Blog > What’s Your Southern California Home Worth? Fall 2026 Market Update
If you own a home in Orange County or Los Angeles, you’ve probably wondered what it would sell for today. The market has shifted this fall, so here’s a clear look at where prices stand and what it means if you’re thinking about selling.
Where Prices Stand
According to the California Association of REALTORS®, the August 2026 median price for an existing single family home was:
- Orange County: $1,452,500, up 4.9% from a year ago
- Los Angeles County: $946,950, up 1.7%
- Riverside County: $632,990, up 1.3%
- San Bernardino County: $522,370, up 4.2%
Prices are still higher than last year across Southern California, but the pace has slowed. Orange County’s median dipped 1.5% from July.
What Changed This Fall
The biggest change is mortgage rates. In mid September, the 30 year fixed rate crossed 7% for the first time this year. Freddie Mac’s weekly average reached 6.95%, the highest since January 2025. Higher rates mean fewer buyers can qualify, and the buyers who are still shopping are more careful.
You can see it in Orange County’s numbers at the end of September:
- About 5,060 homes were for sale, and inventory kept rising all month while pending sales fell.
- 43% of active listings had a price reduction.
- About 1 in 4 listings had been on the market longer than 90 days.
- The typical home took about 46 days to go under contract.
What This Means If You’re Thinking About Selling
Pricing matters more than it has in years. Well priced homes are still selling. In Orange County, homes under $2.5 million sold for about 1% below their list price on average. Homes that start too high tend to sit, and they usually end up selling for less after a string of reductions.
Your home’s value is specific to your street. A countywide median doesn’t tell you what your home is worth. Your neighborhood, lot, condition, upgrades and recent sales nearby matter far more.
Timing is still on your side if you plan ahead. The slower season gives you time to prepare, price strategically and be ready when buyers return in the spring.
Selling a Home That Needs Work?
Not every home needs a remodel before it sells. I work with investors across Orange County and Los Angeles who buy homes as is, so if your property needs updates, I can show you what it would sell for both ways: as is, or after repairs. Then you can decide which makes more sense for you.
Find Out What Your Home Is Worth
Get a free, no obligation home value report in less than a minute:
Want a more detailed number based on your home’s condition and the latest sales on your street? Call or text me at 714-698-3397. Hablo español.
Veronica Blackstone, REALTOR® | TNG Real Estate Consultants | CA DRE# 02163688
Sources: California Association of REALTORS® August 2026 Home Sales and Price Report; Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey; Orange County housing data as of September 28, 2026.
