6 month forecast of real estate in the Lakes Region

As we celebrate the Fourth of July this weekend, it’s amazing to think our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Spectacular firework shows against stunning backdrops will be occurring everywhere. All sorts of unusual and one-off ways will highlight American history, ingenuity, and diversity throughout the country. This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment in history where Americans can come together, putting aside any differences, and celebrate 250 years of nationhood. We are so lucky and fortunate to be living in such a great country, state, and our beautiful Lakes Region.

As we enter the second half of 2026 in the Lakes Region, let’s take a look at how the real estate market performed in the Lakes Region for the first six months of 2026 compared to the same six months back in 2025.

Lakes Region home sales data

Jan. 1, 2026 to June 29, 2026 versus Jan. 1, 2025 to June 29, 2025

Single-family homes:

If you take the 25 towns and cities comprising the Lakes Region during the period Jan. 1, 2026, to June 29, 2026, (including waterfront), there were 539 single-family home sales with $436,811,636 in total sales volume. The median sales price was $535,000. Median days on market was 16. The lowest sales price was $120,000 in Franklin. The highest was $12.3 million in Meredith on Black Cat Island.

When you compare the above closed sales for the same period in 2025, there were 545 sales with a total volume of $364,808,882. The median sales price was $485,000. Median days on market was 13. The lowest sales price was $132,500 in Bristol. The highest was $5.9 million in Tuftonboro on Sawyer Point.

… So basically, the numbers tell me that total unit sales for single-family homes were down just slightly at .011% and total sales volume was up 19.7%. The median sales price was up 10.3%, and the median days on market was up 23%.

Lakes Region condominium sales data:

For the 25 towns and cities during the period Jan. 1, 2026, to June 29, 2026, there were 132 condominium sales with $70,732,825 in sales volume. The median sales price was $485,000. Median days on market was 18. The lowest price was $1,250 at Steele Hill Road in Sanbornton. Highest price was $1.5 million at Samoset Condominium in Gilford, sold by Denise Morrison of Roche Realty Group.

When you compare the above closed sales for the same period in 2025, there were 150 condominium sales with $75,002,321 in sales volume. The median sales price was $412,500. Median days on market was 15. The lowest price was $24,000 in Gilford on Harris Shore Road. Highest price was $2.6 million at the Grouse Point Club in Meredith on Lake Winnipesaukee.

So, condominium unit sales went down 12% this year as of June 29. Total sales volume dropped 5.7%, the median sales price went up 17.6%, and the median days on market went up 20%.

Lake Winnipesaukee Real Estate Market (including island properties)

Lake Winnipesaukee sales (closed):

For the 25 towns Jan. 1, 2026, to June 29, 2026, there were 29 single-family home sales on Lake Winnipesaukee with $92,634,000 in volume. Median sales price was $2.3 million. Median days on market is 65. The lowest price was $550,000 on Rattlesnake Island. Highest was $12.3 million in Meredith on Black Cat Island.

Compared to the same period in 2025, there were 25 sales with $64,666,000 in volume. Median sales price was $2.2 million. Median days on market is 37. The lowest price was $650,000 on Sleeper Island in Alton. Highest was $5.9 million in Tuftonboro.

Lake Winnipesaukee sales were up 16% in unit sales, sales volume increased 43.2%, the median sales price increased 5%, and median days on market increased 76%.

Winnipesaukee ― for sale (listings):

As of June 29, there were 46 Winnipesaukee waterfront homes for sale listed in the Lakes Region at a median listing price of $2,499,499, which is a bit higher than the median sales prices for 2025 and 2026. The lowest asking price is $645,000 for a cottage on Diamond Island in Gilford. Highest is $10.9 million on Wolfeboro Neck.

Current Lakes Region inventory

Single family homes for sale (Listings):

There are 546 single family homes listed at a median price of $699,000, which is much higher than the median sales prices in 2025 and 2026 above. The median days on market is 44.

Condominium for Sale (listings):

There are 133 condominiums for sale at a median listing price of $479,900 and the median days on market is 70.

Lakes Region real estate outlook

So based on the above sales, this information should provide some insight as to how the Lakes Region real estate market might look like as we proceed into the summer and fall months. For those economists out there, it should be an interesting year. There's a strong interest in our Lakes Region communities. Migration, semi-retirement, and vacation home sales have fueled our marketplace.

We are starting to see more homes on the market than in recent years ― a welcome relief for buyers. We are also seeing more price reductions. A good number of listings were listed at “aspirational” levels that needed to be brought down to more realistic levels. Laconia is the one hub in the Lakes Region that is really pushing the pedal for higher-density condominium development. The question is will the pace be too fast for typical absorption? For single-family homes, our Lakes Region market is very resilient, where the median sales price increased 10.3% in 2026 compared to the same month in 2025, and sales volume was up 19.7% even though unit sales were down slightly at .011%. For condominium unit sales, sales were down 12%, sales volume dropped 5.7%, however the median sales price went up 17.6%. On the Big Lake, the statistics looked great with unit sales up 16%, total sales volume increased 43.2% and the median sales price increased 5%.

Compared to other parts of the country, the Lakes Region is holding up very well since there are a number of states that are experiencing considerable drops in selling price. I expect the “winds of the market” to remain steady, guiding us toward a healthy, active summer season. The Lakes Region will continue to be a strong magnet attracting many families and individuals who love our popular area.

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This article was written by Frank Roche, the president of Roche Realty Group, located in Meredith, and can be reached at 603-279-7046. Data was compiled from PrimeMLS and is subject to change. Visit rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.