2026 CAMBRIDGE MARKET TRENDS & PREDICTIONS
What should buyers and sellers in Cambridge really expect?
Affordability gradually improved by late 2025, with inflation cooling off and homeowner equity reaching record levels. Sandrine Deschaux, a seasoned Cambridge real estate agent, ranking among the Top 10 Cambridge Selling agents and Top 100 REMAX agents in the US, shares insights on the current market trends and what's ahead in 2026.
To begin 2026, here is the current snapshot:
- The housing inventory is increasing, with 85 residential listings in Cambridge and 68 in Somerville as of early January 2026. This count does not include properties taken off the market for the holidays.
- Homes are staying on the market longer than before, averaging 44 days in Cambridge since September 2025.
- Mortgage rates are decreasing, currently at about 6.2% for a 30-year fixed loan. Rates have dropped nearly one percentage point over the past year, and we anticipate they will continue to gradually decline.
How has the Cambridge market behaved over the past year?
The volume of sales remained consistent, with 664 residential properties sold in 2025, mirroring the figures from 2024. Notably, the average sale price increased to $1,645,000, reflecting a higher number of transactions in the upper segment of the market this year. Market uncertainty associated with the current administration's policies has prompted many longtime homeowners and downsizers to sell their properties and realize their gains. The median price also rose by $80,000, reaching $1,245,000.
Although there was a slowdown in the second semester, both the average and median property values in Cambridge increased across all market segments, including single-family homes, condominiums, and multi-family properties.
The average Cambridge sale price is rising because high-priced properties are being sold in 2025.
- 103 properties sold over $2,500,000 (15% of the market) up 40% from 2024
- 15 properties sold below $500,000, similar to the year before
- 248 units sold between $500k and $1M, similar to the year before
- Most sales occur in the $1M–1.5M range (140 units) and the $1.5M–2M range (102 units), similar to the year before
Let’s look at the average sale price per market segment:
- Single-family homes represent the most active segment of the Cambridge market. This year, we successfully closed 112 sales with a median price of $2,503,000.
- Condominiums appeal to young professionals, downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. We sold 488 units this year with a median price of $975,000. The average sale price is $1,214,000. Numerous detached houses larger than 2,000 square feet were sold as condominiums because they occupy a shared lot.
- The multifamily properties median price increased by $400K to $2,165,000, likely due to Cambridge's new zoning ordinance from February 2025 permitting four-story buildings with 5' setbacks on any lot. Developers are buying property to expand portfolios, and the average sale price for a Cambridge multifamily building has reached $2,600,000.
Which Cambridge properties are the highest priced sales in 2025?
The most expensive sale this year was the outstanding luxury 55 Raymond Street, Cambridge MA 02138, a gated modern residence of contemporary craftsmanship and calm precision, offering over 11,000 SF of living space on coveted Avon Hill. It went pending within 7 days and closed at $18,000,000. It is one of the 2 properties which sold over $10M in Cambridge.
Courtesy of Gibson Sothebys.
- The average sale price for single family properties selling between $4M and 10M runs between $1,080/sf to $1180/sf
- The Residences at Charles Square, 975 Memorial Drive, recorded the highest condominium sales, with three units selling for over $6 million and above $2,100 per square foot.
How does the Cambridge market compare with neighboring towns?
Cambridge and Belmont have both demonstrated significant growth in average single-family home prices, a trend influenced by the sale of high-end properties within these markets.
Cambridge recorded an unprecedented number of transactions exceeding $3 million. In Belmont, ten single-family homes sold for over $3 million, with the highest transaction being 560 Concord Avenue, which closed at $4 million in September. Set on 1.29 prime acres atop Belmont Hill, The William E. Stowe House offers sweeping views of Boston’s skyline and a unique opportunity to own a historic estate.
Somerville and Arlington present more affordable alternatives for single-family residences, with both towns averaging a price of $1,150,000. Arlington is popular among young families, whereas Somerville tends to appeal to individuals seeking an urban lifestyle.
Is 2026 a buyer's market or Seller's market?
While Cambridge properties are taking longer to sell and need more strategic positioning, the market is still strong, but it has become more balanced, slightly favoring buyers. We expect more homes to come on the market in 2026, giving buyers a better selection and more bargaining power. Multi-offer competition exists for certain types of real estate, but not all. Affordability remains a challenge, although the luxury segment is less impacted than other areas.
What does it mean for sellers? Sellers should see a growing market with more buyers entering the marketplace, stable price growth, allowing for realistic expectations. Price positioning will remain critical to move any properties.
Steady job growth and lower rates could fuel a sales surge ahead, according to NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, NAR’s 2026 housing forecast, who is forecasting a 14% nationwide increase with home sales for 2026, following 2025’s stagnating levels.
In conclusion, 2026 is shaping up to be a better year for both sellers and buyers, offering relief for buyers and stability for sellers, though individual market conditions will vary significantly by location and price point.
Sandrine Deschaux, a Top Luxury Cambridge Advisor, to guide you.
The Sandrine Deschaux + Co group proudly represented buyers and sellers in $43M of residential sales in 2025 across Cambridge — navigating a demanding market with intention, strategy, and steady leadership. Each Cambridge home in this collection reflects thoughtful preparation, editorial-level marketing, and clear guidance that allows clients to move forward with confidence.
Sandrine Deschaux is a top Cambridge MA real estate advisor with 20 years of experience and an unmatched expertise on neighborhoods and lifestyle here in Cambridge. If you are planning to make a move in 2026, let's map out your sale ahead of time and assess your options and best strategies. Call top Cambridge MA agent, affiliated with REMAX, Sandrine Deschaux at 857.204.9872.
