Manchester’s late-summer market cooled from last year’s breakneck pace—but it’s still competitive for newcomers eyeing a fall move. According to Redfin’s city data for August 2025, the median sale price stood at $450,500 (+1.2% year over year), with the typical home selling in 28 days (up from 12 days a year earlier). Ninety-six homes closed in August (down from 113), the sale-to-list ratio averaged 101.3%, and 47.9% of sales still closed above asking, even as 26.9% of listings saw price drops—signs of a touch more negotiating room than last summer, but not a buyer’s market.
Why “college-town” dynamics matter in Manchester
Redfin just released a national analysis of U.S. college towns, defining them as places where at least 10% of residents are students at a four-year, accredited university and the city sits 30+ miles from a million-plus metro. The report’s takeaway is straightforward: when local for-sale prices rise, rents tend to follow, because landlords pass along acquisition costs; some parents also purchase homes for students, adding to demand. As Redfin’s chief economist Daryl Fairweather put it, “Home prices—and, by extension, rent—in some college towns have climbed so high they’re increasingly out of reach for students, faculty and staff.”
Manchester’s own higher-ed footprint—paired with steady demand from year-round residents—helps explain why the market remains brisk even as days on market lengthen. For out-of-state buyers, the August data signals a market that’s still hot enough to reward strong offers, yet finally showing more list-price flexibility than a year ago.
August 2025: Key Manchester stats at a glance
- Median sale price: $450,500 (+1.2% YoY)
- Homes sold: 96 (–15.0% YoY)
- Median days on market: 28 (+16 vs. last year)
- Sale-to-list price: 101.3% (down 3.2 pts YoY)
- Sold above list: 47.9% (down 31.7 pts YoY)
- Listings with price drops: 26.9% (up 4.8 pts YoY)
What this means if you’re relocating to Manchester
- Expect competition—but not chaos. With half of homes still beating list, pre-approval and clean terms matter. The uptick in price reductions suggests room to negotiate on properties that linger.
- Timing can help. As the back-to-school rush passes, inventory that didn’t move in August may become more flexible on price or concessions. (Redfin’s report notes that expanding supply and zoning for more multifamily/student housing are long-run affordability levers.)
- Budget realistically. Use the sale-to-list and DOM trends above to calibrate your offer strategy neighborhood by neighborhood.
Bottom line: Manchester remains one of New Hampshire’s most competitive markets, but August’s numbers show a subtle shift toward balance. If you’re planning a move this fall, pair a solid financing game plan with close attention to recent price cuts and days on market—and you’ll be well positioned to land the right home in the Queen City.