N
ew Hampshire’s single‑family median price rose to $550,000 in August, the second‑highest level of 2025. The figure is only $3,000 above July’s $547,000 but $47,500 above January’s $502,500. June’s peak of $569,450 remains the state’s all‑time high. Susan Cole, NHAR president, says the market remains a seller’s market, driven by strong demand and limited inventory, though the pace of price growth is slowing.

    County‑level data show uneven trends. Grafton, Carroll, Cheshire and Merrimack counties experienced notable gains, while Belknap and Strafford counties saw cooling. Even within counties, town‑level variation persists. Nationwide, some metros such as Austin, Dallas, Oakland, San Antonio, Tampa and West Palm Beach are reporting year‑over‑year declines, but the U.S. median sale price still rose 2.9% in July—its lowest increase since 2012.

    Cole notes that sellers in higher‑end markets are trimming asking prices, and price hikes have decelerated from 10% in winter to 3‑4% in recent months. Whether the trend continues hinges on economic conditions and inventory levels.

    In August, Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed a package of housing bills aimed at boosting supply. The legislation includes:

    - HB 428: a uniform statewide building code to cut red tape and improve safety.

    - HB 457: bans municipal restrictions on occupancy or household composition.

    - HB 577: expands rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

    - HB 631: permits conversion of underused commercial properties into housing.

    - SB 153: imposes a 60‑day deadline for driveway permits on multifamily projects.

    - SB 173: adjusts property‑tax assessments for low‑income housing credit projects.

    - SB 188: authorizes third‑party inspectors to speed inspections.

    - SB 281: eases construction along non‑maintained roads.

    - SB 282: allows mid‑size residential buildings with a single staircase under modern fire standards.

    - SB 283: modernizes zoning by removing outdated space and height limits.

    - SB 284: relaxes parking requirements for new housing.

    Ayotte said the reforms streamline permitting, cut red tape, and expand construction opportunities, helping keep New Hampshire competitive. Some local officials, such as Newington’s selectmen, worry that HB 631 erodes local zoning control and could strain services. Newington’s August median price was $855,000.

    NHAR data show closed sales up 5% this summer versus 2024, with inventory at its highest since 2020. Yet the state still has only 2.4 months of supply—half of the 6 months considered balanced—indicating persistent demand.

    Year‑to‑date median prices (single‑family):

    - Jan $502,500

    - Feb $512,500

    - Mar $525,000

    - Apr $530,000

    - May $540,000

    - Jun $569,450

    - Jul $547,000

    - Aug $550,000

    August county medians:

    - Belknap $502,000

    - Carroll $570,000

    - Cheshire $377,500

    - Coos $275,000

    - Grafton $441,500

    - Hillsborough $586,000

    - Merrimack $527,500

    - Rockingham $689,000

    - Strafford $520,000

    - Sullivan $410,000

    - Statewide $550,000

    Townhouse/condo medians (Aug):

    - Belknap $520,000

    - Carroll $334,500

    - Cheshire $320,000

    - Coos — (no sales)

    - Grafton $351,500

    - Hillsborough $375,000

    - Merrimack $335,251

    - Rockingham $530,000

    - Strafford $532,375

    - Sullivan $417,000

    - Statewide $415,000

    The upcoming Housing and Economy Conference on Oct 16 in Concord will feature panels on local strategies for housing development and showcase successful community projects. The event underscores the importance of local action in addressing the state’s housing shortage.