NORFOLK COUNTY — Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell says real estate activity for November 2025 delivered a blend of highs and lows, with fewer property transactions compared to last year but stronger sale prices and an uptick in mortgage recordings.
The Registry recorded 8,221 documents last month — a 1% decrease from November 2024 and 21% lower than October 2025. O’Donnell noted that this marked the first month since March where document recordings fell below the previous year, driven largely by a drop in deed filings.
Property values, however, told a different story. The average sale price for residential and commercial properties hit $1.41 million, a 46% jump from last November and up 38% from October. This spike was heavily influenced by a single $205 million commercial sale, though O’Donnell emphasized that even without that transaction, sale prices remain higher year-over-year. Total sales volume reached $840.9 million, up 32% from last November.
Deed recordings totaled 1,233, down 8% year-over-year, which O’Donnell said may reflect affordability challenges amid high home prices and limited inventory. According to recent RealtyTrac data, the median home price in October 2025 was $739,200, up from $671,700 the year before.
Mortgage activity rose modestly, with 1,400 mortgages recorded, a 2% increase from last year. But the total mortgage indebtedness — $999 million — was 5% lower than November 2024, signaling smaller loan sizes or fewer high-value refinances.
Foreclosure activity also shifted. There were 6 foreclosure deeds recorded in November, up from 2 last year, while 18 notices to foreclose were filed, down from 26 in November 2024. O’Donnell urged homeowners facing financial difficulties to seek help from Quincy Community Action Programs, NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, or the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division.
As 2025 nears its close, O’Donnell said the Registry will continue to monitor whether these trends signal a seasonal adjustment or a more significant shift in the local real estate market.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, maintains land records for the county and offers online access to all documents at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents may contact the Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email [email protected] for assistance.
