PROVINCETOWN
With the start of 2015 we would like to wish you all a wonderful, happy and prosperous New Year. We also want to thank our many friends and associates for sending those many referrals our way. They are much appreciated.
In 2014 higher prices, increasing values, strong buyer demand, and continuing low interest rates made the year an outstanding one. For buyers, sellers and investors there seemed to be a healthy balance between a buyers and sellers market as inventory is generally balanced with buyer demand. That balance may change in 2015 as we are not seeing the anticipated increase in inventory that the market is craving.
Year-end sales in Provincetown were strong with condos continuing to lead the market. The median sale price of condos sold in Provincetown increased 10% to $428K from $389K. The number of condo sales recorded in MLS were 21% higher this year than last year’s 150 sales. Sales volume increased by a 23% to $69M. The average sale price of condos increased 3% to $466K. The average price per square foot of condos sold in all price ranges was $560 per square foot. The condo mid market continues to move up from the $400K to $600K range to the $500K to $700K range.
Condo inventory as of December 31 is low with only 74 available with an average asking price of $551K and an average price per square foot of $620.
The median price of single-family homes was $840K down 5% from $887K in 2013. The average price of single-family properties sold was $1.03M, similar to last years $1.02M. There were 38 single-family sales, which is down 21%. Total sales volume was $39M down from $49M. We continue to feel that these softer single-family numbers are being caused by a lack of inventory and the strong demand for condos. The average price per square foot of single-family properties sold was $486psf.
The $1M plus single-family market remains slower with12 sales and $21M in sales volume compared to 19 sales last year with a volume of $29M.
There are 46 single-family properties on the market with an average price of $1.521M and an average price per square foot of $584.
Inventory in all categories is quite low and will begin to effect sales and prices unless more properties become available. Buyers are feeling confident and will continue investing in second homes and investment properties if there are enough choices available and if mortgage rates stay low.
TRURO AND WELLFLEET
The single-family home market in Truro and Wellfleet is strong. Sales have seen remarkable increases partly due to a lack of inventory and the high average price of homes in Provincetown.
Truro fared well with the average median sales price for single-family properties increasing 25% to $670K from $538K in 2013.
The average sale price was up a whopping 34% to $798K. In stark contrast sales were down 8% to 44 sales this year. There are currently 63 single-family properties on the market with a median price of $825K.
Wellfleet turned in a strong performance with a 21% increase in sales to 85 units from 70 last year. The median sales price of single-family properties sold was up 5% to $505K from $481K last year. The average sale price increased 6% to $566K. Wellfleet remains predominantly a single-family sales market. There are currently 32 single-family properties on the market with a median price of $587K.
Our advice remains consistent. Positive buyer and seller attitudes coupled with a continuation of relatively low mortgage rates (30-year-fixed rates are averaging 3.875%) and an improving economy bode well for 2015 being a great year to jump into the market. Buyers are feeling confident enough to buy second homes and the rental market is so strong that rental income can make buying that second home or investment property so much easier.
Please call or stop in if you are thinking of buying a home or selling your existing home, or if you are just curious to see what your home is worth. Our business philosophy has always been that the best-informed buyers and sellers are the most satisfied with their results. And that’s what we do best.