If you hit pause on your home search last year, you weren’t alone. In 2024, nearly 70% of buyers stepped back from the real estate market due to a perfect storm: low housing inventory, rising prices, and rollercoaster mortgage rates. If you’re looking to buy or sell along the New Hampshire Seacoast or Southern Maine, we understand how frustrating the past year may have felt.
But here’s the good news: 2025 is already showing signs of a shift. And it could be the perfect time to reignite your real estate goals.
Whether you’re buying or selling, there are real opportunities unfolding right now in the Portsmouth, NH real estate market—and throughout coastal communities from Rye and Exeter to Kittery and York.
More Inventory Means More Possibilities
Over the last few years, limited inventory made it difficult for buyers to find the right home—and even harder for sellers to feel comfortable listing. Fortunately, that's changing.
According to the New England Real Estate Network (NEREN) housing inventory is up 24.1% compared to last year. That’s a big deal for both sides of the transaction:
- Sellers who were hesitant to list now see more options for their next move, whether upsizing, downsizing, or relocating.
- Buyers now have more homes to choose from, which means better matches for their budget, lifestyle, and location preferences.
If you’ve been waiting for a better selection of homes along the coast, now’s your window.
Homes Are Staying on the Market Longer (And That’s a Good Thing)
The pace of the market has also shifted—giving everyone more time to make thoughtful, informed decisions. In 2023 and early 2024, homes were flying off the market in days, making it difficult to coordinate the timing of your sale and purchase.
Today, homes along the New Hampshire Seacoast are spending more time on the market. The average time on market in February 2025 is 31 days, giving you a bit more breathing room during the search and negotiation process:
- Buyers feel less pressure to rush into an offer.
- Sellers have more flexibility to coordinate a move that works for their timeline.
- Everyone benefits from a more balanced market, especially in competitive areas like Portsmouth, NH, Dover, York, Maine, and Hampton.
As Hannah Jones, Senior Economic Research Analyst at Realtor.com, explains:
“There are more homes for sale than in the last few years, which means the market pace is a bit more manageable… Buyers may find a bit more give in the market, which could give them more time to make a decision, even in the busy spring and summer months.”
Is It Still a Good Time To Sell?
Absolutely. While inventory is on the rise, it’s still 23% lower than pre-pandemic levels. That means well-priced homes in desirable Seacoast locations are still drawing attention and moving quickly when marketed effectively.
If you’re thinking about selling, now is a great time to maximize your equity, especially before more competition hits the market later this year.
Why Now Might Be the Sweet Spot for Your Move
Spring is always a popular time for real estate activity—and this year, conditions are aligning for both buyers and sellers:
- More choices for buyers
- More flexibility in timing
- Still-strong demand for well-positioned listings
Whether you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy, or you’re thinking about listing your Seacoast home, this could be your moment to make a confident move.
Let’s Talk About Your Next Steps
The best way to navigate a changing market is with experienced, local guidance. We’re Jim Lee and Ann Cummings, full-time REALTORS® with RE/MAX Shoreline in Portsmouth, NH, and we specialize in helping clients buy and sell homes throughout the New Hampshire Seacoast and Southern Maine.
We’d love to help you understand your options and create a plan that fits your goals—whether you’re ready now or just starting to think ahead.
Explore the latest Seacoast listings and coastal living insights at New Hampshire Maine Real Estate
Call us directly at 603.436.1221 to talk about what’s happening in your local market.
Ann Cummings & Jim Lee, REALTORS, Certified Residential Specialists (CRS), Homesellers.
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