What Will The MA Real Estate Market Look Like In 2026?

MASSACHUSETTS — If there's anything consistent about life in Massachusetts post-COVID, it's that the housing market will continue to get more expensive.

In 2025, year-to-date prices for single-family homes have continued to rise, with experts from the Warren Group finding that, in their latest report, home prices have risen 3 percent so far this year.

In Greater Boston, the median single-family home price is now $800,000, as of October, a nearly 5 percent rise for the region.

Though condo prices locally haven't risen, they also haven't dropped, essentially mirroring the figures from 2024.

So what should buyers expect as we head into 2026? Here's what we're seeing:

Pushing Out From The City

A new Realtor.com report has identified 10 regional markets across the country that are expected to see major growth in the new year.

As you may have expected, most of those are in the Northeast, and one is in Massachusetts.

Congratulations, Worcester, maybe you'll be the city of the moment.

Realtor.com researchers expect Worcester to have a 15 percent growth in 2026, a figure made up by combining the percentages of existing home sales and median sale price.

Those who follow area real estate trends won't be surprised to see Providence close behind at a projected 11.2 percent.

Price tag is everything in these markets. Though locals to both Providence and Worcester — this editor included — will tell you that, emphatically, these home markets are not cheap, relative to Boston, they're a "deal."

Have fun with that.

Are There Really Deals To Be Had In Boston

Boston.com spoke to a number of area realtors and they say the answer is yes, though again, all of this is capital R relative.

One agent told the publication that, inside the city, buyers can look to Hyde Park, Roslindale, Dorchester, Mattapan, and parts of East Boston.

The MetroWest has also proven to be an option for some buyers, though prices can vary drastically from community to community.

Read the full report here.

State Gets Involved?

Of course, it's easy to argue this has already happened with the MBTA Communities Act and, on Cape Cod, officials declaring a housing crisis.

However, as Banker and Tradesman reports, there a clear signs of a "vibe shift" in Massachusetts real estate coming from Beacon Hill.

Senate President Karen Spilka has spoken at length about housing challenges. Sen. Julian Cyr, Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing, is one of the voices for Cape Cod and the Islands fighting for a solution there.

And about the MBTA Communities Act, though communities were initially hesitant when it came to compliance, at least 165 cities and towns have created some level of zoning for multifamily housing, the publication said.

Read the full report here.