The Affordability Reality Check: Buying in Southern New Hampshire in 2026
If you are considering a home purchase in Hillsborough County, here is what today’s market is really telling us about affordability.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
The median home price in Hillsborough County sits at $540,917, with the average single-family home in Nashua running $510,000. Mortgage rates are stable at 6.23% for a 30-year fixed loan. So far, so good.
But here is where it gets real: the debt-to-income ratio for buyers in our market is 45.2%. That is significantly above the recommended 28% threshold that lenders typically prefer.
What does that mean? It means buyers are stretching further than they should to compete in our market.
The Buyer’s Dilemma
Even with inventory starting to increase, homes in Nashua are still selling at 100.7% of asking price. Buyers are still competing. Days on market average 36, which is actually quite good, but don’t let that fool you, inventory remains extremely tight at just 0.29 months of supply.
The silver lining: the trend is shifting. Fewer homes are selling above asking than last year (36.6% versus 42%), and March saw more sales volume than a year ago. The market is moving toward balance.
What This Means for You
For Buyers: Yes, you still need to be competitive, but you have more time and more choices than even six months ago. Get pre-approved, have your financing locked in at 6.23%, and be ready to move when you find the right place in Mont Vernon, Amherst, or Milford.
For Sellers: List now while seller-favorable conditions still hold. Inventory is increasing, which means more homes competing for buyers’ attention. Pricing strategically and staging well have never been more important.
The Bigger Picture
New Hampshire was named the #8 hottest real estate market in the country for 2026. That ranking is not just about prices, it is about opportunity and lifestyle. Our market is at a crossroads, transitioning from scarcity to balance after years of frenzied activity.
That transition benefits informed buyers and sellers who understand what the numbers are really saying.
Ready to navigate today’s market? We are here to help you understand your position and make the move that works for your family. Let’s talk.
