Virtually all segments of the real estate market in Southern New Hampshire are showing positive signs at this time. The industrial market is perhaps the most active with rents and sale prices increasing from prior levels noted several years ago.

Office vacancies have dropped significantly over the past two years, and rents are rising moderately in most areas. The most active markets are those along the Massachusetts border (Salem and Nashua) and Portsmouth. Areas such as downtown Manchester and Bedford have seen increased leasing activity, but to a lesser extent.

The retail market is spotty with the best locations continuing to flourish, and these include the D.W. Highway in Nashua, South Broadway in Salem, South Willow Street in Manchester, and Woodbury Avenue in Portsmouth. Generally, rents and the prices of land and improved properties are rising.

The multi-family market is also very strong with prices generally in the $30,000-$40,000/unit range. This compares with 1993 pricing of similar projects in the $15,000-$25,000/unit range. Apartment rents are increasing, and vacancies are at a 10-year low.

Residential building activity is perhaps at its highest level since the 1980's. Prices of both existing and new homes are increasing, as is the price of land.

New construction is most prevalent in the industrial, multi-family and single family markets, with little or no activity in the office market (except in the Massachusetts border communities and Portsmouth).