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Image courtesy of Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. Total mortgage recordings decreased 25 percent in October 2026 compared to October 2025.
11-08-2026 8:18pm
Norfolk County Property Sales, Mortgage Recordings Decline, while Average Sales Value and Borrowing Amounts Rise in October
Darlene Cancell
Editor
Thanks to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds for sharing this news with Westwood Minute.
Norfolk County real estate activity in October 2026 decreased compared to October 2025, potentially due to inflation and higher borrowing costs, according to a November 5 press release from the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.
“The October data indicates that borrowing costs and affordability concerns continue to influence real estate activity in Norfolk County,” said Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell.
In October 2026, the Registry recorded 1,474 deeds - an 8 percent decrease compared to October 2025.
Of those, 690 represented property sales, a decrease of 12 percent from the 788 sales recorded in October 2025 and a 3 percent decrease from September 2026.
Although fewer properties changed hands during October, the total value of commercial and residential property sales reached $862.4 million, a 7 percent increase compared to October 2025 and an 8 percent increase from September 2026. The average sale value of commercial and residential transactions rose to approximately $1.25 million, up 22 percent from one year ago and 12 percent from the previous month.
The 1,377 mortgages that the Registry recorded during October 2026 represented a 25 percent decrease from the 1,830 mortgages recorded in October 2025 and a 5 percent decline from September's total of 1,443 mortgages.
Although fewer mortgages were recorded, the total amount borrowed increased, according to the Registry. Mortgage borrowing totaled approximately $1.35 billion during October, a 21 percent increase from the $1.12 billion recorded during October 2025.
In addition to higher mortgage rates, inflation has contributed to higher costs for groceries, fuel, utilities, and other household expenses that can affect whether a family can save for a down payment, qualify for financing, or take on a larger mortgage, according to the Registry.
“Mortgage activity remains one of the clearest indicators of how higher interest rates are influencing the real estate market,” noted Register O'Donnell. “Not that long ago, some buyers were financing homes at rates closer to 3 percent. Today, many are facing mortgage rates above 7 percent, and that is a significant difference in monthly housing costs.”
“When you combine those higher borrowing costs with inflation and increases in everyday expenses, it can make people think twice about purchasing a home, moving to a larger home, or taking on additional debt,” said Register O’Donnell.
The Registry also recorded fewer documents overall in October 2026 compared to October 2025. The 9,267 documents recorded in October 2026 decreased 11 percent from a year ago, but increased 1 percent from September 2026.
According to the Registry, foreclosure-related activity was mixed. Five foreclosure deeds were recorded in October 2026 as a result of mortgage foreclosures in Norfolk County – the same number as in October 2025. Notices to foreclose, which represent the first step in the foreclosure process, totaled 25, an increase from the 21 notices recorded one year ago.
Register O'Donnell encouraged homeowners experiencing financial hardship to seek assistance as early as possible.
“If you're struggling to make your mortgage payments, don't wait until the situation becomes more difficult before seeking help," said Register O'Donnell. "A notice to foreclose is the beginning of a legal process, and homeowners often have more options available to them the earlier they act. Reaching out to a housing counselor or foreclosure prevention organization can help people better understand their situation and identify resources that may help them keep their home.”
The Registry advises homeowners experiencing difficulty in paying their mortgages to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400.
