By New England Landmark Realty LTD

Vermont: Where Mountains Meet Money

Forget the headlines about cooling national home prices. Vermont homeowners are still winning — big.

The latest Q2 home equity report from Cotality paints a clear picture: while national home equity gains have hit the brakes, Vermont is holding the line. And in a world that’s increasingly volatile, holding steady is the new outperforming.

Equity by the Numbers

Nationally, the average mortgage holder now holds $307,000 in equity. That’s impressive. But what’s happening in Vermont? Something smarter.

Unlike overheated markets now seeing equity reversals — looking at you, Florida and Montana — Vermont continues to benefit from stable appreciation, low volatility, and a market driven by lifestyle demand over speculative frenzy.

“We’re not Miami. And that’s the point,” says Tony Walton, veteran Vermont Realtor with NElandmark.com. “Vermont’s equity picture is built on fundamentals — tight inventory, second-home demand, and a deep-seated desire to live in a place people actually want to be.”

And the data backs him up.

Why Vermont Defies the National Trend

While national equity dipped by $9,200 over the past year, Northeast states — including Vermont’s neighbors Connecticut and Rhode Island — posted the strongest equity gains in the country. That trend doesn't stop at the Vermont border.

Even without a direct callout in the national dataset, local transaction data shows median home prices in counties like Lamoille, Washington, and Chittenden are holding — and in some cases still climbing modestly.

Translation? Vermont homeowners aren’t just sitting pretty. They’re sitting on six figures in built-in wealth.

Home Equity: Not Just a Number

Let’s talk strategy.

Equity isn’t just a vanity metric — it’s leverage. Homeowners in Vermont are increasingly tapping equity to remodel, reinvest, or even fund new ventures. Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of personal finance — if you’re in Vermont, you probably own one already.

With Cotality forecasting a 3% national home-price bump in 2026, this could mean another $10,000–$15,000 in equity gains for many Vermont households. That’s not a moonshot — it’s math.

The Risk? Still Low.

Nationwide, just 2% of homes are underwater — up slightly from 1.7%. In Vermont? That number is almost negligible.

“Our market didn’t take the same speculative risks. We don’t have miles of ghost condos or high-leverage flippers. We’ve got families, farmers, retirees, and remote workers who actually live here. That matters.” — Tony Walton

Final Word: Vermont Is a Safe Harbor

The housing market is cooling, yes. But Vermont? It's still hot — in the right ways. Equity is high, inventory is tight, and demand is steady.

So if you already own here, congratulations. If you're thinking about buying? Now's the time to get in before the next round of price creep. Vermont isn’t just a postcard — it’s an appreciating asset.

Explore Your Options

Contact Tony Walton

Have questions about your equity or the value of your Vermont home?

Contact Tony Walton today:

📞 802-253-4711
📧 tonywalton@nelandmark.com
🌐 www.nelandmark.com