2018 Fall Market Report

Vermont Fall Real EstateMarket Report 2018
This custom home nestled on 10 private acres, in Hinesburg, is thoughtfully designed to showcase sweeping mountain views and a seasonal view of Lake Iroquois. Homes for Sale in Hinesburg

 

Median Sale PriceAverage Sale PriceUnits SoldNewly ListedDays on Market
Single-Family $289,950 (5.4%) $322,081 (3.5%)1,726 (0.8%)2,654 (-1.2%)89 (-8.3%)
Condos $226,000 (-1.3%) $256,243 (-0.7%)561 (7.7%) 744 (13.1%)70 (-21.4%)

Leaves fall from the trees, boats come out of the lakes, and hunters head for the woods. Welcome to fall in northwest Vermont, and welcome to our Fall 2018 Market Report, January – September 2018.

Each quarter, we combine the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data with the expertise of our agents to offer a recap of real estate activity and trends in the 4 counties of northwest Vermont: Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle.

Our skilled REALTORS can help you with more specific price points in certain cities and towns. Given our market leading position, we are committed to providing unparalleled service to our clients.

The data through the end of the 3rd quarter is significant in that it includes closed sales for the busiest segment of the year. Traditionally, the “height of the market” is considered late spring through summer. The ongoing story in the national and regional market is the contraction of inventory for sale, so it is remarkable that closed sales through the 3rd quarter faired as well as they did. Closed sales of Single-Family homes remain flat across the region while sales of condos, land and multi-family properties show healthy increases over the same period last year. The median price of sold, single family homes continues to rise while prices of Multi-Family homes surged as investors clamor for properties in a tight market.

With mortgage interest rates increasing recently – and additional increases expected, sellers and buyers would be wise to stay in the market during the 4th quarter of 2018 and 1st quarter of 2019, while properties may be in the most demand and at their most affordable.

Buyer Demand Remains Strong & Homes for Sale Remain in Chittenden County

Move right in to this stylish, tastefully appointed cape on a small cul-de-sac in Shelburne. | MLS # 4722677

Median Sale PriceAverage Sale PriceUnits SoldNewly ListedDays on Market
Single-Family $339,950 (5.6%) $381,536 (4.3%)928 (-2.6%) 1,304 (-2.3%)62 (-12.7%)
Condos $231,500 (-0.6%) $263,455 (0.8%)497 (6%) 678 (15.7%)57 (-33.7%)


With record lows for Single Family homes available for sale and strong buyer demand – homes are on the market, on average, for only 2 months from list to close.

The median and average sale prices continue to post healthy increases across the county. Condominiums are a popular choice among buyers interested in ease of maintenance and more affordable pricing compared to single-family homes.

The number of condos sold through the 3rd quarter continues to rise as many newly listed options come on the market.

The large majority of multi-family sales across the region are in Chittenden County. An 8% decrease in available properties, coupled with a 32% increase in closed sales drove the median and average sale prices up 11.5% and 22% respectively.

 

 

 

 

Affordability Still Drives Homes Sales in Addison County

Historic Vermont 34-acre farm boasts a fully restored Farmhouse, Guest house, post and beam barn in Addison. MLS# 4722197
Median Sale PriceAverage Sale PriceUnits SoldNewly ListedDays on Market
Single-Family $265,000 (3.9%) $288,298 (3.4%)257 (0%) 448 (-4.7%)120 (-9.1%)
Condos $184,500 (-3.4%) $196,572 (-22.8%)13 (-23.5%) 16 (-5.9%)50 (-29.6%)

Buyers are attracted to the quaint, Vermont feel and vibrant downtowns of Bristol, Vergennes and Middlebury – along with the more affordable housing options in Addison County.

The Median and Average Sale price for single family homes rose a modest 3% likely affected by fewer properties for sale as well as the sale of 5 luxury property in Addison County so far in 2018.
Still, with a median sale price of $265,000 and days on market (DOM) of 4 months, buyers may find their dream home at a reasonable price without the pressure of multiple offers so common in Chittenden County.

Land sales continue to increase year over year as homeowners opt to build when options for existing homes remains challenging.

 

 

 

 

Homes & Land Sales Remain Strong in Franklin County

Lovely historic 1821 Farmhouse located on 17 beautiful acres with a big post and beam barn in Franklin. MLS# 4663274
Median Sale PriceAverage Sale PriceUnits SoldNewly ListedDays on Market
Single-Family$205,500 (-3.2%) $213,898 (0.3%)436 (9%) 680 (4.6%)106 (-14.5%)
Condos$178,900 (-9%) $200,015 (-5.6%)50 (47.1%) 49 (-5.8%)209 (60.8%)

Franklin County remains the most affordable county in northwest Vermont. The median price for a single-family home declined slightly to $205,500 as compared to $339,950 in neighboring Chittenden County.

Single-family home and condo sales in Franklin County increased over the same period last year – far outpacing the overall trend in northwest Vermont.

Land sales remain healthy and an affordable option for buyers and developers alike.

As the average price for Multi-Family properties rises by 22% in Chittenden County, investors turn to Franklin County with the convenient location off of I-89 and average pricing near $200,000.

 

 

 

Grand Isle County Saw in an Increase in Home & Land Sales

A wonderful Cape Home on 414 Acres in Alburgh. 1,717 sq. ft. of lakeshore, 18-hole golf-course, clubhouse, equipment & more. Grand Isle County Waterfront Homes

Median Sale PriceAverage Sale PriceUnits SoldNewly ListedDays on Market
Single-Family$244,900 (3.3%) $328,521 (23%)105 (2.9%) 222 (-4.3%)178 (21.1%)
Condos$259,000 (5.3%) $259,000 (5.3%)1 (0%) 1 (-66.7%)78 (1200%)

Summer is the time for Grand Isle County to shine – and the record warmth and sunshine bode well for the County. Luxury homes sales are a big part of the story as well – with 6 properties in the luxury price range selling so far this year.

Single-family and land sales posted increases – while condominiums and multi-family properties are scarce in Grand Isle County.

The average days on market (DOM) from listing to closing, at 178 days, is the longest among the 4 counties in this report – however, at 6 months, it is still a reasonable period of time. Homes priced closer to the median price of $244,900 and homes in good condition will be of interest to savvy buyers and will likely sell in far less time.

Luxury Homes Sales see a 29% Increase so far this year

This custom Contemporary is situated on a ridgeline atop Fairfield hill, in St Albans, providing one of Northwest Vermont’s most incredible views. MLS# 4794368
Luxury Homes
Median Sale Price:Average Sale Price:Units Sold:Days on Market:
$1,053,000 (-2%)$1,181,408 (-7.9%)35 (29.6%) 108 (18.7%)

Sales of luxury properties remain strong so far this year. In the 3rd quarter alone – the number of properties sold increased by 29% with the median sale price increasing 7%. Year to date, the median price has declined slightly. 

Lakefront properties in Addison, Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties continue make up a good portion of the closed sales. However, the trend toward properties away from the lake, newer construction with amenities, views, and proximity to the greater Burlington area employers continues with sales of homes in South Burlington and Shelburne for example.

While inventory of luxury homes has declined slightly over the past few years, architecturally designed lakefront and hillside homes with stunning views are available for the discerning buyer.

Land Sales in Northwest Vermont Remain Strong

Nice, open level lot with Adirondack Mountain views in a great location close to South Burlington/Shelburne town line. MLS# 4714389
Median Sale PriceAverage Sale PriceUnits SoldNewly ListedDays on Market
Northwest Vermont $82,000 (-0.9%) $134,209 (35.5%)151 (14.4%)384 (-20.8%)248 (-15.7%)
Chittenden County $135,000 (0%) $228,623 (74.8%)47 (6.8%)117 (-6.4%)234 (3.1%)
Addison County $65,625 (-12.5%) $94,643 (5%)50 (13.6%)111 (-30.6%)261 (-17.1%)
Franklin County$53,500 (-0.9%) $69,224 (16.1%)34 (21.4%)106 (-8.6%)207 (6.2%)
Grand Isle County$76,250 (1.7%) $121,725 (15.4%)20 (25%)50 (-40.5%)315 (-46.7%)

Lands sales across northwest Vermont remain robust with a 14% increase year over year.

Addison county posted the greatest number of sales – 50 in total; while Grand Isle County had a 25% increase.

Despite the increased demand and decline in newly listed parcels available for sale, inventory remains strong. Buyers can choose from large or small parcels; with views or rural; at a variety of price points. The median sale price has remained stable throughout 2018 at $82,000.

Permitting, development, and building costs can contribute to higher than average prices for homes when complete – however, homeowners benefit from new, energy efficient and lower maintenance options.

 

67% of Multi-Family Homes Sold were in Chittenden County

Newly built in 2014, this striking, brick and metal-clad Old North End building is the perfect addition to any investment portfolio! MLS# 4734840
Median Sale PriceAverage Sale PriceUnits SoldNewly ListedDays on Market
Northwest Vermont $320,950 (15.9%) $411,173 (24.3%)130 (27.5%)166 (-7.8%)98 (3.2%)
Chittenden County $376,500 (11.5%) $506,920 (22.2%)87 (31.8%)103 (-8%)80 (19.4%)
Addison County $240,000 (42%) $237,527 (32.9%)11 (10%)14 (-6.7%)163 (-15.1%)
Franklin County$198,975 (15.2%) $205,894 (17%)31 (19.2%)47 (-7.8%)129 (2.4%)
Grand Isle County$355,000 (na) $355,000 (na) 1 (na)2 (na)16 (na)

Investors continue to demonstrate strong demand for multi-family properties especially in Chittenden County which represents 67% of the properties sold in the region.

The median and average sale prices soared across Chittenden, Addison and Franklin Counties as supply could not keep up with demand.

A few high-priced sales in Burlington, earlier this year, pushed the average sale price to over $500,000.

Historically low vacancy rates in the greater Burlington area may have eased slightly with the construction of newer apartment buildings, however continued renter demand across the region makes real estate a good choice for savvy investors.