Quincy, MA Market Outlook - January 2026
An in-depth analysis of Quincy's real estate market based on actual market data through December 2025, including pricing trends, inventory levels, and market forecasts.
Market Snapshot - December 2025
Median Sale Price
$688,000
↓ 3.2% MoM | ↓ 5.1% YoY
Homes Sold
74
↑ 12.1% MoM | ↑ 48.0% YoY
Days on Market
24 days
↑ 3 days MoM
Inventory
76 homes
↓ 29.0% MoM | ↑ 11.8% YoY
💰Sale to List Price Ratio
Homes in Quincy are selling at 99.8% of their list price on average, indicating a competitive but balanced market. This is up 0.5% from the previous month, showing sellers maintaining strong pricing power despite modest price declines.
Market Overview
Quincy's real estate market wrapped up 2025 showing resilience despite broader market headwinds. The December median sale price of $688,000 represents a modest 5.1% decline year-over-year, but this masks a more nuanced story of market normalization after years of unprecedented appreciation.
The city continues to be a popular choice for buyers seeking proximity to Boston without the premium price tag. Located just south of the city, Quincy offers excellent public transportation via the Red Line, diverse neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community. These fundamentals have kept demand steady even as prices have moderated.
Perhaps most encouraging is the 48% increase in sales volume year-over-year in December, with 74 homes sold compared to 50 in December 2024. This suggests buyers are returning to the market as prices stabilize and inventory improves.
2025 Year in Review
Price Trends
Quincy's median home prices showed significant volatility throughout 2025, ranging from a low of $542,000 in February to a peak of $745,000 in November. The market displayed a clear seasonal pattern:
- Q1 2025 (Jan-Mar): Prices dropped sharply, with the February low of $542K representing a 14.2% month-over-month decline
- Q2 2025 (Apr-Jun): Spring market brought recovery, with April hitting $656K as buyers returned
- Q3 2025 (Jul-Sep): Summer volatility, peaking at $715K in May before settling to $700-708K range
- Q4 2025 (Oct-Dec): Year-end stabilization around $688-710K range
Sales Activity
Transaction volume remained healthy throughout 2025, with several standout months:
- June 2025: Peak activity with 92 homes sold (↑91.7% MoM, ↑55.9% YoY)
- August 2025: Strong summer market with 89 sales (↑20.3% YoY)
- December 2025: 74 sales representing robust year-end activity
Inventory Dynamics
Inventory levels fluctuated significantly, reflecting the ongoing supply challenges:
- Started 2025 with 71 homes available (Jan)
- Peaked at 151 homes in June as sellers entered the market
- Ended the year at 76 homes (Dec), up 11.8% from December 2024
- Average new listings: 70-100 homes per month throughout the year
Market Speed
Days on market remained relatively stable, indicating consistent buyer demand. The average hovered between 19-30 days throughout the year, with December's 24 days representing a balanced market where homes move quickly but buyers have time to conduct due diligence.
Understanding Quincy's Neighborhoods
Quincy is Massachusetts' 8th largest city with approximately 100,000 residents. The city is divided into distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price point:
🏘️ North Quincy
Close to Boston, strong public transit access, mix of single and multi-family homes
🏖️ Wollaston
Beachfront properties, Wollaston Beach, higher price points, family-oriented
🏛️ Quincy Center
Urban core, condos and apartments, transit hub, ongoing development
🌳 West Quincy
More suburban feel, larger lots, highly rated Blue Hills Parkway area
🏠 Merrymount
Established neighborhood, single-family homes, strong community feel
⛰️ South Quincy (Germantown)
Near Blue Hills Reservation, outdoor recreation access, more affordable options
The $688,000 median price represents a city-wide average. Waterfront properties in Wollaston and Marina Bay can command $1M+, while condos in Quincy Center may start in the $400-500K range. Single-family homes in established neighborhoods like Merrymount and West Quincy typically fall in the $650-850K range.
Key Market Drivers
🚇Transit Access & Commutability
Quincy's four Red Line stations (North Quincy, Wollaston, Quincy Center, and Quincy Adams) provide direct access to downtown Boston in 20-30 minutes. This transit connectivity remains one of the city's strongest selling points, particularly as hybrid work arrangements make occasional commuting more practical. Properties within walking distance of T stations command premium prices.
🏗️Development & Revitalization
Quincy Center continues to undergo significant redevelopment, with new mixed-use projects adding residential units and retail space. Marina Bay's waterfront development has attracted buyers seeking modern amenities and harbor views. These ongoing improvements support long-term property values and attract new residents to the city.
👨👩👧👦Demographics & Diversity
Quincy is one of the most diverse cities in Massachusetts, with significant Asian, particularly Chinese, populations. This diversity has created a vibrant cultural scene with excellent international restaurants, markets, and community organizations. The strong school system and family-friendly amenities continue to attract young families.
💵Affordability Relative to Boston
With Boston's median home price exceeding $875,000, Quincy's $688,000 median represents a 21% discount while maintaining excellent access to Boston employment and amenities. This value proposition continues to drive demand from first-time buyers and young families priced out of Boston proper.
How Quincy Compares
| Market | Median Price | YoY Change | Value Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | $875,000 | +1.8% | Premium market |
| Quincy | $688,000 | -5.1% | Good value |
| Cambridge | $1,200,000 | +2.1% | High premium |
| Brookline | $1,150,000 | +1.5% | High premium |
| Braintree | $625,000 | +3.2% | Similar value |
| Weymouth | $590,000 | +2.8% | More affordable |
Quincy occupies a strategic middle ground in the Greater Boston market - more affordable than Boston and inner suburbs like Cambridge and Brookline, while offering superior transit access compared to more distant communities. This positioning has historically supported strong demand and should continue to do so.
Affordability Analysis
What It Takes to Buy in Quincy
Based on 28% debt-to-income ratio guideline
💡 Affordability Tips for Quincy Buyers
- •Consider FHA loans with as little as 3.5% down (though PMI will apply)
- •Look at condos in Quincy Center ($400-550K range) as an entry point
- •Explore neighborhoods farther from the T for better value (Germantown, Merrymount)
- •Consider multi-family properties (2-3 units) where rental income can offset mortgage
2026 Market Forecast
Outlook: Cautiously Optimistic
Based on current market dynamics and the data trends from 2025, here's what to expect for Quincy's real estate market in 2026:
📈Price Stability Expected
Median prices likely to stabilize in the $680-720K range throughout 2026, with modest 1-3% annual appreciation as market finds equilibrium.
🏘️Increased Inventory
Expect 10-15% more listings as homeowners who waited out market uncertainty decide to sell, creating more options for buyers.
⚖️Balanced Market
Neither strongly favoring buyers nor sellers, with reasonable negotiation on both sides and standard contingencies becoming normal again.
💰Rate Sensitivity
Market activity will closely track mortgage rates. Any drop below 6% could trigger increased demand; rates above 7% may slow activity.
⚠️Risk Factors to Monitor
- Property tax increases as Quincy addresses budget challenges
- MBTA Red Line reliability and maintenance issues affecting commuter appeal
- New condo developments potentially adding supply pressure
- Economic recession impacting Boston job market and buyer demand
- Climate resilience concerns for waterfront properties
Strategic Advice for 2026
For Buyers
- ✓This is a good time to buy - prices have moderated and inventory is improving
- ✓Don't rush - average 24 days on market means you have time to evaluate properties carefully
- ✓Negotiate inspection and financing contingencies - they're back on the table
- ✓Get pre-approved and be ready to move on well-priced properties
- ✓Consider buying points to lower your rate if you plan to stay long-term
- ✓Research flood zones carefully if considering waterfront or Marina Bay
For Sellers
- ✓Price realistically from day one - overpriced homes sit longer and sell for less
- ✓Spring market (March-May) typically sees strongest demand - prepare early
- ✓Invest in staging and professional photography - presentation matters more in balanced markets
- ✓Highlight T access, parking, and updated systems in marketing
- ✓Be prepared for inspections and reasonable requests - they're standard again
- ✓Work with an agent who knows Quincy's micro-markets and neighborhoods
Conclusion
Quincy's real estate market enters 2026 in a healthier, more sustainable position than it occupied during the pandemic-era frenzy. The 5.1% year-over-year price decline represents a market correction that has improved affordability without collapsing values. With homes still selling at nearly 100% of list price in just 24 days, this is clearly not a buyer's market in the traditional sense - but it's also no longer the frenzied seller's market of 2021-2022.
The city's fundamental strengths remain intact: excellent transit access to Boston, diverse and vibrant neighborhoods, ongoing development and revitalization, and a more affordable entry point than Boston proper. These factors should continue to support demand and values over the long term.
For buyers, this stabilization period offers an opportunity to purchase without the pressure and overbidding that characterized recent years. For sellers, realistic pricing and proper preparation remain essential, but the market still rewards quality properties in desirable locations.
As always, real estate is local, and Quincy's micro-markets can vary significantly. Whether you're considering a waterfront condo in Marina Bay, a single-family home in Wollaston, or a multi-family in Germantown, working with a knowledgeable local agent who understands current market dynamics and neighborhood nuances is essential for success.
Data Source: This analysis is based on actual market data for Quincy, MA through December 2025, sourced from Redfin Data Center. All statistics, including median sale prices, sales volume, inventory levels, and days on market, reflect real transactions and market conditions.
Disclaimer: While this analysis uses actual market data, real estate markets can change quickly. Forecasts and projections are based on current trends and historical patterns but are not guaranteed. Always consult with licensed real estate professionals, conduct thorough due diligence, and consider your personal financial situation before making real estate decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.