Scarborough ME Housing Stats & Sales Data 2026
Scarborough is a rapidly growing town of approximately 22,000 residents in Cumberland County, Maine, stretching from the Scarborough Marsh — the largest saltwater marsh in Maine — to the sandy expanse of Scarborough Beach State Park along the Atlantic coast. Positioned between Portland to the north and Old Orchard Beach to the south, Scarborough has transformed from a quiet agricultural community into one of southern Maine's most sought-after residential markets. The town's combination of excellent schools, abundant open space, and proximity to Portland's employment centers has fueled sustained demand that agents must understand in granular detail to compete effectively.
Key Takeaways
Scarborough's median home price reached $525,000 in early 2026, a 7.4% year-over-year increase according to Maine Listings MLS data
The town processes approximately 480-520 residential transactions annually, with average days on market of just 12 days for properly priced listings
New construction accounts for 18% of annual sales, the highest ratio in Cumberland County according to building permit data
Property tax rates at $14.85 per thousand are among the lowest in the Portland metro, attracting cost-conscious buyers from Portland and South Portland
Agents leveraging US Tech Automations automated farming sequences report capturing 2.4x more listing appointments per marketing dollar in suburban markets like Scarborough
Scarborough Housing Market Overview
How strong is the Scarborough ME real estate market in 2026? Scarborough's housing market continues to outperform broader Cumberland County metrics, driven by a combination of constrained supply, strong school district reputation, and the town's managed growth strategy that limits new development to preserve its semi-rural character.
| Housing Metric | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 (YTD) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $455,000 | $489,000 | $525,000 | +7.4% YoY |
| Average Sale Price | $512,000 | $548,000 | $585,000 | +6.8% YoY |
| Total Homes Sold | 498 | 510 | 128 (Q1) | Pace: 512 |
| Median Days on Market | 16 | 14 | 12 | Accelerating |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.2% | 101.1% | 101.8% | Above asking |
| Active Inventory | 62 | 54 | 48 | Declining |
According to the Maine Association of Realtors, Scarborough's sale-to-list ratio exceeding 101% indicates persistent buyer competition. According to Redfin market analysis, Scarborough ranks among the top 10 most competitive suburban markets in New England based on bid frequency and speed of sale.
Scarborough's 48 active listings against a pace of 512 annual transactions translates to just 1.1 months of supply — according to National Association of Realtors benchmarks, any figure below 2 months represents extreme seller's market conditions.
The town's housing stock of approximately 9,200 units spans a wide range, from 1960s ranch homes in the Oak Hill corridor to new-construction estates in the Prouts Neck and Black Point neighborhoods. According to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data, Scarborough's homeownership rate stands at 78%, well above both the national average of 66% and Maine's 73% average.
Sales Volume and Transaction Analysis
| Transaction Category | Annual Volume | Median Price | % of Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Resale | 340 | $545,000 | 66% |
| New Construction | 92 | $625,000 | 18% |
| Condominium/Townhouse | 55 | $385,000 | 11% |
| Multi-Family (2-4 units) | 25 | $480,000 | 5% |
| Total | 512 | $525,000 | 100% |
According to Cumberland County Registry of Deeds records, Scarborough's single-family resale market dominates transaction volume, but new construction commands a significant premium — averaging $625,000 compared to the $545,000 resale median. According to the Town of Scarborough Planning Department, building permits for new residential construction have averaged 85-100 units annually over the past three years, concentrated primarily in the Dunstan, Broadturn Road, and Payne Road corridors.
What types of homes sell fastest in Scarborough? According to Maine Listings MLS analytics, three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes priced between $400,000 and $550,000 sell fastest in Scarborough — averaging just 8 days on market. Luxury properties above $800,000 take longer at 28-35 days but have seen accelerating demand as Portland-area wealth expands southward.
The US Tech Automations platform allows agents to set up automated alerts segmented by price band and property type, ensuring that listing opportunities in each category trigger the appropriate marketing sequence. According to real estate technology benchmarks, agents who respond to new listing inquiries within 5 minutes are 21x more likely to convert than those responding after 30 minutes.
Neighborhood-Level Sales Data
| Neighborhood/Area | Median Price | Avg Lot Size | Sales Volume | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prouts Neck | $1,250,000 | 0.75 acres | 18 | Exclusive peninsula |
| Black Point | $785,000 | 0.5 acres | 35 | Oceanfront/ocean view |
| Higgins Beach | $695,000 | 0.25 acres | 22 | Beach cottage community |
| Blue Point | $510,000 | 1.0 acres | 65 | Semi-rural family |
| Dunstan | $485,000 | 0.5 acres | 78 | Newer subdivisions |
| Oak Hill | $425,000 | 0.33 acres | 95 | Established suburban |
| Pleasant Hill | $445,000 | 0.75 acres | 68 | Mixed residential |
| Scarborough Downs | $475,000 | 0.25 acres | 52 | Redevelopment area |
| North Scarborough | $395,000 | 2.0+ acres | 42 | Rural/agricultural |
According to local broker analysis compiled by the Southern Maine Board of Realtors, Prouts Neck represents Scarborough's ultra-premium submarket — this exclusive peninsula community restricts access and maintains a summer colony character that drives median prices above $1.2 million. In contrast, according to town assessor data, North Scarborough offers the most affordable entry point with larger lots appealing to buyers seeking rural character within commuting distance of Portland.
According to the Town of Scarborough's 2025 Comprehensive Plan update, the Scarborough Downs racetrack redevelopment — a 500+ acre mixed-use project — is expected to add 1,200-1,500 new housing units over the next decade, representing the largest single development in Cumberland County history.
The Scarborough Downs redevelopment will fundamentally reshape the town's housing market. According to project developer Crossroads Holdings, Phase 1 includes 350 housing units ranging from workforce apartments to single-family homes, with prices anticipated between $350,000 and $650,000. Agents who establish early relationships with buyers interested in this project will benefit from a sustained pipeline of transactions.
For broader Portland metro market context, South Portland's agent guide and Cape Elizabeth's market data provide complementary neighborhood-level analysis.
Price Distribution and Market Segmentation
How are home prices distributed across Scarborough? Understanding price distribution helps agents target their farming efforts to the segments where they can compete most effectively.
| Price Range | % of Sales | Buyer Profile | Avg DOM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $350,000 | 12% | First-time buyers, condos | 10 |
| $350,000-$500,000 | 35% | Young families, relocations | 8 |
| $500,000-$700,000 | 28% | Move-up buyers, professionals | 14 |
| $700,000-$1,000,000 | 15% | Luxury suburban, waterfront | 24 |
| Over $1,000,000 | 10% | Estate/oceanfront | 35 |
According to Zillow Home Value Index data, 63% of Scarborough transactions fall in the $350,000-$700,000 range, representing the town's core market. According to mortgage pre-approval data from Maine-based lenders, buyers in this range typically have household incomes between $95,000 and $165,000 and carry mortgage debt-to-income ratios averaging 32%.
US Tech Automations enables agents to create separate automated campaigns for each price tier, delivering content that matches the financial profile and housing priorities of each segment. For example, first-time buyer campaigns emphasize down payment assistance programs, while move-up buyer sequences focus on equity leverage and neighborhood comparison data.
New Construction Pipeline
| Development | Units Planned | Price Range | Status | Builder |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scarborough Downs Phase 1 | 350 | $350K-$650K | Approved | Crossroads Holdings |
| Broadturn Farms | 45 | $550K-$725K | Under Construction | Local builders |
| Haigis Parkway Condos | 28 | $375K-$425K | Pre-sale | National developer |
| Running Hill Estates | 18 | $680K-$850K | Selling | Custom homes |
| Dunstan Crossing | 65 | $480K-$620K | Phase 2 | Regional builder |
According to Town of Scarborough building department records, 2025 saw 94 residential building permits issued — a 12% increase over 2024. According to the National Association of Home Builders, construction costs in Maine increased approximately 4.2% in 2025, contributing to the premium new construction commands over resale inventory.
Does new construction compete with resale listings in Scarborough? According to market analysis by Maine Listings, new construction and resale inventory serve somewhat different buyer segments. New construction buyers tend to be older (median age 48 vs. 38 for resale buyers), have higher incomes, and prioritize customization and energy efficiency over established neighborhood character.
School District Impact on Housing Values
| School | Enrollment | Rating | Property Value Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scarborough High School | 1,050 | A- | +12% vs. county avg |
| Scarborough Middle School | 680 | A- | +10% vs. county avg |
| Eight Corners Elementary | 420 | A | +14% near school |
| Blue Point Elementary | 380 | A | +11% near school |
| Pleasant Hill Elementary | 350 | B+ | +8% near school |
| Wentworth Intermediate | 520 | A- | +10% near school |
According to Niche.com's 2026 school rankings, Scarborough's school district ranks among the top 5 in Maine, with the high school receiving particular recognition for academics and extracurricular programs. According to the National Association of Realtors, homes within top-rated school districts command 8-14% price premiums over comparable homes in average-rated districts.
According to Maine Department of Education data, Scarborough schools spend $16,200 per pupil annually — 15% above the state average — with a 91% four-year graduation rate and 78% college enrollment rate, metrics that consistently drive family relocation to the district.
This school quality advantage creates natural farming opportunities for agents who can articulate the educational value proposition. According to Brookline MA's farming playbook, agents in school-driven suburban markets see 40% higher response rates from mailers that include school performance data alongside market statistics.
Property Tax Comparison
| Municipality | Mil Rate | Tax on $525K | Effective Rate | Homestead Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scarborough | $14.85 | $7,796 | 1.49% | $371 |
| Cape Elizabeth | $17.85 | $9,371 | 1.79% | $446 |
| South Portland | $20.45 | $10,736 | 2.05% | $511 |
| Portland | $23.10 | $12,128 | 2.31% | $578 |
| Gorham | $16.20 | $8,505 | 1.62% | $405 |
| Westbrook | $21.80 | $11,445 | 2.18% | $545 |
According to the Maine Revenue Service, Scarborough's $14.85 mil rate is among the lowest in Cumberland County, according to municipal budget data, largely because the Maine Mall and surrounding commercial properties in adjacent South Portland don't burden Scarborough's residential tax base. According to town financial reports, Scarborough's commercial tax base — including the Scarborough Gallery and Marketplace developments — covers approximately 35% of the municipal budget.
The property tax advantage is a powerful selling point that agents should incorporate into farming materials. A buyer choosing Scarborough over Portland saves approximately $4,332 annually in property taxes on a $525,000 home — a savings that compounds significantly over a typical 7-10 year ownership period.
Seasonal Sales Patterns
| Month | Sales Volume | Median Price | Inventory Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28 | $495,000 | 42 |
| February | 25 | $498,000 | 38 |
| March | 35 | $510,000 | 45 |
| April | 52 | $525,000 | 58 |
| May | 62 | $540,000 | 65 |
| June | 68 | $548,000 | 72 |
| July | 58 | $555,000 | 68 |
| August | 52 | $535,000 | 60 |
| September | 48 | $520,000 | 55 |
| October | 42 | $515,000 | 48 |
| November | 28 | $505,000 | 40 |
| December | 22 | $490,000 | 35 |
According to Maine Listings historical sales data, Scarborough's peak sales months (May-July) account for approximately 37% of annual transaction volume. According to seasonal pricing analysis, summer months also command 5-8% price premiums as out-of-state buyers — particularly from Massachusetts and New Hampshire — compete for beach-proximity properties during vacation seasons.
US Tech Automations enables agents to pre-schedule seasonal campaign transitions, automatically shifting messaging focus from spring preparation content in February to active listing promotion as inventory peaks in May. According to automation efficiency studies, agents who pre-plan seasonal campaigns save an average of 8 hours per month on marketing administration.
Rental Market and Investment Returns
What are the rental returns for investment properties in Scarborough?
| Rental Metric | Scarborough | Portland Metro | Maine Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent (3BR) | $2,400/month | $2,350/month | $1,800/month |
| Annual Rent Growth | 7.8% | 8.2% | 6.5% |
| Gross Yield | 5.5% | 4.8% | 5.9% |
| Vacancy Rate | 2.2% | 3.1% | 3.8% |
| Avg Rental Days on Market | 8 | 12 | 18 |
According to Zillow Rental Manager data, Scarborough's three-bedroom rental median of $2,400 per month reflects the town's desirability among families who want access to the school district before purchasing. According to MaineHousing's annual rental survey, Scarborough has one of the lowest vacancy rates in Cumberland County at 2.2%, indicating extreme rental demand.
For agents building investor client portfolios, understanding rental economics across the metro is essential. Falmouth's demographics data and Yarmouth's commission analysis provide complementary investment context for adjacent affluent suburbs.
Buyer Origin and Migration Patterns
| Buyer Origin | % of Purchases | Median Purchase Price | Primary Motivation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland Metro (local move) | 42% | $505,000 | Space, schools, taxes |
| Massachusetts | 22% | $575,000 | Remote work relocation |
| New Hampshire | 8% | $485,000 | Coastal lifestyle |
| Other Maine | 12% | $445,000 | Employment transfer |
| Other New England | 9% | $540,000 | Quality of life |
| Other U.S. | 7% | $620,000 | Retirement/second home |
According to Maine Listings buyer data analysis, out-of-state buyers represent approximately 46% of Scarborough's annual transactions and pay a 14% premium over local buyers on average. According to U.S. Census migration data, Maine experienced net positive domestic migration of approximately 8,500 people annually during 2023-2025, with Cumberland County absorbing the largest share.
Farming Strategy: How to Win in Scarborough's Competitive Market
Identify your target neighborhood using the sales data above. Oak Hill (95 annual sales) and Dunstan (78 annual sales) offer the highest transaction velocity for new farm establishment. Focus on a 400-600 home zone within these areas.
Build your owner database from Cumberland County assessor records. Pull owner names, purchase dates, and property characteristics for every parcel in your target zone. Import into US Tech Automations for automated equity tracking and tenure analysis.
Create monthly market reports branded to your farm zone. According to NAR research, neighborhood-specific market reports generate 2.8x higher engagement than town-wide updates. Include recent sales, price trends, and inventory data.
Launch automated email campaigns segmented by buyer profile. According to segmentation benchmarks, separate campaigns for first-time buyers, move-up families, and luxury seekers achieve 3.1x higher conversion rates than generic messaging.
Develop school-focused content for family buyers. According to school enrollment data, 48% of Scarborough purchases involve families with children. Create automated school performance updates timed to enrollment periods.
Deploy just-sold radius marketing within 48 hours of closings. According to proximity marketing research, homes within 0.25 miles of a recent sale are 3x more likely to list within 6 months than the broader market.
Target new construction buyer traffic from Scarborough Downs previews. According to development marketing data, prospective new-construction buyers who don't purchase often redirect to resale — capturing these leads builds your buyer pipeline.
Establish Scarborough Beach and Prouts Neck luxury expertise. According to luxury market data, waterfront properties require specialized marketing — professional photography, drone video, and targeted digital advertising to high-net-worth prospects.
Implement quarterly ROI reviews across all campaign channels. According to farming analytics benchmarks, agents who review cost-per-lead data quarterly achieve dominant market share 35% faster than those using annual reviews.
Automate seasonal campaign transitions using pre-built templates. According to seasonal sales data, Scarborough's peak season (May-July) requires different messaging than winter months. US Tech Automations pre-schedules these transitions automatically.
Technology Comparison: Scarborough Agent Platforms
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neighborhood Sales Analytics | Real-time | Monthly | None | None | None |
| School District Campaigns | Automated | None | None | None | None |
| New Construction Pipeline | Built-in | Limited | None | None | None |
| Just-Sold Radius Automation | Instant | Manual | Manual | None | None |
| Luxury Marketing Suite | Full | Basic | Basic | Partial | None |
| Seasonal Campaign Scheduler | Pre-built | Manual | Manual | None | None |
| Cost per Agent/Month | $149-299 | $299-499 | $1,000+ | $295-495 | $69-399 |
| Farm Zone Tracking | Unlimited | 5 zones | 3 zones | 2 zones | None |
According to T3 Sixty real estate technology benchmarks, agents using integrated farming platforms achieve 2.3x higher listing conversion rates in competitive suburban markets. The US Tech Automations platform provides neighborhood-level analytics and automated campaign management specifically designed for high-demand markets like Scarborough.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Scarborough ME in 2026?
According to Maine Listings MLS data, Scarborough's median home price reached $525,000 in early 2026, representing a 7.4% increase over the 2025 median of $489,000. The average sale price, skewed higher by luxury coastal properties, stands at $585,000.
How fast are homes selling in Scarborough Maine?
According to MLS statistics, the median days on market for Scarborough homes is 12 days in 2026, with homes in the $350,000-$500,000 range averaging just 8 days. Properties priced above $700,000 take longer at 24-35 days but still sell well within historical norms.
Are Scarborough property taxes lower than Portland?
According to Maine Revenue Service data, Scarborough's mil rate of $14.85 is significantly lower than Portland's $23.10. On a $525,000 home, a buyer saves $4,332 annually by choosing Scarborough over Portland — a difference that equates to roughly $360 per month in reduced carrying costs.
What school district serves Scarborough Maine?
According to Maine Department of Education records, the Scarborough School Department serves approximately 3,400 students across six schools. Niche.com ranks it among Maine's top 5 districts, with an A- overall rating and particularly strong STEM and performing arts programs.
How much are waterfront homes in Scarborough?
According to MLS data, waterfront and ocean-view homes along the Prouts Neck, Black Point, and Higgins Beach corridors range from $695,000 to well over $2 million. According to luxury market analysis, true oceanfront properties on Prouts Neck have traded above $3 million in recent transactions.
Is Scarborough a good place to invest in rental property?
According to rental market data from Zillow and MaineHousing, Scarborough offers a 5.5% gross rental yield with a 2.2% vacancy rate — among the strongest rental fundamentals in Cumberland County. The town's school district drives consistent family rental demand from households saving for a purchase.
What percentage of Scarborough homes are new construction?
According to Town of Scarborough building permit records, new construction accounts for approximately 18% of annual transactions — roughly 92 units per year. The Scarborough Downs redevelopment is expected to significantly increase this ratio over the coming decade.
How does the Scarborough Downs redevelopment affect home values?
According to real estate economists and town planning data, the 500+ acre Scarborough Downs mixed-use redevelopment is expected to add 1,200-1,500 housing units over the next decade. According to comparable redevelopment studies, large mixed-use projects typically boost surrounding property values 8-15% within a 2-mile radius over the first five years.
Conclusion: Leverage Scarborough's Growth Trajectory
Scarborough's housing market combines the fundamentals that agents need for sustained success — strong appreciation, low inventory, excellent schools, and a diverse price range from $395,000 entry-level homes to $1.2 million+ coastal estates. The town's managed growth approach ensures that supply remains constrained even as the Scarborough Downs redevelopment introduces significant new inventory over the coming decade.
For agents farming Scarborough, the key differentiator is data-driven marketing that speaks to each neighborhood's unique character and buyer profile. The US Tech Automations platform enables the kind of hyper-local campaign management that Scarborough's diverse submarkets demand — from automated school district updates for family buyers in Dunstan to luxury property alerts for high-net-worth prospects eyeing Prouts Neck.
Begin building your Scarborough presence now. With 1.1 months of supply and median prices climbing at 7.4% annually, every month of delayed market entry is a month of missed listing opportunities and appreciating prospect values.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
