2026 Market Trends by Taylor McFarlane

MARKET TRENDS

Portside Real Estate Group + Portside Foundation Annual Report

A YEAR OF PURPOSE AND MOMENTUM

As we look back on 2025, we ’ re incredibly proud of what we accomplished at Portside Real Estate Group and McFarlane Field Associates

Company-wide, we had the opportunity to help more than 2,300 families across Maine and New Hampshire and closed over $1 4 billion in sales, earning the #1 spot for independently owned real estate brokerages in Northern New England. Just as meaningful is our commitment to giving back through our 1% Back initiative and community events, Portside agents raised and donated over $300,000 to local nonprofits, supporting organizations working to break detrimental generational cycles and strengthen our communities.

Within that larger story, the McFarlane Field Team had a year we ’ re deeply proud of. In 2025, our team closed over $150,000,000 in real estate, helped 150 families buy or sell a home across Southern Maine, and donated $35,000 to the Portside Foundation a reflection of our belief that real estate can, and should, have a meaningful impact beyond the transaction

This was also a year of meaningful growth for Portside, with a 25% increase in sales volume across the company We proudly welcomed Kim Swan and The Swan Agency in Bar Harbor to the Portside family, expanding our footprint Downeast and launching our Hospitality Sales Division led by Dana Moos We also opened our newly built flagship office in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, strengthening our presence along the Seacoast and positioning the company for continued growth.

Portside was built on the idea that real estate can be done differently. Together as individuals, teams, and a company we continue to build a business rooted in care, community, and local connection.

Here’s to an incredible 2026.

Cheers, The MFA Team Taylor, Randy, Jim, Nancy, Jen T, Jen M and Kari

PORTSIDE YEAR IN REVIEW

Portside's 2025 story is one of momentum with heart. A year where growth felt grounded, impact felt personal, and every step forward strengthened the communities we call home.

From expanding our footprint to deepening our 1% Back commitment, we pushed the brand in bold new directions while staying true to the local roots that define us.

YEAR IN REVIEW

$1.4 BILLION IN SALES 2300 UNITS SOLD

#1 INDIE BROKERAGE IN

SALES

$300,000+ DONATED TO LOCAL NONPROFITS THIS YEAR

OUR GROWTH

EXPANDED OUR REACH

$1,400,000+ LIFETIME DONATIONS TO LOCAL NONPROFITS

In 2025, Portside continued to grow with intention, expanding our footprint while staying rooted in the communities we serve.

Downeast Expansion I Bar Harbor: The addition of The Swan Agency in Bar Harbor deepened our Downeast presence and reinforced our belief that the future is local.

Strengthening Our Seacoast Roots: We opened our newly built flagship office in Portsmouth, New Hampshire to support a growing team and deepen our service to clients across the Seacoast.

NEW WAYS TO SERVE YOU

Portside Commercial + Hospitality: Our expansion in Bar Harbor also marked the launch of our Commercial and Hospitality Division, expanding how we support clients across New England.

ABSOLUTE TITLE

Through our partnership with Absolute Title, we expanded the behindthe-scenes support available to our agents and clients, including checkless closings and mobile closing services—making the closing experience smoother and more accessible across Maine + New Hampshire.

GREATER PORTLAND

#1 in Cumberland County BUYER SIDES

1 in 10 homes were sold by a Portsider

CENTRAL MAINE

#1 in Kennebec County

1 in 5 homes were sold by a Portsider

#1 Indie in York County FOR TOTAL UNITS

#1 in Biddeford FOR CONDO SALES

# 2 in Hancock County BUYER SIDES

1 in 3 homes were sold by a Portsider

#1 in Sagadahoc County

1 in 5 homes were sold by a Portsider

MORE ANNUAL SALES THAN THE AVERAGE AGENT

LOWEST DAYS ON MARKET (OF TOP 10 AGENCIES)

257

LUXURY LISTINGS CLOSED IN 2025

$398M+

LUXURY SALES VOLUME SOLD IN 2025

153% increase in sales over 2024

OPENED FLAGSHIP NH OFFICE!

$6.7M AVERAGE VOLUME PER AGENT

505K+ ANNUAL WEBSITE VISITORS 84% INCREASE OVER 2024

REAL ESTATE

THE PORTSIDE FOUNDATION REAL IMPACT. WITH

PINS FOR A CURE

$80,000+ Raised for Maine Cancer Foundation

AUTUMN EQUINOX

$128,000+ Raised for Maine Audubon

HOPS FOR HABITAT

$60,000+ Raised for Habitat for Humanity

We believe that if we care about our neighbors, the difference we make collectively will be sustainable and life changing for our community.

The Portside Foundation 501(c)(3) is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of our communities by supporting humanitarian, environmental, and health-and-youth assistance programs. The Foundation organizes and hosts multiple fundraising events and awareness campaigns on behalf of local nonprofits throughout the year. These thoughtful events generate income through corporate sponsorships, ticket sales, auctions, and direct donations. The proceeds from these events are used to support local nonprofits working to improve the lives of those in our communities.

Since the Foundation’s inception, we have raised enough capital to donate over $1,400,000 through our Portside Gives Back events for cancer causes, affordable housing, youth wellness, and wildlife conservation programs across Northern New England.

In 2026, we’re excited to expand the reach of our Portside Foundation events with the introduction of successful events to new regions!

JOIN US IN 2026

April Pins for a Cure in Kennebunk

June Hops for Habitat in Brunswick

September Autumn Equinox in Falmouth

November Hops for Habitat in Portsmouth

1% BACK

At Portside, we’re focused on the next generation, our youth. It’s what we do every day!

On a quarterly basis participating Portside agents give 1% of top line revenue to local nonprofits supporting systemic issues in our communities. A dedicated group of Portside 1% Back board members review grants + support those consistent with our four focus areas:

OUR IMPACT a year at a glance

$300,000+ DONATED 40+ GRANTS FUNDED 150 AGENTS PARTICIPATING

Medical + Mental Healthcare

Education

Food Insecurity

Generational Poverty + Affordable Housing

Real estate is a platform for doing good – because strong communities start with people who care! Here are just a couple of ways we've been able to help:

Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program received funding to launch an in-school food pantry at Gartley School in Lisbon. This support helps ensure the school community, including students, families, and staff, have access to essential nourishment.

York County Community Action received funding to expand its Head Start Teacher-in-Training program. This is an exciting step toward strengthening the early childhood education workforce and better supporting local families.

3 GIVE BACK COMMUNITY EVENTS

28+ NONPROFITS SUPPORTED 2 STATES PARTICIPATING

2 ADDITIONAL BUSINESSES PARTICIPATING Thanks Lotfey Dennett Insurance Brokers & Absolute Title!

2025 GRANT BENEFICIARIES

STATEWIDE

Birth Roots Center I $10,000

This grant will be used to help to expand community-based prenatal and postnatal programming and support for new and expectant parents.

Girls on the Run | $10,000

This grant will help fund the Girls on the Run experience-based curricula that creatively integrates running.

Good Shepherd Food Bank I $6,000

The grant will work to increase nutrition and wellbeing for children and families in Greater Portland by providing access to nutritious foods through low-barrier youth programs.

Out Maine I $10,000

This grant will be used for the Local Game Night project that provides LGBTQ+ youth and families a safe, inclusive space to connect, build community, and foster emotional growth through games.

Wayfinder Schools I $10,000

This grant will provide art, life skills, and outdoor education opportunities for teen parents and at-risk youth in Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo counties.

CUMBERLAND

COUNTY

Greater Portland Family Promise I $10,000

This grant will support the Family Promise Advocacy, Community, and Training program provides education for immigrant families on topics such as maternal and child health and legal rights.

Kennedy Park Football Club | $10,000

This grant will support programming that serves new and underserved kids, connecting them to the community through the universal language of soccer.

LearningWorks I $10,000

The grant will be used to provide no-cost, high quality educational programming, vocational training, and community-based restorative justice services for children and youth in southern Maine.

Maine Boys to Men I $5,000

The grant will support programming that supports the development of self-aware, empathetic boys and men.

Portland Community Health Center I $10,000

The grant will provide funding to support convenient and affordable dental screenings, cleanings, and fluoride to children directly in their public school to reduce oral health disparities.

Presente! Maine I $10,000

This grant will be utilized to implement programs for displaced Afro/Indigenous and Latinx peoples of Maine.

Side x Side I $7,500

The grant will support pairing teaching artists with classroom teachers to co-create “From Stream to Story” an arts-based unit that engages learners, builds interpersonal skills and supports academic success.

Valo I $10,500

This grant will support the organization’s mission to foster emotional wellbeing in youth by creating safe spaces for connection and conversation that combat loneliness, anxiety, and depression.

ANDROSCOGGIN + KENNEBEC COUNTIES

Boys & Girls Club of Kennebec Valley I $10,000

The grant will provide continued support for the Teen Center, providing a safe space for youth in grades 6–12.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Maine | $10,000

This grant will help to renovate the Boys & Girls Club of Auburn kitchen, improving access to nutritious meals for food-insecure youth.

Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program I $7,500

The MCHPP grant will be used to set up an in-school food pantry serving students, families and staff at the Gartley School in the town of Lisbon

Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program I $9,000

MCHPP serves over 5,000 people from across 9 counties, and the Offsite Grocery Program, which provides school and satellite food pantries and door to door or neighborhood deliveries of groceries. The Food Pantry distributes nearly 50% of the organization's food, and the Offsite Grocery Program accounts for over 25% of their total food distribution.

United Youth Empowerment Services I $10,000

The grant supports UnitedYES programming that provides resources, connection, and safe spaces for immigrant and refugee youth.

MIDCOAST REGION

St. George Community Development Corporation I $10,000

The grant will be used to improve the infrastructure of the food pantry so that they can safely provide nutritious food to community members who are clients.

Veggies to Table | $10,000

This grant will support the sustainable farming efforts to grow organic produce and flowers to nourish those facing hunger and build lasting community connections.

YORK COUNTY

APEX I $8,000

The grant will fund programming for youth providing them hands-on activities and outdoor adventure, while fostering meaningful mentorships.

Continuum Arts Collective | $10,000

The grant will support programming to providing student artists and musicians with the materials, instruction, and experiences they need to flourish as creators.

York County Community Action | $10,000

The grant will expand the Head Start Teacher-inTraining program, addressing critical workforce shortages and ensuring more local families have access to high-quality early childhood education.

York County Community Action | $10,000

The grant will provide funding to assist low to moderate income homeowners with home repairs and weatherization modifications to help reduce their current cost of living and maintain homeownership.

OXFORD COUNTY

Pink Feather Foundation I $3,000

This grant will help provide students with clothing and confidence to thrive across 17 schools in Oxford County.

NEW HAMPSHIRE STATEWIDE

Gather I $10,000

This grant will help support Gather’s Mobile Markets program, which expands its Portsmouth-based Pantry Market by bringing fresh, nutritious food directly to underserved communities with limited access to healthy options.

FRIENDS OF LONG CREEK

TO LEARN MORE VISIT 1% BACK'S WEBSITE

MARKET RECAP

MAINE MARKET

AT A GLANCE

In 2025, Maine’s housing market continued to outperform national trends, showing strong price appreciation and sales activity while much of the U.S. experienced cooling conditions. Job growth over the past five years has fueled sustained demand, helping Maine rank first nationally in home price appreciation with values up 80% from preCOVID levels.

Single-family homes remained the top choice for buyers, with modest growth in mobile home interest reflecting affordability needs, while the condo market stayed stable. Overall, Maine’s housing market demonstrated resilience, strong demand, and long-term value across all price points.

HOME SALES

Maine’s luxury real estate market continued to show impressive strength in 2025, with growth seen in both the $1M+ and $2M+ segments. Sales of homes priced over $2 million rose again this year, as did those in the $1 million range, reinforcing the state’s appeal as a premium destination for second homes, lifestyle moves, and long-term investment.

This upward trend was fueled in part by stock market gains, which helped highnet-worth individuals unlock greater liquidity to invest in real estate. For many, Maine’s combination of natural beauty, privacy, and quality of life made it a top choice for vacation homes and long-term investment properties.

Despite national uncertainty in some markets, demand for luxury properties in Maine remained steady and competitive, a testament to this beautiful state.

LUXURY

YORK COUNTY

REGIONAL MARKET SNAPSHOT

$539k

12 UNITS SOLD 2426

In York County, we’re seeing clear signs that the market is beginning to rebalance, with inventory up yearover-year, active listings growing, and months of inventory starting to climb. This shift signals a move away from the ultra-tight conditions of recent years and into a market where buyers have more options and time to make decisions; homes are taking a bit longer to sell, bidding wars are less common (though still happening!), and sellers need to be more thoughtful about pricing and presentation. At the same time, values remain strong, with prices continuing to rise even as the pace of appreciation cools, and the sharper Q4 slowdown reflects the seasonality typical of a more balanced market. It’s also important to remember that these trends reflect York County as a whole—some pockets are outperforming the averages while others lag—making an understanding of your specific sub-market more important than ever. DAYS ON MARKET

MICRO MARKET HIGHLIGHT

BIDDEFORD CONDOS

MEDIAN PRICE: $425K up 8.2% year-over-year down 0.6% year-over-year

Biddeford’s condo market is having a moment. Condo sales more than tripled year-over-year, jumping from 19 to 59 sales in just one year driven by a wave of new condo units entering the market and reshaping the city’s housing mix. This rapid growth is creating fresh opportunities across all price points, from more attainable options for first-time buyers to higherend offerings that appeal to downsizers and second-home buyers. As Biddeford continues to evolve, the expanding condo market is helping improve affordability, increase inventory, and support a healthier, more balanced local real estate landscape.

Project listed by Erin Oldham of Portside Real Estate Group

COUNTY

REGIONAL MARKET SNAPSHOT

In Cumberland County, the Greater Portland housing market saw rising inventory and more moderate price growth in 2025, signaling a shift toward a more balanced, year-over-year market compared to the rapid pace of recent years. Homes priced below the regional median continued to attract strong competition and sell efficiently, while higher-priced properties experienced longer days on market and required more strategic pricing and marketing. Despite these changes, Portland remains highly desirable, continuing to attract a steady pool of buyers drawn to its vibrant coastal setting and strong arts, food, and local business culture.

MICRO MARKET HIGHLIGHT

FALMOUTH

MEDIAN PRICE: $1.1M

Home prices in the town of Falmouth attainable to middleincome — or what’s often referred to as workforce — earners are uncommon; the Portland suburb has some of the highest real estate prices in the state.

But a new development has just broken ground that will offer 48 two-bedroom condominiums at prices ranging from $378,000 to $425,000 to eligible buyers — households who make no more than 120% of the area mean income.

Project listed by Anne Hyland of Portside Real Estate Group

SAGADAHOC + LINCOLN COUNTIES

REGIONAL MARKET SNAPSHOT

DAYS ON MARKET MEDIAN PRICE

$450k 19 UNITS SOLD

1373

97.8%

Sagadahoc + Lincoln Counties, the Midcoast of Maine stretching from the Brunswick and Bath area, through the Boothbay and Damariscotta regions to Rockland, Rockport, and Camden enjoyed another healthy and vibrant real estate market in 2025. Unit sales were up slightly with continued high demand from out-of-state buyers, however increased inventory offered buyers some price stabilization. Homes are staying on the market longer, indicating a shifting balance from the frenzy of previous years. While there were more opportunities for buyers in 2025, many areas are still in high demand and competitive such as Brunswick, Wiscasset, and Boothbay Harbor.

MICRO MARKET HIGHLIGHT

BRUNSWICK

MEDIAN PRICE: $472K

The Brunswick and Bath area of Maine's Midcoast continues to be one of the most popular destinations for home buyers in Maine.

The community offers a blend of college-town charm (Brunswick) and a historic maritime heritage (Bath) with classic New England architecture offering an idyllic lifestyle. The median sales price in 2025 was $472,500 up from 2024 and unit sales were flat year over year. Inventory is building as we head into 2026 including a number of new construction developments.

KENNEBEC COUNTY

REGIONAL MARKET SNAPSHOT

$325k 16

98.7% flat year-over-year up 23.1% year-over-year up 5% year-over-year down 0.4% year-over-year

Kennebec County, the Kennebec County real estate market has shifted into a more balanced, "neutral" state following several years of rapid price spikes. The median sales price has stabilized around $307,000, showing a modest 1% year-over-year increase, which remains significantly more affordable than Maine’s statewide median. Inventory has rebounded by roughly 16%, giving buyers more options. Kennebec County is also experiencing a notable surge in housing development. The activity spans a wide range of projects, from large-scale affordable apartment complexes in Augusta and Waterville to new single-family subdivisions in Belgrade, Sidney and Oakland.

MICRO MARKET HIGHLIGHT

AUGUSTA

MEDIAN PRICE: $285K

Demand is particularly strong in Augusta and Waterville, where prices are roughly half of those in Southern Maine.

BELGRADE LAKES WATERFRONT

MEDIAN PRICE: $596K

Prices for lakefront properties in the Belgrade Lakes Region continue to rise as inventory remains tight with average prices more than double the Kennebec County average.

HANCOCK + WALDO COUNTIES

REGIONAL MARKET SNAPSHOT

DAYS ON MARKET MEDIAN PRICE

$396k 31 UNITS SOLD

1202

96.9%

Hancock + Waldo Counties, 2025 felt like a year of settling into a new rhythm. Sellers often entered the market with higher expectations, while buyers were engaged but a bit more patient, taking time to assess value and fit. Median closed prices across the region moved only slightly, even as days on market lengthened and price reductions became more common. Homes that were priced thoughtfully from the outset saw strong interest, while those that over-reached tended to adjust before finding their sweet spot. It was an active market, shaped more by care than urgency.

MICRO MARKET HIGHLIGHT

MOUNT DESERT ISLAND

MEDIAN PRICE: $735K

In Mount Desert Island, exceptional homes in the luxury market still commanded strong prices. Median sold prices rose modestly, but original list prices rose faster and days on market climbed, showing sellers testing the ceiling while buyers were more discerning.

A notable number of properties sat four months or more and closed well below their original asking price.

BELFAST

Belfast continues to feel steady and sought after. Demand is still strongest for in-town homes. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find anything under $400,000 inside the bypass, which has made that segment especially challenging for buyers working within that range.

NEW HAMPSHIRE MARKET

AT A GLANCE

In 2025, New Hampshire’s housing market showed steady and sustained growth, mirroring many of the positive trends seen across Northern New England. Home prices continued to rise, sales activity increased, and demand remained strong in nearly every segment.

The median home price climbed to $535,000, a 3.9% increase over the previous year. At the same time, units sold rose by 4.6%, reflecting both buyer confidence and available inventory. Homes moved quickly, with median days on market increasing slightly, still only 10 days, making it one of the fastest-paced markets in the region.

A total of 18,301 residential units were sold in 2025, up from 17,311 in 2024. Single-family homes made up nearly 69% of the market, with condo sales holding steady at 23%. Mobile homes saw a slight increase in share, pointing to a growing emphasis on affordability.

LUXURY HOME SALES

At the top end of the market, New Hampshire’s luxury segment saw a notable uptick:

Homes sold over $1 million jumped to 1,347, up from 1,158 in 2024.

Homes sold over $2 million rose to 246, compared to 218 the year prior.

Overall, New Hampshire’s real estate market in 2025 remained competitive, fast-moving, and attractive to a wide range of buyers, from first-time homeowners to high-end investors. The state ranked second nationally for home price appreciation since pre-COVID, with a remarkable 74.9% increase, just behind Maine. This long-term growth reflects not only market resilience but also the increasing desirability of New Hampshire as a place to live.

STRAFFORD COUNTY

REGIONAL MARKET SNAPSHOT

$515k 8

1068

Strafford County, the single family market strengthened in 2025, with rising prices, increased sales activity and notable improvement in the market pace. The median sale price climbed up nearly 5% year-overyear. While pricing pressure has moderated slightly from peak levels, properties continue to sell very close to list price, pointing to a competitive yet increasingly balanced market as we head into 2026. Stafford County remains one of the more attainable markets in the region, yet posted stronger year-over-year sales growth than many higher priced neighboring areas.

MICRO MARKET HIGHLIGHT

DOVER

MEDIAN PRICE: $560K

Dover's single family market showed increased stability and improved momentum even as pricing leveled off slightly from the year's peak.

The median sale price held just above $560,000 while unit sales edged higher, signaling steady demand at current price points.

Dover has proven to be Strafford County's most resilient and consistently active market. DAYS ON MARKET

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY

REGIONAL MARKET SNAPSHOT

$670k 8

Rockingham County, the market regained momentum in 2025, marked by rising prices, improved sales activity, and a meaningful acceleration in market pace. The median sale price increased to $670,000 continuing a multi-year upward trend, while unit sales climbed more than 14% compared to the prior year. Homes sold significantly faster, with average days on market dropping to 30 despite affordability pressures. While bidding intensity has moderated from peak levels, properties are still selling very close to list price which signals a competitive but more stable market as we move into 2026.

MICRO MARKET HIGHLIGHT

PORTSMOUTH

MEDIAN PRICE: $895K

Portsmouth continued to outperform the broader county market in 2025, maintaining its position as a higher-priced, supply-constrained submarket.

Portsmouth's median sale price was 44% higher than the broader Rockingham and Strafford Country market. Portsmouth homes sold at a significant premium to the countrywide median as well, reflecting the towns enduring demand, accessibility, and limited inventory.

2026

MARKET FORECAST

SELLER OUTLOOK

HOME PRICES

Modest price growth is expected to continue, with average annual increases in the range of 2% to 3% across much of the region. High-demand areas like Greater Portland and Portsmouth may see slightly stronger appreciation.

INVENTORY LEVELS

Inventory has become more balanced, allowing for a steadier market pace. While some areas offer more flexibility for buyers, limited supply in key markets continues to support seller leverage.

SALES VOLUME

Slight increases in both pricing and available listings will lead to stronger overall sales volume. More properties selling, and motivated buyers reentering the market.

BUYER OUTLOOK

INVENTORY LEVELS

Modest inventory growth is creating more choices in many areas. While competition remains in high-demand markets, the pace will be manageable.

MARKET COMPETITION

Competitive pressure has eased compared to recent years, giving buyers more time and flexibility to evaluate options and negotiate terms.

INTEREST RATES

Mortgage rates have begun to stabilize, with modest relief projected over the course of the year. This is expected to support ongoing buyer activity, particularly in the mid-range and move-up segments.

MARKET CONFIDENCE

Lifestyle-driven migration and continued interest in Northern New England remain strong, especially in coastal, lakeside, and mountainous areas.

EQUITY GAINS

Increased equity offers flexibility for sellers who are ready to make a change, whether that’s downsizing, relocating, or moving into a new phase of life.

AFFORDABILITY + FINANCING

Borrowing costs have eased slightly, and further modest relief is expected throughout the year. While home prices remain elevated, improved rate stability and more flexible loan options are helping to expand access, particularly for first-time and move-up buyers.