New Hampshire’s 6-Year Climb: Single-Family Median Hits $540K
The New Hampshire housing market reached a historic milestone in January 2026, as the median sales price for a single-family home hit an all-time January high of $540,000.
This isn’t just a slight uptick; it is a 7.5% jump over January 2025 and marks the 72nd consecutive month—six full years—of year-over-year price increases in the Granite State. While the frenetic, double-digit spikes seen during the pandemic have moderated, the “affordability crisis” shows no signs of slowing down.
The Inventory Tug-of-War
The primary driver behind these record prices remains a persistent lack of supply. While inventory for single-family homes actually increased 10.1% compared to last year, the state still sits at roughly a 2-month supply.
To put that in perspective, a “balanced” market typically requires 5–7 months of inventory. This continued scarcity keeps competition high, with many homes still selling at nearly 100% of their listing price.
The Seacoast Premium: A Market Within a Market
While the statewide median is $540,000, the story on the NH Seacoast is even more intense. In Rockingham County, the median price remains significantly higher, often hovering between $650,000 and $670,000.
For families looking to move into coastal hubs like Portsmouth, Rye, or Hampton, the bar for entry has moved significantly:
- Income Requirements: To comfortably afford a median-priced home in today’s market, a household would need an annual income of approximately $158,000 to $182,000.
- Speed of Sale: Despite higher prices, homes are still moving quickly, going under contract in an average of 21 to 43 days depending on the specific neighborhood.
What This Means for You in 2026
For Sellers: Your equity has likely never been higher. With 72 months of growth behind you, now is an ideal time to leverage a Strategic Home Seller’s Package to maximize your ROI while demand is still outpacing supply.
For Buyers: Strategy is everything. While prices are high, mortgage rates have begun to stabilize in the low 6% range, offering more predictability than in previous years. Navigating this market requires Exclusive Buyer Representation to find off-market opportunities and win in multi-offer scenarios.
The Bottom Line
The Granite State remains a “Seller’s Market,” but 2026 is showing signs of a slow move toward stabilization. Whether you are looking to cash in on six years of equity or find your place on the coast, having a data-driven perspective is essential.
Curious about how your specific neighborhood stacks up against these statewide records? [Contact me today for a custom Market Assessment.]