Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that real estate activity in Norfolk County remained strong in October, 2025, with increases in document recordings and property transactions compared to last year.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds recorded a total of 10,436 documents in October, 2025, an 8% increase from October, 2024 and a 10% increase from September, 2025.

“The increase in overall document recordings compared to last October is a strong indicator of continued engagement in the real estate market,” Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell said. “This continued engagement and momentum in the market reflects confidence among buyers, sellers, and lenders. It is also worth noting that October saw an increase over September, which is a positive sign as we move deeper into the fall season.”

The total number of deeds recorded for October, 2025, which includes both commercial and residential real estate sales and transfers, was 1,605, up 12% from October, 2024 and 15% higher than September, 2025. Looking at just real estate sales, 788 properties were sold in October, a 4% increase compared to last year and 15% higher than September.

“The year-over-year growth in property sales highlights that the market remains active,” Register O’Donnell noted. “Buyers and sellers continue to move forward with transactions despite broader economic conditions. This steady level of activity demonstrates confidence in Norfolk County’s real estate landscape and reinforces its reputation as a desirable place to live and work.”

Lending activity also showed strong performance. A total of 1,830 mortgages were recorded in October, 2025, up 21% from October, 2024 and 25% higher than September, 2025. The total dollar amount of mortgage indebtedness recorded in October was $1,116,754,454, a 36% increase compared to October, 2024, though down 13% from September, 2025.

“The increase in mortgage recordings and the significant year-over-year rise in total mortgage indebtedness reflect continued investment in real estate,” Register O’Donnell said. “These figures show that many residents are successfully securing financing and making substantial commitments to homeownership and property improvements.” 

The average sale price of commercial and residential properties in October, 2025 was $1,026,391.55, a 10% decrease from October, 2024, but 6% higher than September, 2025. The total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales in October was $808.8 million, down 6% compared to October, 2024, but up 22% from September.

“This reduction in overall real estate prices compared to last year at this time may offer some relief to those looking to purchase property in Norfolk County going into the fall months,” Register O’Donnell said. “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.”

The foreclosure market in Norfolk County saw positive developments during October, 2025. There were five foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, down from the eight recorded in October, 2024. Notices to foreclose also declined with 21 notices recorded in October this year compared to 32 during the same time period last year.

“Any reduction in foreclosure activity is positive news,” Register O’Donnell said. “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.

“The positive trends we have seen in October underscore the resilience and continued desirability of Norfolk County as a place to live, work, and invest,” Register O’Donnell said. “Despite fluctuations in the broader economy, the local real estate market has shown strength across key indicators, including property sales, mortgage activity, and pricing stability. This momentum reflects confidence in our communities, and as we move toward the end of the year, we hope to see this progress continue.”

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, “like” them on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds or follow on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at 781-461-6101 or email [email protected].