from entry-level to luxury properties. Condominiums clocked in at $625,000 with 22 sales, spanning starter units to premium offerings. Fast forward to Q1 2025, and the story evolves: single-family homes dipped to $949,900 over 25 sales—a 3.5% drop—while condos rose to $650,000 across 27 closings, up 4%. These shifts echo our winter findings, where the citywide median fell 10% from $945,000 (28 sales) in Jan-Feb 2024 to $849,900 (39 sales) in Jan-Feb 2025.
This softening in single-family prices suggests a cooling from last year’s heat, while condo gains hint at sustained demand in that segment. Sellers might need to recalibrate expectations, especially for homes, but buyers could find fresh opportunities as spring unfolds.
Sales Volume: Steady Growth in Activity
Newburyport’s market stayed active across both years. Q1 2024 saw 49 total sales—27 single-family and 22 condos—while Q1 2025 nudged up to 52, with condos climbing to 27 and single-family easing to 25. This mirrors the winter surge, where sales jumped 39% from 28 to 39, driven by condos nearly doubling from 9 to 22. Single-family held steady then too, much like now.
The uptick underscores our town’s year-round appeal—historic homes and waterfront condos alike keep drawing interest. Sellers can take heart in this resilience, while buyers enjoy a broader palette of options, especially in the condo space.
Days on Market: A More Relaxed Pace in 2025
Time on market tells a tale of transition. In Q1 2024, single-family homes sold in a zippy 14 days, and condos averaged 20—brisk signs of a hot market. By Q1 2025, single-family stretched to 27 days, and condos ticked to 21, a slower rhythm than last year’s frenzy. Our winter data saw an even bigger jump, from 31.5 days in Jan-Feb 2024 to 44.4 in 2025, reflecting seasonal slowdowns.
This shift means sellers should brace for a bit more patience, while buyers gain room to breathe and weigh their choices—a welcome change as we head into spring.
Mortgage Rates: A Potential Game-Changer
Here’s a twist worth watching: mortgage rates. As of April 9, 2025, they’ve eased from 2024’s ~7% to 6%-6.2%, thanks to cooling inflation and Fed hints at cuts. If rates drop to 5.5% by May—as some signals suggest—it could spark more than just buyer savings. Lower rates might nudge homeowners off the sidelines, boosting listing volume. Imagine more single-family homes and condos hitting the market, amplifying options and competition. For sellers, that’s a bigger audience; for buyers, it’s a richer selection.
What It Means for You
Sellers: Q1 2025’s single-family median of $949,900—down from $984,200—and condos at $650,000 signal a market where pricing smartly is key, especially with days on market creeping up. Highlight your property’s unique draw—coastal proximity or urban charm—and list by spring’s peak (March-April) to catch the wave. If rates hit 5.5%, expect more listings to join you, so standing out will matter even more.
Buyers: With 52 closings in Q1 2025 versus 49 in 2024, and prices shifting—$949,900 for single-family, $650,000 for condos—you’ve got more to explore than last year’s tighter field. Condo seekers, in particular, have a thriving market—be ready to act on standouts. A potential 5.5% rate could widen your budget and the inventory, so stay nimble.
Spring’s on the Horizon—What’s Next?
As spring approaches, anticipate a lift in listings and energy, fueled by Newburyport’s timeless appeal—its waterfront, lifestyle, and community spirit. Q1 2025’s balanced vibe, paired with falling rates, sets the stage for a dynamic season. A drop to 5.5% could supercharge that, bringing more homes into play and accelerating the market’s pulse.
Partner with a Newburyport Expert
Navigating this market—whether selling for top value or hunting the perfect home—doesn’t have to feel daunting. We're here with deep local know-how to guide you to your best outcome. Ready to make your spring move in Newburyport? Let’s connect and turn your real estate goals into reality—reach out to Rick & Cristine Zaniboni today!
Data from MLSPIN Q1 2024/2025 files and Jan-Feb blog. Mortgage insights as of April 9, 2025.
