Affordable Housing is Always in Demand

Picture of NH condominium home with pool

There’s a lot of talk lately about the lack of affordable housing in the Lakes Region. It’s not only a local problem; it’s a statewide and national problem that will not be solved in the immediate future. According to The Registry Review, the State of New Hampshire was short 20,000 to 30,000 housing units, not even taking into consideration those units’ affordability. Due to the crisis, towns and cities throughout the state are looking into and enacting changes to increase the density in residential neighborhoods, create more infrastructure, provide local and state incentives, and modify revisions to master plans. In Laconia, we now have ‘performance zoning.’ Other cities have ‘inclusionary zoning’ or offer an incentive to construct affordable units for low and moderate-income. There’s a developer’s proposal in the Seacoast Region to construct 384 sqft. higher density ‘cottages’ on a 7.16-acre site to attract young workers at more affordable prices.

In any case, we are seeing a gradual relaxing of road frontage and lot size requirements, sidewalk construction requirements, impact fees being reduced, and setback minimums are getting reduced in certain cities throughout New Hampshire.

All Realtors® in the Lakes Region are having a difficult time finding affordable primary, second homes, or vacation properties. Back in 2007 through 2009, we had a multitude of affordable properties. Today, that selection has diminished and has dropped even lower since building slowed from its peak in 2006.

So what do we have in the interim? We’re seeing many smaller older homes being picked up and refurbished. Small cottages are getting rehabbed along the Weirs Boulevard. Investors are buying fixer-uppers that first-time buyers are afraid of. So median prices go way up, and our inventory is shrinking; as a result of the inventory shortage buyers are sometimes reaching out further to some of the smaller remote communities (primary and second homeowners) in towns like Rumney, Andover, Alexandria, Plymouth, and towns north of the Lakes Region.

Yes, we need more new construction in our region; however, until a new supply is created, here are a few local affordable condominium choices to consider for a starter, second home, or semi-retirement. Listing availability is very tight, but I hope things will open up after January 2021:

One Gilford Place had 10 listings closed this year with an average selling price of $77,870, ranging between $63,000-$105,000. There are two active listings, one listing is currently under contract, and one listing is pending.

Cedar Lodge had 5 listings closed this year with an average selling price of $101,200, ranging between $88,000-$125,000. One listing is currently under contract.

Mineral Springs nothing has sold so far this year one unit sold in 2018 for $108,000.

Meredith Bridge had 8 listings closed this year with an average selling price of $109,736, ranging between $75,000-$142,995. No active listings at this time.

Village of Winnipesaukee had 8 listings closed this year with an average selling price of $114,237, ranging between $103,000-$125,000. No active listings at this time.

Cherry Valley Condominium had 4 listings closed this year with an average selling price of $131,250, ranging between $107,000-$156,000. No active listings at this time.

Weirs Crossing had 6 listings closed this year with an average selling price of $135,000, ranging between $115,000-$147,000. No active listings at this time.

Moulton Cove had 3 listings closed this year with an average selling price of $168,300, ranging between $160,000-$175,000. No active listings at this time.

Four Seasons had 1 listing closed this year with an average selling price of $175,000. No active listings at this time.

Paugus Bay Racquet Club had 1 listing has sold this year for $183,000. One listing is currently active under contract.

Beacon Street West had 7 listings closed this year with an average selling price of $194,842, ranging between $125,000-$264,000. There is one active listing and four listings under contract.

Winnipesaukee Springs had 3 listings closed this year with an average selling price of $232,416, ranging between $221,000-$247,250. No active listings at this time and two listings under contract.

Evergreen Condo had 4 listings closed this year with an average selling price of $221,875, ranging between $187,500-$250,000. No active listings at this time and one listing under contract.

Sundown had 4 listings closed this year with an average selling price of $225,150, ranging between $199,000-$245,000. One listing is pending at this time.

In addition to the above affordable condominium communities, there are still some affordable single-family homes that come up weekly throughout the Lakes Region. Keep in touch with your favorite local Realtor®; there are always opportunities to take advantage of…keep your eyes and ears wide open!

Frank Roche, President of Roche Realty Group, Inc. with offices in Meredith and Laconia, NH

This article was written by Frank Roche. Frank is president of Roche Realty Group with offices in Meredith and Laconia, NH, and can be reached at (603) 279-7046. Data was compiled by a NEREN search on 11/19/2020 at noon EST and is subject to change. Please feel free to visit www.rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.

NH Lake Sales Activity - picture of lake with mountains and homes

Lakes Region Waterfront Sales 2022 vs. 2023

We’re getting near the end of the year, and I thought I would pull up ...
Read More →
Winter Snowmobile

Real Estate in a Winter Wonderland

As I drove around the other day with my kids, I was looking at some ...
Read More →
Toys for Tots Drive

Roche Realty Host Annual Toys for Tots Drive

As the holiday season approaches, Roche Realty Group is excited to announce the kickoff of ...
Read More →
Small Business Saturday New Hampshire

Small Business Saturday Living Gratefully in New Hampshire

We have so many things to be thankful for here in New Hampshire: plenty of ...
Read More →
Annie Brown Joins Roche Realty Group

Annie Brown Joins Roche Realty Group

Meredith — Frank Roche, President of Roche Realty Group, Inc., with offices in Meredith and ...
Read More →
Gunstock Mountain in Gilford, NH

Gunstock Upgrades for Winter as Real Estate Shows Resilient Growth

As the leaves of New Hampshire’s forests transition from the vibrant hues of fall to ...
Read More →
Preserving New Hampshire's Lakes

Preserving New Hampshire’s Lakes: A Community Effort

With over 250 lakes and ponds throughout New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, there are unlimited outdoor ...
Read More →
Home Inspections — The Uninspected Abode: A Spine-chilling Tale of Regret and Terror!

The Uninspected Home: A Spine-chilling Tale of Regret and Terror!

One night, not many years ago, in a quaint, somber town nestled amidst the haunting ...
Read More →
Interest Rates

Interest Rates Impacted by Treasury Yields

It looks like the national picture for housing stats has not improved in recent months; ...
Read More →
Local Housing Crisis: Challenges and Solutions

Local Housing Crisis: Challenges and Solutions

Our communities are facing a shortage of both residential and commercial properties, a scenario that’s ...
Read More →
Fall Splendor In New Hampshire

Fall Splendor in New Hampshire

New Hampshire in the fall is akin to stepping into a live canvas painting — ...
Read More →
Samoset Condominiums on Lake Winnipesaukee

Condominium Sales Surge in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region!

As we start entering October’s bright fall colors, I thought I’d take a look at ...
Read More →
Empowering your offer

Empower Your Offer in a Sizzling Real Estate Market!

As a seasoned real estate professional, I often consider the market conditions to keep myself, ...
Read More →
Reviews of New Hampshire's Lakes Region

Reviews of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region

We’ve had a great summer in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, and we’re approaching the brilliant ...
Read More →
Waterfont Sales Activity Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

Waterfront Sales Activity in the Lakes Region

As we head into September, I have compiled data and insight into what is happening ...
Read More →
Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day Weekend in The Lakes Region

Labor Day Weekend has arrived, and the weather forecast for the Lakes Region looks fantastic, ...
Read More →
Interest Rates

The Mortgage Interest Rate Dilemma

This past week, we saw an increase in mortgage rates following a rise in bond ...
Read More →
Best State To Live In — New Hampshire at #3

New Hampshire 3rd Best State To Live In!

WalletHub just released its rankings of the best state to live in for 2023. It’s ...
Read More →
City/Town Comparison can make the research process easier

City/Town Comparison For Your Move

Some studies place moving to a new location as one of the top ten most ...
Read More →
New Hampshire Real Estate Lacks Inventory

New Hampshire Real Estate Inventory Crisis

A Multifaceted Analysis of Rising Interest Rates and Beyond New Hampshire is currently facing a ...
Read More →
Peaks of New England

Exploring the Peaks of New England

In my younger years in school, I always loved geography. Living in New Hampshire, there ...
Read More →
Climate Exodus: Insurance Companies Seeking Refuge from High-Risk Sates

Climate Exodus: Insurers’ Fleeing High-Risk States

Flooding, Forest Fires, Heat Waves, Tornados, oh my! The recent stretch of weather has certainly ...
Read More →
Real Estate News Headlines - Lakes Region NH

Real Estate Tidbits to Consider

Here are a few real estate tidbits I’ve pulled to keep you up to speed ...
Read More →
Roche Realty Group Sells out Lakeside at Paugus Bay

Roche Realty Group — 6 Months in Review

Closed sales for the first 6 months of 2023 have been impressive at Roche Realty ...
Read More →
Newfound Lake

Lakes Region Waterfront Sales Activity 6 Month Comparison

Below you will find data and insight into what is happening in sales activity on ...
Read More →
Buying Land

Buying Land in New Hampshire — Comprehensive Guide

New Hampshire, also known as the Granite State, offers a diverse landscape that includes picturesque ...
Read More →
Weirs Beach: A Tale of History, Community, and Natural Beauty

Weirs Beach: A Tale of History, Community, and Natural Beauty

As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the oldest bike week in the country, let’s ...
Read More →
First Five Months of Lakes Region Real Estate

Five Months of Lakes Region Real Estate Activity

The month of May’s real estate statistics just came out for New Hampshire, and it ...
Read More →
A bird's eye view of Long Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee

South Down Shores and Long Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee — Its History

When construction started in 1981, Laconia’s South Down Farm offered a picturesque setting for condominium ...
Read More →
Memorial Day — rows of gravestones with flags in military cemetery

Memorial Day Weekend Arrives in the Lakes Region!

The long-anticipated Memorial Day weekend has arrived after a long winter, and the Lakes Region ...
Read More →
Unlike the dandelions new listings aren't popping up in the Lakes Region

Will Listings Start Bloom Like Dandelions?

Will Real Estate Listings Bloom Like Dandelions? During my rides around the Lakes Region, I’ve ...
Read More →
boat launch

Public Boat Launches in the Lakes Region

New Hampshire’s Lakes Region is a paradise for boating enthusiasts and we are now entering ...
Read More →
Real Estate Scams

Real Estate Scams to Be Aware of

One of my Realtors® received a call today from a gentleman purporting to be the ...
Read More →
Brant Point Lighthouse, Nantucket overlooking the ocean

From the Lakes Region to Nantucket

I spent a few days on Nantucket Island this past week for a quick getaway. ...
Read More →
Lakes Region Real Estate Is Still Hot

Lakes Region Real Estate Market is Sizzling

The real estate market in the Lakes Region and the state of New Hampshire is ...
Read More →
Lake Winnipesaukee Kayak

Buying a Lake House — Where to Start?

Owning a waterfront home in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region is a treasured experience. For many ...
Read More →
Home improvements

Home Improvements Before You Sell

One question I commonly get asked is, “What type of projects or improvements should I ...
Read More →
Single-Family units are down

How’s the Lakes Region Market Looking?

We’ve already passed the first quarter of 2023 for real estate sales in New Hampshire’s ...
Read More →
Moving into new home young happy couple celebrating toast Champagne

Buying a Home? Follow These Tips & Tricks

Spring has officially arrived and launches the beginning of our spring selling season for real ...
Read More →
Marketing

How Marketing Real Estate Has Evolved

Back in the year 2000, the world was at the beginning stages of a major ...
Read More →
Mount Washington, New Hampshire

New Hampshire — 30 Reasons to Move Here!

With lakes, beaches, mountains, forests, rivers, and the ocean for people who enjoy the outdoors, ...
Read More →
New Hampshire Ski Resort

Ski Resorts in New Hampshire Are Ready for Spring Skiing!

It’s been a good week, and mother nature hit our region with a blanket of ...
Read More →
Market Trends

Real Estate Market Trends to Follow

I’ve been pulling up some current research on the real estate market on a national, ...
Read More →
Carol Mattice

Roche Realty Group Welcomes Carol Mattice

Meredith — Frank Roche, President of Roche Realty Group, Inc, with offices in Meredith and ...
Read More →
Kevin Shaw - Roche Realty Group

Kevin Shaw of Roche Realty Group is Top Producer for 2022

Laconia— Frank Roche, president of Roche Realty Group with offices in Meredith and Laconia, recently announced ...
Read More →
Lisa Lewis

Lisa Lewis Joins Roche Realty Group

Meredith — Frank Roche, President of Roche Realty Group, Inc, with offices in Meredith and ...
Read More →
Wanda Keenan

Wanda Keenan Joins Roche Realty Group

Meredith— Frank Roche, President of Roche Realty Group, Inc. with offices in Meredith and Laconia, ...
Read More →
Land for sale

Buy Land in New Hampshire — They’re Not Making it Anymore

The science is in and the more trees a state has, the happier and less ...
Read More →
The Price of Real Estate

Did The Price of Real Estate Increase in Your Town?

Everyone’s always interested to see how their real estate values have performed over the past ...
Read More →
Laid off employee in recession

Are We Headed into a Recession?

It’s pretty big news lately; Microsoft, Amazon, and other tech companies have laid off more ...
Read More →

Leave a Comment