Is Salem, MA 01970 a buyer’s or seller’s market?

The Salem housing market right now

In the three months ending August 31, 2026, 50% of homes in Salem, MA 01970 sold above their list price, the typical home went under contract in 22 days and there were 2.2 months of supply. Under four months of supply means sellers have the edge: expect competition for well-priced homes. That’s based on 151 home sales.

Compared with the same period a year earlier, the share selling over asking fell from 53%, homes sold about as fast and the median sale price rose 2% to $624,730. Overall, Salem is about as competitive as it was a year ago.

Within Essex County, homes here sell more slowly than in 71% of the county’s ZIP codes, and sell less often over asking than in 68%. On our competition score, Salem ranks #168 of 362 MA ZIP codes with enough sales (score 84 out of 100).

Nearby, buyers who want less competition could look at Nahant 01908 (0% sold over asking) or Lynn 01901 (0% sold over asking), while Groveland 01834 (74% sold over asking) and Wenham 01984 (71% sold over asking) are even more competitive.