One of the things I like most about the New Hampshire Seacoast is how much the housing market can change within a relatively short drive.
I see it regularly with buyers. Someone may start out focused on Portsmouth, then realize that driving 15 or 20 minutes can mean more space, a larger yard or a completely different style of home.
So, what can approximately $750,000 or $1.25 million buy today?
Let's compare Portsmouth, Exeter and Stratham—three communities that offer very different homes and lifestyles at the same price points.
Around $750K
At roughly $750,000, you're very much in the Seacoast market. The bigger question is what matters most to you: walkability, square footage, a yard, newer construction or location?
Portsmouth: Location & Lifestyle
In Portsmouth, $750K often means making some choices about size, location and property type.
A recent single-family home at 15 Harding Road sold for $799,000. It offered 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and approximately 2,392 square feet.
Condos are also a big part of the Portsmouth market and shouldn't be overlooked. For some buyers, less square footage is a worthwhile trade for less maintenance, newer construction or being able to walk downtown.
In Portsmouth, you're not just buying the home. Location and lifestyle are a big part of the value.
Exeter: A Little More Balance
Drive over to Exeter and the equation starts to change.
22 Forest Street recently sold for $751,300, with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and approximately 1,619 square feet. Another recent sale at 54 Beech Hill Road closed for $747,000 and offered approximately 2,240 square feet.
Exeter also offers condo and townhome options for buyers looking for lower-maintenance living.
I think Exeter can be a great middle ground for someone who wants a walkable New England town while still having access to more traditional residential neighborhoods.
Around $750K can provide a nice balance of location, space and lifestyle.
Stratham: More Space for the Money
Now look at what the same budget recently bought in Stratham.
23 Birnum Woods Road sold for exactly $750,000, offering 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and approximately 2,110 square feet.
Stratham offers a much different lifestyle than Portsmouth. You're giving up the walk-out-your-door downtown experience, but in return you can often gain more land, privacy and a quieter residential setting while remaining close to Exeter, Portsmouth and the rest of the Seacoast.
If space and a neighborhood setting are higher priorities than walkability, your money can stretch further in Stratham.
What About $1.25 Million?
This is where the comparison gets really interesting.
At this price point, you're no longer simply asking, “What can I afford?”
You're deciding what you want your money to buy.
Portsmouth: Location Still Matters
A recent sale at 30 Cate Street #18 closed for $1.2 million. The property offered 4 bedrooms, 4 baths and approximately 2,040 square feet.
It's a good example of how the Portsmouth market works. Even with a seven-figure budget, a buyer may choose a condo or attached property because what they really value is newer construction, less maintenance and easy access to downtown.
At this level, Portsmouth itself is a big part of what you're buying.
Exeter: More Options
In Exeter, 2 Sinclair Drive recently sold for $1.1 million, offering 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and approximately 3,229 square feet.
As you move into this price range, buyers can consider larger existing homes, desirable locations and new construction while still having Exeter's downtown nearby.
It's a good example of how moving just a short distance from Portsmouth can change what your budget buys.
Stratham: Space Becomes the Luxury
Here's the comparison that really tells the story.
33 Chisholm Farm Drive recently sold for $1.25 million, with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and approximately 4,453 square feet.
Compare that with the Portsmouth example at $1.2 million and approximately 2,040 square feet.
Similar price. Very different home. Very different lifestyle.
And that's really the point of this entire comparison.
At this price level, Stratham can offer substantially more space and privacy while keeping you close to Portsmouth, Exeter and the rest of the Seacoast.
Don't Overlook Condos & New Construction
Condos and new construction have become an important part of the Seacoast market.
And a condo isn't necessarily the “less expensive” option anymore.
For some buyers, giving up a large yard in exchange for newer construction, a garage, less maintenance and the ability to walk into town is exactly what they're looking for.
We're also seeing new residential development throughout the area, including condominiums, townhomes and single-family homes. New construction gives buyers more choices, although much of it is also pushing into the upper end of the market.
Same Seacoast. Very Different Choices.
That's what makes buying on the Seacoast so interesting.
$750,000 in Portsmouth, Exeter and Stratham can buy three very different properties. The same is true at $1.25 million.
Rather than starting with “Which town should I live in?”, I like to start with a different question:
How do you want to live?
Do you want to walk downtown? Do you want a yard and more space? Would you rather have newer construction and less maintenance? Is privacy more important than being close to restaurants and shops?
Once you answer those questions, figuring out where to look becomes a lot easier.
If you're considering a move to Portsmouth or the New Hampshire Seacoast and aren't sure where your budget fits, I'd be happy to talk through the different communities, current inventory and what might be the best fit for you.
Helping You Find Your Place Along the Seacoast.
— Steve Oates, REALTOR®
Recent sales are provided as examples of properties that have recently sold in each community. They are not intended to be direct comparable sales. Individual properties, locations and market conditions vary.
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