Maine’s real estate market continues to captivate both seasoned investors and lifestyle-driven buyers. Whether you’re looking for passive income through short-term rentals or simply seeking a foothold in one of New England’s most dynamic regions, understanding where the market is moving is essential.
At Everrow Property, we specialize in managing short-term rentals across Maine’s most desirable zip codes. Here’s our insider look at the hottest real estate markets in Maine—and why they’re worth your attention in 2025.
1. Portland, Maine
Why is Portland, ME a hot real estate market?
Portland remains the crown jewel of Maine’s real estate scene. With its award-winning restaurants, working waterfront, and walkable downtown, demand from both travelers and homebuyers continues to surge.
What Real Estate Investors Should Know About Portland, ME
Short-term rentals thrive in Portland, but so do regulations. The city’s STR licensing cap and neighborhood-specific rules make professional management not just helpful, but essential. Everrow’s local expertise ensures properties stay compliant while maximizing occupancy and income.
Read more about Maine short term rental regulations
Portland, ME Real Estate Stats
- Q1 2025 median sale price for single-family homes: $566,413, a 10.3% increase from Q1 2024’s $513,417 Mainebiz.
- June 2025 median sale price across all home types: $631,000, down 2.9% year‑over‑year—but homes are selling twice as fast as last year (14 vs. 28 days) Redfin.
- Cumberland County condos: April 2025 median sales jumped to $586,143, up 33.2% YoY, while days on market halved to just 8 townandshore.com.
Investment Potential Score: 8.5/10
Calculated by comparing average STR revenue potential with median cost of ownership, including licensing limitations and occupancy trends.
2. South Portland & Cape Elizabeth
Why are South Portland & Cape Elizabeth hot real estate markets?
Just across the bridge from Portland, South Portland offers beach access, community charm, and rising property values. Cape Elizabeth, known for its coastal estates and the iconic Portland Head Light, attracts high-end buyers and discerning travelers alike.
What Real Estate Investors Should Know About South Portland & Cape Elizabeth:
These areas offer the best of both worlds—proximity to Portland with more flexibility for STR licensing (especially in South Portland). With the right setup, they make ideal turnkey investment locations.
South Portland & Cape Elizabeth Real Estate Stats
- In June 2025, South Portland registered a 7.1% year-over-year increase in median sale price, ranking it 7th fastest-growing metro in Maine News Center Maine.
- Across the state, Maine saw overall median home prices rise 2.1%, with overall sales up 10.3%, and inventory up 31.1%—indicating resilient demand balanced by more supply Redfin.
Investment Potential Score: 8.2/10
Score reflects strong rental demand with more favorable regulatory conditions and competitive home values relative to Portland.
3. Sugarloaf Region (Carrabassett Valley & Kingfield)
Why is the Sugarloaf area a hot real estate market?
Maine’s premier ski destination is no longer just a winter hotspot. Year-round outdoor recreation, expanded mountain biking trails, and new investments at Sugarloaf have boosted demand for both vacation homes and rentals.
What Real Estate Investors Should Know About the Sugarloaf Region
Properties here perform extremely well on platforms like Airbnb, especially with professional turnover service and dynamic pricing. Everrow’s on-the-ground team ensures guests enjoy seamless experiences, even in remote mountain terrain.
Sugarloaf Area Real Estate Stats
- Carrabassett Valley median home value (2025 est.): ~$406,000, up 5.6% YoY (Zillow)
- Kingfield median home value (2025 est.): ~$325,000, up 7.1% YoY (Zillow)
- STR occupancy (peak ski season): Often exceeds 80%, according to AirDNA market reports
Investment Potential Score: 7.9/10
Score reflects strong seasonal revenue potential offset by off-season lulls and higher operational complexity in remote settings.
4. Biddeford & Saco
Why are Biddeford & Saco hot real estate markets?
Biddeford has transformed from an old mill town into one of Maine’s most exciting urban revitalization stories. With breweries, art spaces, and riverfront development, it’s attracting young professionals and creative entrepreneurs. Saco adds coastal appeal and family-friendly charm.
What Real Estate Investors Should Know About Biddeford & Saco
With lower price points than Portland and fewer STR restrictions (for now), Biddeford and Saco offer strong cash flow potential, especially for early entrants.
Biddeford, ME Real Estate Stats
- June 2025 median sale price in Biddeford: $479,500, down 9.5% YoY—and yet homes are flying off the market in just 9 days on average, compared to 34 days last year Redfin.
- Zillow’s index shows the average home value at $512,391, a 4.1% increase over the past year Zillow
- Realtor.com’s listing data shows the median listing price at $661.3K in June, down 7.8% YoY—but still strong at the listing level Realtor.
Investment Potential Score: 8.7/10
High potential return driven by lower property acquisition costs, fast-growing demand, and minimal regulatory barriers (for now).
5. Rockland & Midcoast Towns
Why is Midcoast Maine a hot real estate market?
The Midcoast’s blend of maritime culture, art galleries, and scenic harbors has long appealed to seasonal visitors, but it’s now drawing more permanent residents and remote workers as well. Towns like Rockland, Camden, and Belfast are seeing increased demand.
What Real Estate Investors Should Know About Midcoast Maine
STR seasonality is a factor here, but peak summer rates are strong. A well-managed property can generate impressive returns while offering owners personal use during shoulder seasons.
Midcoast Maine Real Estate Stats
- Rockland median home price (June 2025): $412,000, up 6.5% YoY (Zillow)
- Camden median home price (June 2025): $575,000, up 5.2% YoY (Zillow)
- Belfast median home price (June 2025): $469,000, up 4.7% YoY (Zillow)
- AirDNA data: Camden/Rockland average STR occupancy over 70% during peak summer months
Investment Potential Score: 7.4/10
Moderate entry cost and high summer revenue make this a strong seasonal STR play, especially with professional guest experience and listing management.
Making the Most of Maine’s Market Momentum
Whether you’re eyeing the slopes of Sugarloaf or the cobblestone streets of the Old Port, navigating Maine’s hottest markets requires more than just a Zillow search.
At Everrow Property, we partner with discerning owners to provide turn-key short term rental management:
- Local regulation expertise
- Optimized listing and pricing strategies
- Full-service turnover and guest management
- Owner dashboards for real-time performance tracking