Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell recently released the real estate recording statistics for May, 2026, which indicate a slowdown in real estate activity across Norfolk County compared to May, 2025, with declines seen in several key indicators including sales volume, average sale prices, and mortgage activity.

The Registry of Deeds recorded 9,415 documents in May, 2026, a 2% decrease compared to the 9,628 documents recorded in May, 2025, and a slight 1% decrease from April, 2026.

“May, 2026 reflects a lower level of real estate activity compared to last year,”  Register of Deeds O’Donnell said. “While overall document recordings remained relatively stable, the yearoveryear decline suggests a market that is adjusting to ongoing economic pressures and a limited inventory of available properties.”

The total number of deeds recorded for May, 2026, representing both commercial and residential real estate sales and transfers, was 1,462, a 2% decrease from the 1,494 deeds recorded in May, 2025, but a 3% increase from April, 2026. Looking at just real estate sales, 773 properties were sold in May, 2026, representing a 6% decrease compared to May, 2025.

“Although transaction volume improved over April of 2026, this spring market has not matched the level seen in May of 2025,” Register O’Donnell stated. “Elevated interest rates and affordability challenges continue to restrict both buyers and sellers.”

Lending activity also declined in May. A total of 1,511 mortgages were recorded in May, 2026, a 2% decrease from the 1,542 mortgages recorded in May, 2025, and an 8% decrease from April, 2026. Total mortgage indebtedness was approximately $1.25 billion, a 14% decrease compared to May, 2025, but a 10% increase from April, 2026.

“The decrease in mortgage activity, along with a significant drop in total mortgage indebtedness compared to last year, reflects a more cautious lending environment,” Register O’Donnell said. “Interest rates and overall borrowing costs remain key factors affecting financing decisions.”

The total value of commercial and residential sales recorded in May, 2026, was approximately $926 million, a 19% decrease from the $1.14 billion recorded in May, 2025, but a 17% increase from April, 2026. The average sale price for all property types was approximately $1.19 million, a 14% decrease compared to May, 2025, but a 4% increase from April, 2026.

“While overall property values remain historically elevated, the decrease appears to reflect a combination of fewer high-value transactions, softness in the commercial real estate sector, and increased sensitivity to affordability among buyers,” Register O’Donnell explained. “According to Redfin, market data residential home prices have remained relatively stable year-over-year, with countywide data showing only minimal price movement in May.”

The Registry continues to closely monitor foreclosure activity. In May, 2026, there were 2 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, unchanged from May, 2025. Notices to foreclose, which represent the first step in the foreclosure process, increased to 28 in May, 2026, from 26 in May, 2025.

“While foreclosure deeds remain low, the increase in notices to foreclose is something we are watching closely,” said Register O’Donnell. “Foreclosure activity has a real impact on families and communities, and we want residents to know that resources are available if they are facing financial hardship.”

“Overall, the May, 2026, recording data shows a market that is moving at a slower pace than last year,” Register O’Donnell concluded. “Affordability challenges, higher borrowing costs, and a limited supply of available properties are all continuing to weigh on activity. At the same time, the drop in total sales value and average sale price seems to be driven more by fewer highend and commercial transactions, rather than any broad decline in residential home values, which have remained relatively steady. As we move into the summer months, we hope to see the homebuying season pick up steam.”

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High St., in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, 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].