As we kick off the new year in Culver City, the real estate landscape is presenting a fascinating mix of opportunities for both buyers and sellers. If you have been following the local headlines, you might be wondering: Is the market cooling down, or is the lack of inventory keeping prices high? The answer, as is often the case in our nuanced Westside market, is a bit of both.

The “Inventory Paradox” in Culver City

For January 2026, we are seeing a unique dynamic often described as an “inventory paradox.” On paper, we are technically in a Seller’s Market due to low supply, yet buyer behavior is shifting.

For Single Family Residences (SFR), inventory remains incredibly tight with only 1.01 months of supply, a decrease of over 37% from last month. Typically, this scarcity would drive frantic bidding wars. However, we are seeing homes sit on the market longer—the median days on market has jumped to 43 days, a significant increase from previous months. This suggests that while there aren’t many homes available, buyers are becoming more selective and price-sensitive.

Single Family Homes: Aspirations vs. Reality

There is currently a disconnect between seller expectations and buyer reality. The median list price for a single-family home has surged to $1,990,000, an 18.5% increase month-over-month. However, the actual median sold price has dipped slightly to $1,775,000.

Furthermore, the “Sold to List Price” percentage sits at 97.3%. This means that, on average, homes are selling for slightly under the asking price. If you are looking to sell LINK to the Full SFR Report, pricing strategy is absolutely critical right now to avoid stagnation.

The Condo Market: A Different Story

The condo and townhome sector in Culver City is experiencing its own shifts. Inventory here has tightened significantly, with active listings dropping nearly 30% to just 33 properties. Despite fewer options, the median sold price for condos saw a correction, landing at $534,000.

Interestingly, condos are moving faster than single-family homes, with a median market time of just 29 days. Buyers in this segment seem more ready to act LINK to the Full CONDO Report, likely due to the more accessible price point compared to the detached home market.

Key Market Statistics for January 2026:

• Single Family Inventory: 1.01 Months (Seller’s Market)
• SFR Median Sold Price: $1,775,000
• Condo Median Sold Price: $534,000
• SFR List-to-Sold Price: 97.3%
• Condo List-to-Sold Price: 98.8%

Conclusion

Whether you are looking to trade up to a larger lot near the Arts District or downsize into a low-maintenance townhome, understanding these micro-trends is key. Sellers need patience and precision pricing, while buyers may find they have more negotiation room than the low inventory numbers suggest.

Are you curious how these January numbers impact the value of your specific home? I’d love to help you strategize for 2026. Reach out today for a personalized market analysis.

Melissa Menard REALTOR® | Compass
Culver City & Surrounding Areas Los Angeles
📞 310.729.9726 | DRE# 01858710
📧 melissa@melissamenardhomes.com
🌐 www.MelissaMenardHomes.com

Market Data Disclaimer: “All statistics referenced are based on January 2026 data from Realtors Property Resource® (RPR) for the Culver City neighborhood in Los Angeles and are considered reliable but not guaranteed.”