Is 2026 The Year to Make The Move?

If you've been sitting on the sidelines — watching the market, waiting for the "right time," and wondering if the stars will ever align — here's some encouraging news: for southern New Hampshire homeowners thinking about selling, 2026 is shaping up to be a very compelling year to make your move.

Let's break down why.

Your Home Is Worth More Than Ever

Home values in New Hampshire have been on a steady upward climb for years, and that trend hasn't reversed. The average home value in the state now sits at approximately $504,000 — up 3.5% over the past year alone. If you purchased your home five, ten, or fifteen years ago, there's a strong chance you're sitting on a significant amount of equity.

That equity is real money. It's your down payment on the next chapter — whether that's upsizing, downsizing, relocating, or finally making that lifestyle change you've been putting off.

The Market Still Strongly Favors Sellers

Here's a stat that tells you everything you need to know: in New Hampshire, homes are currently going under contract in around seven days and still selling at, or over, 100% of asking price. Read that again — sellers are still routinely getting more than they list for.

Why? Because inventory remains historically tight. New Hampshire has less than two months of housing supply right now, compared to a healthy "balanced" market of five to six months. That means buyers are still competing for a limited pool of homes. Well-priced, well-presented properties in southern NH are not sitting — they're moving fast and often with multiple offers.

If you've been worried about listing your home and having it sit on the market, the current data should put your mind at ease.

Mortgage Rates Are More Favorable Than Last Year

Yes, mortgage rates are still above where they were during the pandemic — but here's the thing: they're meaningfully better than they were in 2023 and 2024, when rates were hovering above 7%. As of mid-March 2026, the 30-year fixed rate is sitting around 6.1%, down more than half a percentage point compared to this time last year.

That drop matters for the buyers who will be purchasing your home. More affordable borrowing means a larger, more motivated pool of buyers — which is good news for you as a seller.

Forecasts suggest rates will likely hover in the 6% to 6.1% range for the rest of 2026, with the possibility of dipping lower if the Federal Reserve moves to cut rates later in the year. If that happens, buyer demand could surge — and competition for homes like yours could increase even further.

The "Lock-In Effect" Is Starting to Loosen

One of the biggest forces holding back the housing market in recent years has been what economists call the "lock-in effect" — homeowners with pandemic-era mortgage rates of 2.5% to 4.5% who were understandably reluctant to trade those rates for today's higher ones.

That reluctance is starting to ease. Life doesn't pause for interest rates. Growing families, empty nesters, job changes, relationship changes, retirement plans — these things move on their own timeline. More and more homeowners in southern NH are deciding that waiting for a return to 3% rates isn't a realistic strategy, and that the right move is the one that fits their life right now.

In fact, industry experts are anticipating more sellers entering the market this spring — which means if you want to maximize your advantage, listing sooner rather than later keeps you ahead of that wave.

Southern NH: A Market With Momentum

Southern New Hampshire continues to benefit from powerful long-term tailwinds. Southern NH communities remain highly desirable for Massachusetts commuters and remote workers alike — offering more space, lower taxes, and a quality of life that's hard to match at comparable price points south of the border.

That steady demand from out-of-state buyers and MA transplants isn't going away. It's a structural feature of our market, not a temporary trend. And it means that when you list your home here, you're not just marketing to local buyers — you're casting a much wider net.

So... Is 2026 Your Year?

Only you can answer that question — but the market data makes a compelling case. Home values are strong. Inventory is low. Buyers are active. Rates are improving. And the spring selling season is right around the corner.

If you've been telling yourself "maybe next year" for a while now, it might be worth asking: what exactly are you waiting for?

The best moves aren't always the ones made at the perfect moment — they're the ones made with good information and a clear plan. If you're curious about what your home is worth in today's market, or you just want to talk through your options with no pressure, we'd love to hear from you.

Market data referenced in this post reflects conditions as of March 2026. Real estate markets are local and change frequently. Contact us for the most current information specific to your neighborhood and home.