Southern California Real Estate Market Update September 2026

Southern California’s housing market is showing mixed signals — prices are easing in some areas, inventory is rising, and sales are down year-over-year, reflecting cooling conditions amid higher mortgage rates.

Trends

• Orange County (includes Fullerton):

  • Avg. active price: $2,427,000 (–5.2% YoY)

  • Avg. sold price: $1,646,000 (+12.9% YoY)

  • Active listings: 4,858 (+8.6% YoY)

  • Sold: 1,231 (–7.6% YoY)

  • Pending: 1,180 (–19.2% YoY)
    Interpretation: More homes are on the market, but fewer are selling; price growth is slowing despite higher sales prices for closed deals.

• Los Angeles County:

  • Avg. active price: $2,182,000 (–3.4% YoY)

  • Avg. sold price: $1,333,000 (+2.5% YoY)

  • Active listings: 15,140 (+3.9% YoY)

  • Sold: 2,691 (–11% YoY)

  • Pending: 2,657 (–17.8% YoY)
    Interpretation: Inventory is up modestly, but sales are down sharply; price growth is muted.

• Riverside County:

  • Avg. active price: $805,000 (–1.9% YoY)

  • Avg. sold price: $680,000 (+0.4% YoY)

  • Active listings: 7,144 (–2% YoY)

  • Sold: 1,273 (–8.7% YoY)

• San Bernardino County:

  • Avg. active price: $645,000 (+0.2% YoY)

  • Avg. sold price: $598,000 (+4% YoY)

  • Active listings: 6,133 (+0.3% YoY)

  • Sold: 1,004 (–9.1% YoY)

Market Context Windermere Real Estate+1

• Sales slowdown: Year-over-year home sales are down across most counties, with Los Angeles and Orange Counties seeing double-digit declines in pending transactions.

• Price softness: Active list prices are trending lower in many markets, as sellers adjust to a cooler environment.

• Inventory growth: More homes are listed, especially in Orange and Los Angeles counties, indicating increased supply.

• Economic backdrop: Regional job growth has slowed, and higher mortgage rates are dampening buyer demand Windermere Real Estate.

What This Means for Buyers & Sellers

• Buyers: More inventory and softer prices could improve negotiating power, but higher rates and slower sales may extend timelines.

• Sellers: Pricing strategy is critical; overpricing risks longer market times.

• Investors: Opportunities may exist in areas with rising inventory and moderating prices, but cash flow and financing conditions remain key constraints.

For the most granular, daily updates, SoCal Title and the California Association of Realtors provide downloadable county-level reports with Market Action Index, median prices, and inventory trends

SOLD $1,135,000 LONG BEACH

SOLD $1,550,000

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