Wakefield saw about a 17% increase in single-family home sales in 2012 and finished the year on a strong note, according to recent data from the Warren Group.

The Massachusetts-based real estate information company reported that at the end of the December 2012, 199 sales were recorded – up from 170 the year before. December sales also posted a healthy gain from 2011 to 2012, rising from 12 to 21.

The median sales price, year to date at the end of December 2012 in Wakefield, was $380,168 – a gain of just 1.24% from the $375,500 median sales price recorded at the end of 2011.

Meanwhile, the Warren Group noted that statewide, Massachusetts saw its best year for home sales since 2006 as well as an 18% gain in 2012.

"I would characterize 2012 as the year of robust recovery in the real estate market," said Timothy M. Warren Jr., CEO of The Warren Group. "It is clear we have turned the corner and are gaining ground rapidly. I contrast the 18 percent gain last year with the decline of 6 percent in 2011."