Dedham, MA – Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell today released the real estate recording statistics for April 2026, which indicate strong real estate activity across Norfolk County, particularly in document recordings, deeds, and mortgage activity compared to April 2025.
The Registry of Deeds recorded 9,468 documents in April 2026, a 9% increase compared to the 8,671 documents recorded in April 2025 and a 7% increase from March 2026.
“April 2026 demonstrated robust real estate activity, particularly in the number of deeds and mortgages recorded, which make up a significant portion of the documents processed by the Registry,” noted Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. “These increases suggest that buyers and sellers remain active in the market.”
The total number of deeds recorded for April 2026, representing both commercial and residential real estate sales and transfers, was 1,424, showing an 8% increase from the 1,322 deeds recorded in April 2025 and a 21% increase from the previous month of March 2026. Looking at just real estate sales, 688 properties were sold in April 2026, an 11% increase compared to April 2025 and a significant 40% increase from March 2026.
“The data from April suggests a more active start to this year’s homebuying season compared to last year,” stated Register O’Donnell. “While economic factors such as increased food and fuel costs remain a consideration for many buyers, some improvement in listing activity has contributed to an increase in real estate sales and transfers throughout Norfolk County.”
Lending activity also remained strong in April. A total of 1,640 mortgages were recorded in April 2026, a 14% increase from the 1,443 mortgages recorded in April 2025, although slightly down 2% from March 2026.
“The rise in mortgage activity suggests continued interest in property financing,” stated Register O’Donnell. “While borrowing conditions have improved slightly from this time last year, broader economic concerns such as affordability, inflation, and job stability continue to influence how buyers approach long‑term investments, particularly first‑time homebuyers.”
The average sale price of commercial and residential properties for April 2026 was approximately $1.15 million, a 17% decrease compared to April 2025 and a 9% decrease from March 2026.
“This reduction in overall real estate prices compared to last year may offer some relief to those looking to purchase property in Norfolk County,” said Register O’Donnell. “Lower average sale prices could create new opportunities for first-time homebuyers and current homeowners looking to move who were previously priced out of the market. However, purchase prices remain high relative to past years.”
The Registry continues to closely monitor foreclosure activity. In April 2026, there were 5 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, a slight decrease from the 6 recorded in April 2025. Notices to foreclose, which represent the first step in the foreclosure process, increased to 23 in April 2026 from 20 in April 2025.
“Any reduction in foreclosure activity is positive news,” said Register O’Donnell. “With that said, we must remember that foreclosure activity has a human impact, and there are still a number of our neighbors who have lost their homes, and even more are dangerously close to losing their homes. 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, “April’s real estate activity reflects a market that remains active, with steady transaction levels across several key indicators. Norfolk County continues to be a desirable place to live and work, and despite fluctuations in the broader economy, the local real estate market has shown strength through continued property sales, solid mortgage activity, and pricing adjustments that may help improve affordability.”