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Gibson Sotheby's International Realty - Market Update 2015
Gibson Sotheby's International Realty - Market Update 2015
CAMBRIDGE
REAL
ESTATE
MARKET
UPDATE
2015 IN REVIEW
gibsonsothebysrealty.com | 1
boston real
estate market
city wide
market data
neighborhood
market updates
rental market
update
momentum.
growth.
foundation.
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19
20 - 21
A
LETTER
FROM
OUR
OWNERS
ere at Gibson Sothebys International Realty we are proud to be part of such an extraordinary network
and all of its outstanding achievements. The power of the Sothebys brand has been palpable throughout
our history as a company and carries through to today as we continue to move forward in this ever changing
world. We are constantly amazed at the quality not only of our team but of the Sothebys agents in our global
network.
Since joining the Sothebys brand we have grown significantly and will continue to see this growth throughout
2016. When acquired, our company was operating with 70 agents and $250 million in sales per year. Eight years
later we are nearly 250 agents, eight offices and have just exceeded the incredible billion dollar mark for a third
consecutive year. This is an amazing feat for a company our size.
We are so fortunate to be backed by our own in-house marketing team of five dedicated professionals,
a Relocation Department, a Rental Department, a network that encompasses over 17,000 dedicated
professionals and more who are all steadfastly working together as we continue to grow.
Gibson Sothebys International Realty is uniquely qualified to assist you in purchasing or selling your most
valuable possession- your home. Allow us to be a resource and share our extensive knowledge and
tremendous experience with you.
Contact us today at info@gibsonsir.com or 866.766.7356.
Yours truly,
Larry and Paul
Larry Rideout
CEO, Owner
Paul McGann
President, Owner
THE
BOSTON
REAL
ESTATE
MARKET
4 of the
countrys hottest
real estate
markets are in
Boston
3 | gibsonsothebysrealty.com
$660,000
$965,130
$680,000
$808.90
$747.96
$3,099,033,234
info@gibsonsir.com | 4
CAMBRIDGE
Across the river from Boston proper is
Cambridge, home of prestigious universities
like MIT and Harvard. With several distinct
squares (Harvard Square, Central Square and
Kendall Square), Cambridges diversity appeals
to many people. It is also made convenient
by the MBTA Red Line subway. Cambridge is
home to a variety of unique restaurants and
shops, as well as historically and culturally
significant landmarks. Surrounding areas include
Watertown, Somerville and the famous Charles
River.
Average
sale price
increased to
$888,165
2012
2013
2014
2015
NUMBER OF SALES
1070
1044
856
786
$663,815
$731,760
$830,118
$888,165
$476
$518
$553
$636
$470
$511
$574
$612
$327
$354
$406
$431
AVERAGE DOM
55
37
36
32
A lack of inventory of homes for sale in Cambridge has led to a drop in sales.
257 MT AUBURN ST | SOLD
ORIGINAL LIST PRICE | $2,488,000
5 | gibsonsothebysrealty.com
Demand for the area continues to grow as the average sale price along with the
average price per square foot continues to increase across the board. While DOM is
at a low of 32 days.
BACK BAY
The Back Bay lays claim to some of the most
exclusive real estate in Boston. A stroll down
Newbury Street will take you from haute
couture to haute cuisine, offering exclusive
fashion boutiques and elegant restaurants with
world renowned chefs. Commonwealth Avenue
has some of the most elegant townhouses
in the city, along with the pedestrian-friendly
Commonwealth Avenue Mall - a picturesque,
tree-lined green, dotted with sculptures and
park benches. Marlborough Street has become
a lovely refuge from the bustling shops. Back
Bay is also home to the Public Gardens, Boston
Common, the Charles River Esplanade and the
historic Boston Public Library.
$1,111
2013
2014
2015
NUMBER OF SALES
575
514
442
439
$1,161,133
$1,233,984
$1,473,265
$1,575,710
AVERAGE $PSF
$808.23
$898.52
$993.17
$1,111.45
AVERAGE DOM
98
62
56
52
D emand to live in the Back Bay area of Boston continues to be strong. A shortage
of homes for sale in comparison to previous years resulted in a slight drop of total
sales while the average price per square foot continued on an upward trend. The
average days on market continues to decrease signifying strong demand for the area.
SOUTH END
The South End, with its blocks of Victorian
brick row houses, upscale restaurants and art
galleries, has become one of the most popular
places to live in Boston. It is a classic mix of
old and new, and many of the row houses
underwent renovation starting in the 1960s.
Today, the neighborhood is filled with a diverse
mix of families and young professionals and
houses a culturally diverse community and a
thriving artistic center. Trendy restaurants brush
shoulders with coffee shops and Mom & Pop
grocery stores along Tremont Street and its side
streets all the way down to Washington Street,
which is experiencing an artistic revival.
Average price
per square foot
increased by
11.56%
2013
2014
2015
NUMBER OF SALES
646
705
632
700
$707,756
$809,342
$866,473
$980,406
AVERAGE $PSF
$629.71
$707.64
$780.45
$870.68
AVERAGE DOM
61
33
34
38
of 700 sales. Over the past 5 years, sales have remained strong while the
average selling price continued on an upward trend. Since 2012 the number of
DOM has decreased significantly while the average price per square foot has
consistently been on an upward trend.
BEACON
HILL
Beacon Hill today is a close-knit community
in a downtown location. The neighborhoods
cobblestone streets and brick rowhouses
directly border the Boston Common and the
Public Garden, Americans first botanical garden.
The gold leaf of the State House Rotunda
adorns the hill and shines across the Common.
The base of the hill is home to Charles Street,
with its charming boutiques, antique shops,
specialty grocery stores and romantic dining
establishments. This historic neighborhood
offers some of the finest classic Boston
architecture, including Louisburg Square.
Average days on
market down to
32 days
2013
2014
2015
NUMBER OF SALES
219
170
175
193
$721,406
$804,061
$939,016
$803,608
AVERAGE $PSF
$730.32
$801.87
$889.93
$926.85
AVERAGE DOM
77
44
47
32
L ower days on the market and an increase in sales on Beacon Hill shows that
demand remains strong in the area. The number of sales increased while the
average price per square foot hit a new high of $926.85.
SOUTH
BOSTON
Southie, as referred to by locals, boasts miles
of beaches and waterfront parks that culminate
in Castle Island. There, visitors can enjoy the
Revolutionary War era fort, get a bite to eat at
Sullivans, play in the playground, fish off the pier
or simply take a stroll. South Boston is densely
populated and is known for triple-deckers and
row houses, but there are single family homes in
the neighborhood too. South Boston is home to
a great variety of bars, pubs and new restaurants.
Year round, a visitor can find residents strolling
up and down Broadway doing their shopping
and greeting their neighbors.
$581,967
In 2015 37% of sales
sold for over asking
2012
2013
2014
2015
NUMBER OF SALES
689
748
732
726
$416,958
$451,541
$514,418
$581,967
AVERAGE $PSF
$389.78
$458.79
$500.97
$549.57
AVERAGE DOM
75
38
50
37
SEAPORT
Due to its prime location on Boston Harbor,
the Seaport District of South Boston has seen
revitalization over the last ten years. In addition
to a variety of residential loft buildings, there are
many new hotels and restaurants. It is also home
to the Institute for Contemporary Art and the
new Boston Convention Center. The Seaport
offers outstanding views of the harbor, both of
the sailboats on the water and the skyline of
Downtown.
Sales more
than doubled
to new high
184
2013
2014
2015
NUMBER OF SALES
120
88
83
184
$699,834
$673,171
$799,981
$1,833,969
AVERAGE $PSF
$509.70
$565.24
$610.37
$1,107.66
AVERAGE DOM
85
61
55
52
WATERFRONT
Next to the North End sits a historic collection
of wharfs along Bostons inner harbor, offering
some of the most beautiful harbor views in the
city. Many of the original buildings have been
converted from warehouses into lofts and
luxury condominiums.
Average price
per square foot
hits new high
$903
In 2015 7% of sales
sold for over asking
2012
2013
2014
2015
NUMBER OF SALES
185
171
157
154
$917,615
$1,008,304
$1,111,163
$1,195,327
AVERAGE $PSF
$692.83
$771.47
$815.10
$903.95
AVERAGE DOM
108
77
75
69
is not meeting buyer demand. A decrease in the average days on the market
continues to prove that demand to purchase in this area is rapidly improving. The
average sale price along with the average price per square foot continues to be on
an upward trend.
NORTH END
The North End is most famous for its plethora
of Italian restaurants and strong ties to Italian
roots. With a different Italian Festival every
weekend throughout the summer, there is rarely
a dull moment in the North End.
Average $psf
increases to
$752
2013
2014
2015
NUMBER OF SALES
99
119
100
100
$472,925
$512,600
$615,047
$590,937
AVERAGE $PSF
$615.22
$677.40
$739.10
$752.37
AVERAGE DOM
62
55
62
55
S ales in the North End remained consistent in 2015, while the average $PSF
has never been higher reaching a new high of $752.37. A strong demand to buy
meant days on the market was back down to 55 days.
MIDTOWN
Downtown is really the heart of the city,
bordered by Back Bay, Beacon Hill and the
North End/Waterfront. In addition to Boston
City Hall and the State House, many companies
and agencies house their headquarters in the
area.
$1,344,123
2013
2014
2015
NUMBER OF SALES
147
329
274
181
$1,067,332
$1,236,195
$1,302,801
$1,344,123
AVERAGE $PSF
$845.47
$903.60
$919.71
$930.49
AVERAGE DOM
110
54
41
73
A fter skyrocketing in 2013, a dip in sales displayed in Midtown is the result of lack
of inventory. The average sale price and price per square foot continues to increase
year over year demonstrating an increase of value.
FENWAY
The Fenway, perhaps best known as the home
of the Red Sox, is more than just a ballpark,
its actually a dense urban neighborhood with a
considerable amount of green space. Although
the Fenway consists of a large number of
college students, it also contains a significant
population of professionals. Landsdowne Street,
bordering the Mass Pike on the North and
Fenway Park on the South. Fenway is also home
to several universities, the Museum of Fine Arts
and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. If
you spend time in the Fenway, make sure to
keep your eyes open for the occasional home
run ball that clears the green monster.
Average price
per square foot
increases
9.8%
2013
2014
2015
NUMBER OF SALES
187
191
200
122
$354,358
$405,866
$496,022
$497,561
AVERAGE $PSF
$521.21
$593.29
$630.18
$692.00
AVERAGE DOM
60
22
10
26
A decrease in the availability of property for sale in the Fenway area led to a
drop in sales although the average sale price continues to increase. The average
price per square foot hit a new peak in 2015 of $692.00 demonstrating a demand
for the area.
CHARLESTOWN
Located at the head of Boston Harbor,
Charlestown is essentially a 19th century village
with 16th century roots. Its historical heritage
has given it a charming gaslit ambience that
is appealing to young professionals who have
recently moved to the neighborhood, joining
families who have lived in Charlestown for
generations. Charlestowns streets are lined
with townhouses and workers cottages, as
well as modern condominiums that are either
newly constructed or converted from historic
buildings.
Sales increase
by nearly
20%
2013
2014
2015
NUMBER OF SALES
363
450
309
369
$470,743
$559,824
$594,041
$639,120
AVERAGE $PSF
$447.53
$513.91
$562.77
$610.34
AVERAGE DOM
75
41
38
35
WEST END
The West End, considerably impacted by
Urban Renewal of the 1970s, is a small but
significant community tucked behind Beacon
Hill. Historically an ethnically diverse and
vibrant neighborhood, the West End today is
home to Massachusetts General Hospital. It is
a popular residential neighborhood for medical
staff from many nearby facilities, as well as
professionals who work Downtown. It is home
to Charles River Park, a high-rise residential
community convenient to Beacon Hill.
Average price
hits new high of
$533,938
2013
2014
2015
NUMBER OF SALES
50
53
43
43
$395,050
$448,325
$457,232
$533,938
AVERAGE $PSF
$436.87
$513.88
$563.94
$593.98
AVERAGE DOM
50
56
37
51
T he West End saw an increase in average selling price with a new high of
$533,938. Sales have remained steady over the past two years while prices
continue in an upward trend demonstrating an increase in value.
EAST BOSTON
Though East Boston is well known as home to
the airport, it is also full of wonderful stores
and restaurants representing its different ethnic
groups. Long-time Italian restaurants stand next
to Brazilian cafes. Its housing is a mix of historic
and new, with many triple deckers lining its
streets. In recent years, homeowners have been
restoring the historic homes of the area to their
former glory. It is accessible from the MBTA
blue line.
Number of
sales reached a
new high of
235
2012
2013
2014
2015
NUMBER OF SALES
155
182
222
235
$261,845
$333,052
$394,486
$436,163
$245
$301
$330
$388
$174
$222
$242
$265
$121
$155
$181
$218
AVERAGE DOM
92
52
59
55
S ince 2013, the number of sales in East Boston has increased significantly. With the
239 WEBSTER STREET | SOLD
ORIGINAL LIST PRICE | $1,150,000
17 | gibsonsothebysrealty.com
addition of many new developments, inventory has begun to meet buyer demand
to live in the area. The average sale price along with each average $PSF increased
signifying demand for the area.
DORCHESTER
Dorchester is Bostons largest neighborhood
and also its oldest, founded a few months before
the city itself. The neighborhoods historical
diversity is exhibited in its architecture,
from the old Victorian homes of wealthy
Bostonians to the multi-family dwellings of
later groups of immigrants. Today, Dorchester
retains its diversity. Its main thoroughfare,
Dorchester Avenue, connects many close-knit
neighborhoods and thriving commercial districts.
Some of its well known neighborhoods are
Savin Hill, Wellesley Park, Jones Hill, Ashmont
and Lower Mills. Dorchester is also home to the
University of Massachusetts at Boston and the
John F. Kennedy Library.
Average condo
price per square
foot up to
$323
2012
2013
2014
2015
NUMBER OF SALES
582
651
734
691
$304,076
$358,627
$392,114
$446,415
$192
$228
$253
$323
$171
$185
$211
$230
$161
$188
$218
$165
AVERAGE DOM
89
58
60
54
D emand to live in Dorchester continues to rise. Average sale prices along with
the average $PSF for condos, single-family homes and multi-family homes have rose
steadily over the past four years. Since 2012 the average days properties have been
listed on the market continues to decrease now at a low of 54 days.
RENTALS
From economical studio apartments to luxury
rentals in some of Bostons finest full service
buildings, Gibson Sothebys International Realty
has an abundant inventory of homes for lease
that span all styles and price points. Their
dedicated rental agents can assist you in every
step of the process of finding your new rental
home- from locating the perfect neighborhood
that suits your needs to finding the home that
satisfies your style.
2.1%
seeing some of the highest prices in the city. Prices for a one bedroom across
the city increased 2.1%. Median rents for a one bedroom have hit a new high
of $3,520 over $3,030 in 2014. In Bostons Back Bay neighborhood median
rents for a 2 bedroom are now at $4,460 over $4,020 in 2014.
MOMENTUM.
GROWTH.
FOUNDATION.
info@gibsonsir.com | 20
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SOUTH END
556 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02118
617.426.6900
WATERFRONT
350 Commercial Street
Boston, MA 02109
617.227.1000
CAMBRIDGE
1008 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
617.945.9161
SAVIN HILL
199 Savin Hill Avenue
Dorchester, MA 02125
671.825.0800
BACK BAY
277 Dartmouth Street
Boston, MA 02116
617.375.6900
WESTWOOD
725 High Street
Westwood, MA 02090
781.329.8008
CHARLESTOWN
One Thompson Square
Charlestown, MA 02129
617.242.4222
www.GibsonSothebysRealty.com
info@gibsonsir.com
844.667.6663
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