South Shore Real Estate Market Overview: August 2025 – February 2026

If you’ve been watching national real estate headlines, you might assume buyer demand has cooled significantly. But real estate has always been local — and here on the South Shore, the story is far more nuanced.

Our latest South Shore single-family housing report, covering August 3, 2025 through February 3, 2026, shows a market that remains active, competitive, and full of opportunity — even through the winter months.

Why Winter Didn’t Slow Buyer Demand on the South Shore

As we highlighted in "Snow on the Ground, Buyers on the Move," winter conditions haven’t sidelined serious buyers. In fact, winter buyers tend to be more prepared, more decisive, and more motivated.

That trend continued across the South Shore. Buyers remained active in towns offering strong schools, commuter access, lifestyle appeal, and long-term value.

Town-by-Town South Shore Real Estate Highlights

Hingham Real Estate Market Update

Hingham remains one of the most competitive markets on the South Shore. Limited inventory and consistent demand continue to support strong pricing, particularly near downtown, the harbor, and commuter rail access.

Cohasset Real Estate Trends

Cohasset continues to attract buyers seeking coastal charm and a true small-town feel. Well-maintained homes in prime locations are still commanding premium attention, even as buyers become more selective.

Norwell Housing Market Snapshot

Norwell stands out for buyers prioritizing space, privacy, and top-tier schools. Move-in-ready homes priced correctly are performing especially well compared to higher-inventory surrounding towns.

Hanover MA Real Estate Overview

Hanover remains a strong value option for South Shore buyers looking for flexibility on price without sacrificing location. Updated homes in established neighborhoods continue to see steady demand.

Scituate Real Estate & Coastal Demand

Scituate remains a lifestyle-driven market. Coastal properties and homes near the harbor or village areas consistently attract competition, reinforcing Scituate’s long-term desirability.

Hull MA Real Estate Market Insight

Hull’s unique coastal setting and proximity to Boston continue to draw both primary homeowners and second-home buyers looking for an alternative to city living.

Why Pricing Strategy Matters More in 2026

Buyers today have more choices than they did a year ago — and that has shifted the market dynamic.

Prices aren’t collapsing, but pricing and presentation now matter more than ever.

Homes that are priced accurately, marketed professionally, and aligned with buyer expectations are still selling quickly. Homes that miss the mark are sitting longer or requiring price adjustments.

This is no longer a “list high and see what happens” market. It’s a strategy-driven market that rewards preparation, local knowledge, and data-backed pricing.

What Today’s Market Means for Buyers and Sellers

For sellers:
The South Shore remains a strong place to sell, particularly in Hingham, Cohasset, Norwell, Hanover, Scituate, and Hull — but success depends on strategy, not luck.

For buyers:
Opportunities still exist, especially during winter and early spring. Buyers who understand town-level trends and act decisively can gain leverage before competition increases.

South Shore Real Estate Outlook: What to Watch Next

Despite national headlines, the South Shore real estate market continues to show resilience. Buyers are active, sellers are rewarded for smart decisions, and well-positioned homes are still moving.

At The Charles King Group, we track these shifts daily so our clients can move confidently — whether buying, selling, or planning ahead.

All data sourced from MLSPIN and reflects single-family home sales from August 3, 2025 through February 3, 2026.

FAQ

Is the South Shore real estate market slowing down in 2026?
No — while buyers are more selective, demand remains strong in desirable South Shore towns, especially for well-priced homes.

Which South Shore towns are seeing the most buyer activity?
Hingham, Cohasset, Norwell, Scituate, Hanover, and Hull continue to attract consistent interest due to location, schools, and lifestyle appeal.

Is winter a good time to buy a home on the South Shore?
Yes. Winter buyers often face less competition and can find opportunities not available during peak spring markets.

How should sellers price their homes in today’s market?
Accurate, data-driven pricing is critical. Homes priced correctly from day one perform far better than those listed aggressively.

Should I wait to sell my South Shore home?
That depends on your goals, timeline, and neighborhood trends. A local market analysis can help you decide.