Southern California Housing Market Update: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
If you’ve been wondering whether now is the right time to buy or sell a home in Southern California, you’re not alone. The latest California Association of Realtors market data shows a market that’s becoming more balanced—but opportunities still exist for both buyers and sellers.
At Premier Agent Perez Team, we believe informed decisions lead to better outcomes. Here’s what the latest numbers mean for you.
Southern California Real Estate Market at a Glance
The Southern California housing market continues to show resilience despite higher interest rates and affordability challenges.
May 2026 Market Highlights
- Median home price: $920,875 (up 2% year over year)
- Existing home sales: Down 8%
- Median days on market: 27 days
- 38% of homes sold above asking price
What does this tell us?
The market isn’t crashing—and it isn’t experiencing the frenzy we saw a few years ago either. Instead, we’re seeing a healthier, more balanced market where preparation, pricing, and strategy matter more than ever.
What This Means for Home Buyers
Buying a home in today’s market looks different than it did during the ultra-competitive years, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
1. You Have More Time to Make Thoughtful Decisions
With homes spending an average of 27 days on the market, buyers generally have a little more breathing room to schedule showings, compare properties, and make informed decisions.
While great homes still move quickly, the pace has become much more manageable.
2. Waiting for Prices to Drop Could Cost More
Many buyers have been waiting for home prices to fall significantly.
The latest data tells a different story.
Southern California’s median home price increased another 2% over the past year, demonstrating that home values continue to appreciate despite slower sales activity.
If homeownership fits your financial goals today, waiting may simply mean paying more later.
3. Preparation Gives You a Competitive Edge
Nearly 4 out of every 10 homes still sell above asking price.
That means buyers who are:
- Pre-approved
- Financially prepared
- Working with an experienced Realtor
continue to have the strongest negotiating position when the right home becomes available.
4. Affordable Opportunities Still Exist
While Los Angeles and Orange County continue to command premium prices, buyers looking for more value are finding opportunities throughout the Inland Empire.
Communities throughout San Bernardino County, Riverside County, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Victorville, Highland, and Rialto continue attracting buyers seeking more home for their money while staying connected to Southern California employment centers.
What This Means for Home Sellers
If you’re considering selling your home, today’s market still offers tremendous opportunity—but success depends on having the right strategy.
1. Pricing Your Home Correctly Is More Important Than Ever
Today’s buyers are well-informed.
An accurate pricing strategy helps generate strong interest early, while overpriced homes are more likely to sit on the market and require price reductions later.
The goal isn’t simply to list high—it’s to maximize your final sales price.
2. Professional Marketing Makes a Bigger Difference
As inventory becomes more balanced, buyers have more choices.
That means presentation matters.
Professional photography, staging, digital marketing, compelling property descriptions, and targeted advertising can help your home stand out and attract qualified buyers.
At Premier Agent Perez Team, we believe selling a home is never just about putting it on the MLS—it’s about creating a marketing strategy designed around your property’s unique story.
3. Buyers Are Still Paying Over Asking Price
One of the biggest misconceptions right now is that sellers have lost all negotiating power.
The numbers tell a different story.
Across Southern California:
- 38% of homes sold above asking price
And in San Bernardino County, that number remains strong at 37%.
Well-prepared homes that are priced strategically continue attracting multiple offers.
4. Strategy Matters More Than Timing
Many homeowners ask us:
“Should I wait until next year?”
The better question is:
“What’s the best strategy for my goals?”
Every homeowner’s situation is different.
Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, relocating, investing, or buying your first home, the right plan matters far more than trying to perfectly time the market.
San Bernardino County Market Highlights
For buyers and sellers in the Inland Empire, here’s a closer look at our local market.
May 2026
- Median home price: $550,000
- Home prices remained stable year over year
- Existing home sales: Down 3%
- Median days on market: 33 days
- 37% of homes sold above asking price
Several local communities continue showing strong buyer demand.
For example:
- San Bernardino saw median home prices increase 3%, with nearly half of homes selling above asking price.
- Highland maintained strong values, with 46% of homes selling above list price.
- Rialto led the region, with an impressive 67% of homes selling over asking price.
- Hesperia experienced notable growth in sales activity, reflecting continued demand for more affordable housing options.
The Bottom Line
The Southern California real estate market is becoming more balanced—but opportunity still exists on both sides of the transaction.
For buyers, today’s market offers more time to plan, negotiate, and make confident decisions.
For sellers, demand remains strong for well-priced, well-marketed homes that are prepared to stand out.
At Premier Agent Perez Team, we believe real estate isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every client has different goals, priorities, and circumstances. That’s why we take the time to create a personalized strategy that helps you make confident decisions—whether you’re buying your first home, selling a longtime family property, or planning your next move.
Ready to talk about your real estate goals? We’d love to help you navigate today’s market with a strategy built around your future.
