Homes for Sale in Andover, MA: What Buyers Need to Know in 2026

Andover is a seller-favored market in September 2026, with inventory remaining tight relative to demand. Well-priced homes in good condition are still moving quickly, often within one to two weeks of listing, and multiple-offer situations are not unusual for properties under $900,000.

Median Prices and Inventory Levels

As of September 2026, the median single-family home price in Andover sits in the range of $950,000 to $1,050,000, reflecting steady appreciation over the past several years. Condominiums and townhomes offer entry points closer to $450,000 to $600,000, making them a meaningful option for first-time buyers or those downsizing from larger properties. The number of active listings at any given time typically ranges from 60 to 100 single-family homes across the town, which is lean by historical standards and keeps upward pressure on prices.

Days on market for single-family homes has hovered around 20 to 30 days on average this fall, though desirable properties in the $800,000 to $1,100,000 range can go under agreement in under two weeks. Buyers who are pre-approved and ready to move quickly have a clear advantage.

How Andover Compares to the Broader Market

Nationally, existing-home sales have been navigating a challenging rate environment throughout 2026. The National Association of Realtors' housing statistics show that inventory has been slowly improving in many parts of the country, but suburban markets with strong fundamentals like Andover have not seen the same softening. Andover's proximity to Boston, its commuter rail access, and its established residential character continue to attract consistent buyer demand regardless of national trends.

Compared to neighboring towns like North Andover, Andover tends to carry a modest price premium, largely driven by its commuter rail stop on the MBTA Haverhill Line and its walkable town center. A review of Massachusetts Association of Realtors data shows that Andover's median sale prices have consistently tracked above North Andover's over recent reporting periods, though both markets reflect strong demand across Essex County.

2. Types of Homes for Sale in Andover, MA

Andover's housing stock is one of its most distinctive features. The town offers a genuine range of property types, from 18th-century colonials near the historic town center to newer construction subdivisions on the town's western edges, and the variety means buyers with different budgets and lifestyle needs can usually find something that fits.

Colonial and Craftsman Architecture

The dominant housing style in Andover is the New England colonial, typically featuring four bedrooms, two and a half baths, a two-car garage, and lot sizes ranging from a quarter acre to over an acre depending on the neighborhood. Many of these homes were built between the 1960s and 1990s and have been updated over the decades, so buyers often find properties with newer kitchens and baths inside a classic exterior. Craftsman-style homes and Cape Cods also appear throughout town, particularly in older sections closer to the Shawsheen River.

Homes on Andover's historic streets, such as those near the Phillips Academy campus and along Salem Street, frequently date to the 1800s and early 1900s. These properties carry architectural character that is genuinely hard to replicate: wide-plank floors, original millwork, and mature landscaping on generous lots. They also come with the maintenance considerations of older construction, so buyers should budget for thorough inspections.

Condos, Townhomes, and Smaller Properties

Andover has a solid condominium market centered largely around the town center and the Shawsheen Village area. Many of these units are in converted mill buildings or purpose-built complexes from the 1980s and 1990s, offering two to three bedrooms at price points between $420,000 and $650,000. The Shawsheen Village condos in particular are popular for their proximity to the commuter rail station, which is roughly a five-minute walk from several complexes.

Townhome-style properties, which offer garage parking and multi-floor layouts without the maintenance of a full single-family home, are available in a handful of planned communities throughout town. These typically list between $550,000 and $750,000 and move quickly when priced well. Buyers looking at this segment should be prepared to act within days of a listing going live.

New Construction and Larger Estates

New construction in Andover is relatively limited because the town is largely built out, but small subdivision developments do appear periodically on the western and northern edges of town. These homes typically start around $1,200,000 and can reach $1,800,000 or more for larger lots with custom finishes. Buyers interested in new construction should work with a local agent who tracks permits and pre-market listings, since many of these opportunities are spoken for before they hit the MLS.

At the upper end of the market, Andover has a consistent supply of estate-style properties on one to three acres, often featuring five or more bedrooms, finished lower levels, and in-ground pools. These homes list anywhere from $1,500,000 to over $3,000,000 and tend to sit longer on the market, giving buyers more room to negotiate than in the mid-range price bands.

3. Andover Neighborhoods and Areas Worth Knowing

Andover is a geographically large town covering roughly 32 square miles, and the character of the housing stock shifts noticeably from one part of town to another. Understanding the distinct areas helps buyers focus their search and avoid spending time on properties that do not match their priorities for commute, lot size, or housing style.

In-Town Andover and the Historic District

The area immediately surrounding Main Street and the Andover town center is the most walkable part of the community. Residents within a half-mile of the town center can reach the commuter rail station, the post office, Andover Bookstore, numerous restaurants, and the public library on foot. Homes here tend to be older, sit on smaller lots of a quarter acre or less, and carry price tags between $800,000 and $1,400,000 for single-family properties.

The streets near Phillips Academy, one of the oldest boarding schools in the United States, are lined with period architecture and mature trees. The Addison Gallery of American Art on the Phillips campus is open to the public and adds a cultural dimension to the immediate neighborhood that is unusual for a town of Andover's size. Buyers who value walkability and historic character tend to focus their search in this central corridor.

West Andover and Shawsheen Village

Shawsheen Village, developed in the early 20th century by the American Woolen Company, is one of the most architecturally cohesive neighborhoods in the Merrimack Valley. The brick Tudor-style homes and apartment buildings along Balmoral Street and the surrounding streets were built as a planned community and retain much of their original character. Single-family homes in Shawsheen Village are relatively rare and highly sought after when they come to market, often listing in the $700,000 to $950,000 range.

West Andover, further from the town center along routes like Lowell Street and Reservation Road, offers larger lots and more recently built colonials. Properties here frequently sit on half an acre to two acres, with price ranges from $900,000 to $1,500,000. The area borders Harold Parker State Forest and the Shawsheen River watershed, giving residents direct access to hiking and trail systems within minutes of their driveways.

Phillips and South Andover Corridors

South Andover, running along Route 28 toward the Lawrence and North Reading lines, offers some of the more modestly priced single-family homes in town, with some properties available in the $700,000 to $900,000 range. Lot sizes vary considerably in this part of town, and the housing stock includes a mix of ranches, split-levels, and colonials built from the 1950s through the 1980s. Buyers who want more house for their budget and are comfortable with a slightly longer drive to the commuter rail often find good value here.

4. Commuting, Amenities, and Daily Life in Andover

Andover's location at the junction of Interstate 93 and Interstate 495 makes it one of the most strategically positioned towns in northeastern Massachusetts for commuters. Whether you work in Boston, Burlington, Lowell, or the Route 128 tech corridor, Andover sits within reasonable reach of all of them.

Getting to Boston and the Region

The MBTA Haverhill commuter rail line stops at Andover Station, and the train ride to North Station in Boston takes approximately 45 to 55 minutes depending on the service. Trains run throughout the day, with more frequent service during morning and evening peak hours. For drivers, Boston is roughly 25 miles south via I-93, a trip that takes 35 minutes in light traffic and closer to 60 to 75 minutes during rush hour. The Burlington Mall area and Route 128 tech corridor are about 20 miles southwest, roughly a 25 to 35 minute drive.

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is approximately 20 miles north via I-93, and Logan International Airport is about 30 miles south. Both are accessible without navigating the worst of Boston traffic if you time your departure well. This dual airport access is a practical consideration for buyers who travel frequently for work.

Parks, Open Space, and Recreation

Andover has an unusually large amount of protected open space for a town its size. The Andover Village Improvement Society (AVIS) manages over 1,200 acres of conservation land threaded with hiking and walking trails, including the popular Deer Jump Reservation along the Merrimack River and the Skug River Reservation in the northern part of town. These trails are accessible year-round and range from flat riverside walks to more rugged terrain through mixed forest.

Pomps Pond, a town-owned swimming area off Lovejoy Road, is open during the summer months and features a sandy beach, a boat launch, and picnic areas. The Andover Youth Services department runs programs out of the Recreation Park complex on Lupine Road, which includes athletic fields, tennis courts, and a community center. Buyers who prioritize outdoor access and recreational infrastructure will find Andover's public amenities genuinely substantial.

Shopping, Dining, and Services

Andover's town center on Main Street has a genuine mix of independent businesses and regional chains. The downtown area includes several well-regarded restaurants, a coffee shop, a wine bar, a pharmacy, and specialty retailers. Whole Foods Market is located just off Route 28 at the Andover Village Shopping Center, and a Stop and Shop is nearby for everyday grocery needs. For larger retail needs, the Methuen Collection and the Burlington Mall are each within 20 minutes by car.

Andover is also home to the Merrimack Valley YMCA, several fitness studios, and a strong network of youth sports leagues. The Lawrence General Hospital campus is minutes away in neighboring Lawrence, and several urgent care and specialty medical offices operate within Andover itself. Buyers relocating from larger metro areas often find that Andover's service infrastructure is more complete than they expected for a town of roughly 37,000 residents.

5. How to Buy a Home in Andover: A Practical Overview

Buying a home in Andover requires preparation, speed, and local knowledge. The market does not wait for buyers who are still figuring out their financing or who are unfamiliar with how offers work in a competitive suburban Massachusetts town. Here is a clear-eyed overview of the process.

Getting Pre-Approved and Setting a Budget

A pre-approval letter from a lender is not optional in Andover's market; it is a prerequisite for having your offer taken seriously. Sellers and their agents will not engage with offers that lack financing documentation, and in multiple-offer situations, a pre-approval from a well-known local or regional lender carries more weight than one from an online-only bank. Get your pre-approval before you start attending open houses.

Set your budget with a realistic view of total costs. In Massachusetts, buyers typically pay for a home inspection ($500 to $800), an attorney to handle the closing ($1,000 to $1,500), title insurance, and prepaid property taxes and insurance at closing. Andover's property tax rate as of fiscal year 2026 is approximately $13 to $14 per thousand dollars of assessed value, which means a home assessed at $950,000 carries an annual tax bill in the range of $12,350 to $13,300. Factor that into your monthly payment calculations.

Working with a Local Agent

In a market like Andover, the agent you work with has a direct impact on whether you find and secure the right home. A local buyer's agent knows which streets flood, which neighborhoods have well water versus town water, which subdivisions have HOA restrictions, and which sellers are motivated. That kind of granular knowledge is not available on Zillow.

The NAR's 2026 Housing Hot Spots report highlights that buyers in high-demand suburban markets benefit most from working with agents who have deep local networks, because off-market and pre-market opportunities are often how buyers win in low-inventory conditions. Andover fits that profile precisely.

Making an Offer in a Competitive Market

When you find a home you want in Andover, your offer needs to be clean and competitive from the start. In the current market, that often means offering at or above the list price, limiting contingencies where possible, and being flexible on the closing timeline to accommodate the seller's needs. Escalation clauses, which automatically increase your offer up to a set ceiling if competing offers come in, are a common tool buyers use in multiple-offer situations.

Waiving the home inspection contingency entirely carries real risk and is a personal decision every buyer must make carefully. A middle path that many Andover buyers use is to conduct a pre-offer inspection before submitting, so they can waive the contingency with confidence rather than blind faith. Your agent can help you determine whether that approach makes sense for a specific property.