REGIONAL – In the hunt for a scapegoat for the high and rising prices of homes in this area, look no further than the current inventory of homeowners who are not putting their homes on the market because:
– People like living here on the North Shore and don’t want to leave,
– Although they could make a bundle in selling their house, with rising prices, many fear they can’t afford to buy another home here.
Nationally, the Northeast showed the lowest gain last year among the other regions in housing inventory at 6.6 percent. The West led the U.S. in inventory growth at 12.2 percent, followed by the Midwest at 10.3 percent and the South at 10.1 percent,
Since 2010, the Commonwealth has often ranked as the fastest-growing in the Northeast, with its population increasing by 5.3 percent to 7.4 percent in various analyses. The growth comes from steady immigration and a slowing of the outmigration. While residents continue to leave for the Northeast, the rate has slowed, with a loss of 192,109 in 2024 compared to 278,245 in 2023.
A look at the housing market in several North Shore communities, as provided by Realtor.com.
Amesbury has 32 homes currently for sale. That is considered limited inventory, which keeps competition high among potential buyers. The median home price is at $629,450. And from last year to now, the days a house sits on the market rose by 40 percent signaling a slower sales pace.
Georgetown has 10 homes on the market with a median home sale price of about $1 million. Homes for sale have seen faster turnover, with year-over-year days on market down 4.48 percent. Year-over-year price momentum is evident, with the median sale price is up 8.01 percent.
Ipswich is in a sellers’ market with 23 homes for sale, indicating a relatively tight inventory that is intensifying competition among buyers. The median home sale price is $1,099,950. Homes for sale average days on market have risen year-over-year by 125.64 percent, signaling a slower pace.
Newbury’s housing market features a median home sale price of $1.1 million, and the average days on the market has declined from last year by almost 30 percent, signaling faster turnover.
Newburyport is a tight housing inventory, with less than two months of supply available as of mid-2025. There is high demand with median home prices exceeding $1 million in late 2025, particularly in areas like High Street. The Inventory remains low with 24 to 55 homes on the market. Homes are moving relatively fast, often in under 65 days, reflecting a competitive seller’s market.
Rowley has 15 homes for sale, indicating a relatively tight supply. Its median home sale price is $885,450, and the price growth is at 6.81 percent. The average days on the market have declined year-over-year by 3.77 percent, a faster selling pace. The median sale price shows a month-over-month increase of 11 percent, signaling rising values that can motivate sellers to consider listing while prompting buyers to move quickly.
In recent months, the Salisbury housing market features roughly 40-50 active listings, with a median listing price around $749,900, showing a competitive, high-cost market. Inventory has recently seen an increase of over 11 percent year-over-year. The market is dominated by single-family homes, with many properties in the beach area being seasonal.
According to Frank Bertolino with The North Shore Realty, one of the most active brokers in Salisbury and surrounding communities, “Salisbury’s housing market is healthy and active, with steady price growth, relatively quick sales and strong buyer interest, especially for well-priced homes.” ©
