Market Pulse: January 2026

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The Big Picture

Confidence is climbing as we enter the first quarter. Both buyer and seller traffic expectations have seen year-over-year gains, signaling a more active spring market than last year.

Buyer Dynamics

• First-Time Buyers: Represented 31% of the market, up from 28% last year, likely buoyed by improved affordability.

• Contingencies: A notable shift toward a balanced market is emerging. Buyers waiving inspections dropped to 12% (from 18% last year), and waived appraisals fell to 15%.

• Cash is King: All-cash sales remain a significant force at 27%.

  

  

  
  

  

  

  
  

  

  
  

 

Seller Insights

• Offer Velocity: Homes are receiving an average of 2.2 offers, down from 2.6 a year ago—suggesting a less frantic pace for high-end acquisitions.

• Price Resilience: Despite more breathing room for buyers, 16% of homes are still selling above list price.

• Time to Close: The median “days to close” remains steady at a crisp 30 days.
  

  Open the full report here

The “Quick Snapshot” Edit: 2026 Spring Outlook 🥂

The January market data is in, and the narrative is shifting. For my clients navigating the upper-end market, the “frantic” era is evolving into one of calculated opportunity.

The takeaway: Buyer confidence is up, yet the market is finding its balance. We’re seeing a significant drop in waived contingencies—inspections and appraisals are back on the table for many. This is a win for buyers seeking due diligence without losing the deal.

By the numbers:

• 31% of the market is now driven by first-time buyers.

• 27% of transactions remain all-cash.

• 12% only are waiving inspections (a 6-point drop from last year).

  

In Boston’s luxury corridors, quality inventory remains the priority. Whether you’re eyeing a Beacon Hill brownstone or a Seaport penthouse, the data suggests a more “civilized” negotiation environment this season.

Ready to find your next chapter? Let’s look at the inventory together.

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If you want to know exactly how much inventory is available in your specific Greater Boston neighborhood, reach out today.