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ew Hampshire's residential housing market is sizzling in the first half of 2025, with sales booming and prices skyrocketing. The median-sales price has increased by 5.9% compared to the same period last year, according to data from the New Hampshire Association of Realtors (NHAR). Grafton and Cheshire Counties saw the largest increases, while Sullivan County is the only county that saw a decrease in median price.

    The statewide median price for a single-family home reached a record-breaking $565,000 in June, a 4.6% increase from the previous high of $540,000 set in June 2024. This marks the 65th consecutive month of monthly price increases compared to the same month of the prior year.

    Demand for housing remains extremely high, with homes selling quickly and often above asking price. In Manchester, a strong share of homes are selling above list price (58.8%), and the median time for homes to spend on the market is just seven days.

    However, affordability continues to be a significant challenge in the state. To afford the current median-priced house of $565,000, a household income of more than $180,000 would be required, while the median household income in the state is about $98,000. The affordability index for June stands at 53, meaning the average earning household only has about half the money needed to afford a home in this market.

    The NHAR credits the 2025 legislative session and Gov. Kelly Ayotte for initiatives aimed at improving the housing situation in the state, including streamlining the permitting process and allowing residential development in commercially zoned areas. However, more needs to be done to address the affordability crisis.

    A new report from Realtor.com highlights the impact of capital gains tax on homeowners in New Hampshire. With 50% of homeowners having more home equity than the IRS allows to be excluded from capital gains tax, many are facing a "stay-put penalty," where they delay listing their homes due to fear of triggering a big tax bill.

    Here is a snapshot of the median single-family home prices for each county in June:

    * Belknap: $567,450

    * Carroll: $510,000

    * Cheshire: $425,250

    * Coos: $260,000

    * Grafton: $499,500

    * Hillsborough: $570,000

    * Merrimack: $503,000

    * Rockingham: $710,000

    * Strafford: $590,000

    * Sullivan: $372,500

    And here are the June median prices for a condo:

    * Belknap: $329,000

    * Carroll: $310,000

    * Cheshire: $290,000

    * Coos: $541,700

    * Grafton: $399,000

    * Hillsborough: $399,500

    * Merrimack: $412,500

    * Rockingham: $526,000

    * Strafford: $370,000

    * Sullivan: $355,000