The Inventory Report: Supply, Demand, and Days on Market

Q2 2026 inventory analysis: Tightest markets (Winchester 12 days DOM, 0.8 months supply) favor sellers with multiple offers and over-ask pricing. Balanced markets (Reading 18 days DOM, 1.2 months supply) favor buyers with negotiation room and inspection contingencies. Analysis of 9,550+ transactions shows value markets have slightly more inventory (1.2-1.5 months) than prestige markets (0.8-1.0 months), creating better buyer conditions.

Greater Boston buyers who want to understand which markets are tight (seller's market) vs. balanced (buyer's market), how inventory levels impact negotiation leverage, and where to find better buyer conditions.

• •Tightest markets: Winchester (12 days DOM), Lexington (14 days), Wellesley (15 days) = seller's market
• •Balanced markets: Reading (18 days DOM), Franklin (20 days), Medway (22 days) = buyer-friendly
• •Inventory levels: Prestige markets 0.8-1.0 months supply (tight) vs. value markets 1.2-1.5 months (balanced)
• •Buyer conditions: Value markets offer more negotiation room, inspection contingencies, price flexibility
• •Strategy: Buy in balanced markets (value) for better conditions, avoid tight markets (prestige) unless necessary