Real Estate

Dedham MA Housing Inventory & Sales Data 2026

Feb 25, 2026
17 min read
Garrett Mullins
Garrett Mullins
Workflow Specialist

Key Takeaways:

  • Dedham's active inventory averages 40-55 listings at any given time, with 1.6 months of supply and approximately 380 residential transactions annually at a $650,000 median sale price

  • The town's 26,000 population across 10.5 square miles in Norfolk County creates a compact farming zone where Legacy Place retail development and I-95/Route 1 access drive consistent demand

  • Dedham's housing stock skews older (median year built 1955) with 35% of homes built before 1950 — creating a renovation-driven inventory cycle where updated homes command 20-30% premiums over unrenovated comparables

  • The Dedham-to-Needham price gap ($650,000 vs. $1,175,000) makes Dedham the value entry point for families who work along the Route 128 corridor

  • US Tech Automations helps agents navigate Dedham's renovation-active, value-positioned market with renovation ROI calculators, inventory absorption alerts, and automated comparable analysis tools


Dedham Housing Inventory Fundamentals

Dedham is a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, located approximately 10 miles southwest of downtown Boston along the Route 1 and I-95 corridors. Bordered by Boston (West Roxbury) to the north, Needham to the west, Norwood to the south, and Canton/Milton to the east, Dedham serves as the Norfolk County seat and occupies a strategic position at the convergence of multiple highway corridors, according to Norfolk County geographic records.

How much housing inventory exists in Dedham MA? According to MLS PIN data, Dedham's active residential inventory averages 40-55 listings during peak months and contracts to 20-28 during winter. The 1.6 months of supply — below the balanced market threshold of 4-6 months — reflects persistent seller's market conditions where demand from Route 128 commuters, Legacy Place shoppers-turned-residents, and Boston outmigration consistently exceeds available housing, according to Greater Boston Association of Realtors inventory analysis.

Inventory IndicatorDedham MANeedham MANorwood MAMetro Boston
Active Listings (Avg.)455550
Months of Supply1.61.51.82.2
Annual Transactions380350400
Median DOM17161922
New Listings per Month32-4030-4035-42
List-to-Close Ratio97.2%96.8%96.5%95.8%

According to MLS PIN data, Dedham's 380 annual transactions with 1.6 months of supply positions it as a high-velocity market where listings convert to closings rapidly. The 17-day median DOM — comparable to premium suburbs like Needham — confirms that properly priced Dedham homes face competitive buyer conditions, according to absorption analysis.

Dedham's 97.2% list-to-close ratio matches Norfolk County's highest-performing communities — indicating that Dedham sellers achieve close to asking price, a metric that reflects tight inventory rather than aggressive pricing, according to MLS PIN offer data.

Inventory by Housing Type

Property TypeInventory ShareMedian PriceAvg. DOMAnnual Sales
Single-Family Detached62%$710,00015236
Condominiums22%$450,0002084
Townhouses8%$575,0001830
Multi-Family (2-4 units)8%$685,0002230

What types of homes are available in Dedham MA? According to MLS PIN property data, single-family detached homes dominate Dedham's inventory at 62% — but the 22% condominium share is notably higher than comparable Norfolk County suburbs, reflecting Dedham's more urban character and recent condominium development along Route 1 and near Legacy Place. The $450,000 condo median provides an accessible entry point that feeds the single-family upgrade pipeline, according to housing type analysis.

According to Census Bureau housing data, Dedham's multi-family share (8% of transactions) is the highest among Norfolk County's western suburban communities — reflecting the town's historic housing stock where two-family and three-family homes were built alongside single-family residences. These multi-family properties attract both owner-occupants (who offset mortgage costs with rental income) and investors, creating a dual-demand dynamic, according to housing stock analysis.

Renovation-Driven Inventory Cycle

Housing EraShare of StockMedian Price (Unrenovated)Median Price (Renovated)Premium
Pre-194020%$525,000$685,000+30%
1940-195930%$575,000$725,000+26%
1960-197922%$620,000$765,000+23%
1980-199915%$680,000$785,000+15%
2000+13%$775,000

According to Dedham Assessor data and MLS PIN sales records, the town's 1955 median construction year means 50% of homes were built before 1960 — creating the renovation economics that drive Dedham's inventory cycle. Unrenovated pre-1960 homes at $525,000-$575,000 attract renovation-oriented buyers who invest $80,000-$120,000 in updates and generate $685,000-$725,000 in post-renovation value, according to renovation analysis.

Are there renovation opportunities in Dedham MA? According to MLS PIN renovation data, the 20-30% premium for renovated homes over unrenovated comparables creates predictable ROI for buyers willing to invest in updates. Agents who understand renovation cost economics — and can guide buyers through contractor selection, permit requirements, and realistic timelines — provide differentiated value that generic agents cannot match, according to renovation advisory analysis.

According to Norfolk County building permit data, Dedham issues approximately 180-220 residential renovation permits annually — among the highest per-capita renovation rates in Norfolk County, reflecting the town's older housing stock and sustained homeowner investment in property improvement.

Neighborhood Inventory Analysis

NeighborhoodActive Listings (Avg.)Median PriceHousing Stock EraRenovation Activity
Dedham Center/Square8-10$625,0001920-1950Very High
Oakdale area6-8$695,0001950-1970High
Riverdale area5-7$680,0001945-1965High
Manor area4-6$725,0001940-1960Moderate-High
East Dedham7-10$585,0001930-1955Moderate
Greenlodge area5-7$710,0001955-1975Moderate

According to MLS PIN neighborhood data, Dedham Center/Square's 8-10 active listings and very high renovation activity reflect its walkable village character and older housing stock — attracting buyers who value walkability to shops and the Dedham Community Theatre. East Dedham's $585,000 median represents the town's most accessible single-family entry point, bordering Boston's West Roxbury neighborhood, according to neighborhood analysis.

According to Norfolk County Registry of Deeds data, the Manor area's $725,000 median and lower renovation activity reflect a neighborhood where much of the renovation cycle has already occurred — producing a stable, move-in-ready housing product that appeals to families who prefer turnkey properties over renovation projects. This creates a distinct marketing opportunity compared to the renovation-focused approach needed in Dedham Center and East Dedham.

Seasonal Inventory Patterns

SeasonAvg. New ListingsActive InventoryAbsorption RateBest Strategy
Winter (Jan-Feb)12-1820-281.0 monthsBuyer urgency messaging
Spring (Mar-May)35-4545-551.4 monthsListing acquisition focus
Summer (Jun-Aug)28-3540-481.6 monthsSteady state farming
Fall (Sep-Oct)22-2835-421.5 monthsSchool-driven demand
Late Fall (Nov-Dec)8-1218-220.9 monthsReduced competition

According to MLS PIN seasonal data, Dedham's winter and late fall windows (0.9-1.0 months absorption) create the tightest conditions — sellers who list during these periods face minimal competition and often receive offers within the first week. Spring's higher inventory (45-55 listings) provides more buyer choice but also more seller competition, moderating pricing power, according to seasonal analysis.

According to Greater Boston Association of Realtors data, Dedham's school calendar drives a notable September-October demand bump — families who missed spring inventory make urgent purchases before the school year progresses. This creates a secondary selling season that rewards agents who maintain active listing inventory through the fall, according to seasonal demand analysis.

YearAvg. Active ListingsAnnual SalesMonths of SupplyMedian Price
2021304100.8$585,000
2022353950.9$620,000
2023453701.5$615,000
2024483751.6$635,000
2025453801.6$650,000

According to MLS PIN historical data, Dedham's inventory has normalized from the extreme scarcity of 2021 (0.8 months) to a still-tight 1.6 months in 2024-2025. The price recovery from $615,000 (2023) to $650,000 (2025) — a 5.7% two-year rebound — confirms that Dedham's market correction was temporary and appreciation has resumed on a sustainable trajectory, according to trend analysis.

Is Dedham's housing market healthy? According to market health indicators, Dedham's return to 380 annual transactions with steady 1.6 months of supply indicates a market operating at equilibrium — neither the panic-buying frenzy of 2021 nor the rate-shock stagnation of early 2023. This balanced state rewards consistent farming investment with predictable deal flow, according to market stability analysis.

Economic and Employment Drivers

Employment FactorDedham ImpactHousing Demand Effect
Norfolk County Government (courthouse)500+ county employeesSteady local demand
Legacy Place retail/dining2,000+ retail jobsService worker housing demand
Route 128 corporate corridor40,000+ jobs (10-15 min)Professional commuter demand
VNA Care / healthcare corridor1,500+ healthcare jobsHealthcare professional demand
Boston (downtown)Professional services25-35 min commute
Route 1 commercial corridor3,000+ retail/serviceLocal employment base

According to Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development data, Dedham's diversified employment base — spanning government, retail, healthcare, and proximity to Route 128 corporate positions — creates housing demand from multiple economic sectors. This diversification protects against single-industry downturns that can destabilize communities dependent on one employer or sector, according to employment analysis.

What drives housing demand in Dedham MA? According to economic development data, Dedham's demand drivers are unusually diverse: county government employees value courthouse proximity, Legacy Place workers seek walkable housing, Route 128 professionals need highway access, and Boston commuters use Route 1 or commuter rail. No single demand source dominates, creating stability that single-employer-dependent communities cannot match, according to demand diversification analysis.

According to Norfolk County economic data, Dedham's position as the county seat brings approximately 2,500 daily visitors to the courthouse and county offices — generating secondary demand for dining, services, and professional offices that enriches the town's commercial tax base and reduces residential tax burden.

According to Greater Boston Association of Realtors data, Dedham's commuter rail station (Dedham Corporate Center, Needham Line) provides 30-40 minute service to South Station — a transit option that many Dedham residents undervalue. Agents who quantify the commuter rail advantage in their marketing materials differentiate Dedham from car-dependent alternatives like Norwood and Canton, according to transit marketing analysis.

Commission and Agent Economics

Commission MetricDedham MANorfolk CountyMetro Boston
Average Commission Rate5.0%4.9%5.0%
Agent-Side Commission2.5%2.45%2.5%
Commission per Transaction$16,250$14,700$14,750
Licensed Agents (Area)115
Agents Closing 6+/Year28 (24%)22%

What can agents earn farming Dedham MA? According to MLS PIN data, Dedham's $16,250 commission per transaction and 380 annual sales create a $6.2 million total GCI pool. An agent capturing 3% market share (11-12 transactions) generates $178,750-$195,000 in annual GCI — strong production from a compact 10.5-square-mile farming zone, according to production modeling.

Farming InvestmentMonthly CostEst. DealsAnnual GCI
Starter (300 homes)$6002-3$32,500-$48,750
Growth (600 homes)$1,1005-8$81,250-$130,000
Dominant (1,200 homes)$1,90010-14$162,500-$227,500

School System and Family Demand

School MetricDedhamNorfolk County Avg.Impact
Overall District RankingTop 40% statewideVariesSolid family demand
Student-to-Teacher Ratio13:114:1Better than average
Spending per Pupil$16,800$15,500Above county average
Graduation Rate94%92%Strong outcomes
Early College ProgramsPartnership with local collegesGrowingCollege prep value

According to Massachusetts DESE data, Dedham Public Schools' solid ranking and above-average per-pupil spending create a "quality without premium" positioning that resonates with families who want strong schools without the $1M+ price tags of top-10 districts. Agents should frame Dedham's school value proposition as "80% of the quality at 55% of the price" compared to Needham, according to educational value analysis.

According to Census Bureau data, families with children represent approximately 28% of Dedham households — a rate that has remained stable over the past decade, indicating sustained demand for the family-oriented single-family homes that comprise Dedham's core inventory. The school system's improvement trajectory — including new facility investments and expanded programs — supports continued family demand, according to demographic analysis.

USTA Platform Comparison for Dedham

FeatureUS Tech AutomationskvCOREBoomTownYlopo
Renovation ROI CalculatorArea-specific estimatesNoNoNo
Inventory Absorption AlertsReal-time by neighborhoodNoNoNo
Housing Era SegmentationConstruction-year CRM tagsNoNoNo
Multi-Family Investment AnalysisCap rate + rental yield toolsBasicNoNo
Legacy Place Proximity MarketingLifestyle-aware campaignsNoNoNo
Monthly Cost$149-$399$499+$750+$395+

US Tech Automations provides the renovation-focused tools and inventory analytics that Dedham's older-stock, renovation-active market demands. The platform's housing era segmentation ensures agents deliver relevant messaging — renovation opportunity for pre-1960 homes versus move-in-ready positioning for newer stock.

How to Farm Dedham MA Effectively

  1. Build renovation advisory expertise for Dedham's pre-1960 housing stock. According to renovation data, 50% of homes were built before 1960 — understanding renovation economics is not optional, it is the core competency for Dedham farming. US Tech Automations renovation ROI calculators help agents guide buyer decisions.

  2. Position Dedham as the Route 128 value alternative to Needham in buyer marketing. According to MLS PIN data, the $525,000 price gap ($650,000 vs. $1,175,000) with similar highway commute times makes Dedham the accessible choice for Route 128 corridor professionals.

  3. Target Boston West Roxbury and Roslindale homeowners with suburban upgrade messaging. According to Census migration data, Dedham's direct border with West Roxbury creates the most active urban-to-suburban migration corridor in Norfolk County.

  4. Segment farming by renovation status — unrenovated homes need different messaging than updated properties. According to price data, the 20-30% renovation premium creates two distinct product categories within the same neighborhood.

  5. Leverage Legacy Place proximity as a lifestyle marketing anchor. According to commercial data, Legacy Place's retail, dining, and entertainment create walkable amenities that traditional suburban towns lack — a key differentiator for younger buyers.

  6. Monitor multi-family inventory separately from single-family for investor-oriented outreach. According to MLS PIN data, Dedham's 8% multi-family transaction share creates a niche investment market where cap rate analysis and rental yield data differentiate expert agents.

  7. Create seasonal listing campaigns timed to Dedham's winter inventory window. According to seasonal data, late fall and winter absorption rates (0.9-1.0 months) create the fastest-selling conditions — US Tech Automations seasonal automation adjusts outreach intensity to match these windows.

  8. Track building permit activity as a leading indicator of neighborhood investment. According to permit data, 180-220 annual renovation permits signal sustained homeowner confidence — neighborhoods with increasing permit activity typically see accelerated appreciation.

  9. Develop relationships with Norfolk County government employees for courthouse-adjacent demand. As the Norfolk County seat, Dedham hosts courts and county offices that generate local employment demand — a niche buyer source that rewards relationship investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many homes are for sale in Dedham MA at any given time?
According to MLS PIN data, Dedham averages 40-55 active listings during peak months and 20-28 during winter, with approximately 380 total residential transactions annually.

What is the median home price in Dedham MA?
According to MLS PIN data, Dedham's median home price is approximately $650,000, with single-family homes at $710,000 and condominiums at $450,000. Year-over-year appreciation is 2.4%.

How does Dedham compare to Needham for home buyers?
According to comparative market data, Dedham's $650,000 median is 45% below Needham ($1,175,000) with comparable commute times to Route 128 employment — making it the value entry point for professionals who want western suburban infrastructure without premium pricing.

Are there renovation opportunities in Dedham?
According to assessor and MLS PIN data, Dedham's 1955 median construction year and 50% pre-1960 housing stock create significant renovation opportunity. Renovated homes command 20-30% premiums over unrenovated comparables.

What is the absorption rate in Dedham MA?
According to MLS PIN data, Dedham's overall absorption rate is 1.6 months of supply — a seller's market where properly priced homes sell within 17 days on average.

Is Dedham MA a good town for real estate farming?
According to market analysis, Dedham's combination of 380 annual transactions, $16,250 per-deal commission, compact 10.5-square-mile footprint, and renovation-driven inventory cycle creates a productive farming opportunity with multiple marketing angles.

How old are homes in Dedham MA?
According to Dedham Assessor data, the median construction year is 1955, with 35% built before 1950 and only 13% built after 2000. This older stock drives the renovation cycle that characterizes Dedham's market.

What are the best neighborhoods in Dedham?
According to MLS PIN data, Manor area ($725,000) and Greenlodge ($710,000) offer the most established residential character, while East Dedham ($585,000) provides the most accessible entry pricing within the Dedham school system.

How far is Dedham from downtown Boston?
According to distance data, Dedham is approximately 10 miles southwest of downtown Boston, with commute times of 20-35 minutes via I-95/Route 1 or commuter rail (Dedham Corporate Center station provides service to South Station).

Conclusion: Dedham's Renovation-Driven Inventory Opportunity

Dedham's housing market operates on a renovation cycle where 50% of homes built before 1960 create continuous inventory turnover as properties upgrade from unrenovated to updated condition. This cycle — combined with 380 annual transactions, $16,250 per-deal commission, and a compact 10.5-square-mile footprint — produces farming economics that reward agents with renovation advisory expertise.

The $525,000 price gap to Needham positions Dedham as the Route 128 corridor's value entry point, while Legacy Place's lifestyle amenities and Boston's direct border create demand from both suburban upgraders and urban outmigrants. For agents who develop renovation expertise and neighborhood-specific knowledge, Dedham delivers consistent deal flow at above-average commission levels.

US Tech Automations provides the renovation ROI tools, inventory absorption alerts, and housing-era segmentation that Dedham's older-stock market demands. Start farming Dedham's renovation-driven opportunity today.

About the Author

Garrett Mullins
Garrett Mullins
Workflow Specialist

Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.