As of April 1st, 2026…

Southern California’s housing market remains stable with modest price increases, slightly improved inventory, and regional variation, offering buyers more options while sellers maintain leverage.

Market Overview

• In early 2026, Southern California’s median home price nudged up by about 0.6% year-over-year to $855,000, showing stability after a period of slight fluctuations. Statewide, the median price decreased slightly, highlighting the regional strength of Southern California

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• Home sales are showing renewed buyer interest, with December 2025 reporting a 1.7% increase year-over-year across the region. Month-over-month sales jumped 13.5% from November to December, indicating positive momentum

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• Mortgage rates have eased from recent highs, averaging 6.19% for a 30-year fixed-rate in December 2025, down from 6.72% a year earlier. Lower rates have helped improve affordability slightly and encouraged buyer participation

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• Housing supply is gradually rebalancing, with the Unsold Inventory Index at 2.9 months for Southern California, providing buyers more choices and a slightly slower market pace compared to the frenzy of past years

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• 2 Sources

County-Specific Insights

• Los Angeles County: Median home price around $1.035 million, down 2.4% year-over-year recently. Sales are modestly up, but affordability remains a significant challenge. L.A. continues as a seller’s market with slower but steady price growth

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• Ventura County: Median home price approximately $855,000, reflecting a slight 2%–4% expected growth. Sales have risen (+7.5% year-over-year in 2025) due to increased listings and slightly softer pricing, creating more opportunities for buyers

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• Riverside County / Inland Empire: Prices are essentially flat at $605,000, with a 1–3% expected growth. Inventory has increased significantly (~47% increase from early 2024 to early 2025), shifting the market closer to equilibrium and offering more negotiating power to buyers

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• San Diego, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties: Median home prices in these areas showed modest increases (1.6%–2.6%), while Imperial County had a sharp 21.5% year-over-year increase, driven by high demand and lower affordability constraints

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• 2 Sources

Key Trends and Forecasts

• Inventory and time on market: Homes are staying on the market slightly longer (median of 35–50 days region-wide), giving buyers more flexibility but keeping the market competitive

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• Buyer vs. Seller Dynamics: The market is stabilizing into a more balanced environment. Buyers have slightly more leverage, while sellers still benefit from strong equity if properties are competitively priced

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• Price Outlook: Analysts project modest price growth of 2–4% in 2026, with regional differences—affordable Inland Empire areas may see steadier demand, while high-cost markets like L.A. may experience minimal increases

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• Affordability: Remains a key concern, especially in Los Angeles and Orange County, pushing interest toward more accessible regions within Southern California

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• 2 Sources

Summary

Southern California’s real estate market in 2026 is stable with measured growth. Buyers benefit from a slightly more balanced market, increased inventory, and lower mortgage rates relative to peaks, while sellers should price carefully and maintain property readiness to attract serious buyers. Regional variation remains pronounced, so market strategies should consider county-specific trends, affordability, and property type. For buyers, the Inland Empire and select coastal areas may offer better entry points, whereas high-demand coastal counties remain competitive with strong price retention.

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■ hugo.prera@gmail.com | ■ Based in Fullerton, serving all of Los Angeles & Orange Counties