Santa Monica Market Update: A Tale of Two Markets in December 2025

December 12, 2025

If you are looking at real estate in Santa Monica right now, the headlines might feel contradictory. Is it a hot seller’s market or a balanced buyer’s opportunity? The answer depends entirely on what you are buying.

As we close out the year, the data from November 2025 reveals a distinct divergence between Single Family Residences (SFR) and the Condo/Townhome market. While single-family homes are seeing intense competition and scarcity, the condo market is offering more breathing room and inventory for buyers.

Here is the breakdown of what is happening in Santa Monica right now and what it means for your strategy going into 2026.

Single Family Homes: Fast & Fierce (Full Report Linked Here)

The market for detached homes in Santa Monica remains a robust Seller’s Market, characterized by low inventory and rapid sales.

• Homes Are Selling Fast: The median time a home spends on the market is just 16 days, a significant decrease from previous months.
• Bidding Wars Are Back: The Sold-to-List Price ratio is currently 104.5%. This means, on average, single-family homes are closing well over their asking price.
• Inventory Is Tight: With only 1.84 months of inventory available, supply cannot keep up with demand. Active listings dropped by 37% month-over-month, further squeezing buyers.
• Price Point: The median sold price for a single-family home sits at $3,200,000.

If you are a seller, the conditions are prime. If you are a buyer, you need to be fully underwritten and ready to move aggressively when a property hits the market.

Condos & Townhomes: Balanced & Accessible (Full Report Linked Here)

In contrast, the condo market is shifting toward a Balanced Market, offering a different dynamic that favors patience and selection.

• More Choices: Active listings for condos jumped by 25% month-over-month, giving buyers significantly more options to tour and consider.
• Negotiation Power: Unlike the single-family market, condos are selling at 99.1% of the list price. While competitive, this suggests buyers are paying close to fair market value rather than engaging in drastic bidding wars.
• Steady Pace: The median days on market is 30 days—twice as long as single-family homes—allowing for a more measured decision-making process.
• Price Adjustments: The median sold price for condos adjusted to $1,115,000, offering an entry point that is more accessible compared to the detached market.

What This Means For You

For Sellers: If you own a single-family home, scarcity is your best friend right now. With less than 2 months of supply, your home is a hot commodity. For condo owners, pricing strategy is critical. With inventory rising to over 4 months of supply, competitive pricing is the key to standing out.

For Buyers: SFR buyers need speed and clean terms. Condo buyers have a window of opportunity to negotiate and be choosy.

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Thinking About Buying or Selling in Santa Monica?

Thinking About Buying or Selling in Santa Monica? If you’re considering a move in Santa Monica—or anywhere on the Westside of Los Angeles—and want to understand how these numbers apply to your specific home or search, I’m always happy to walk through the data with you and talk strategy.

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

Market Data Disclaimer: “All statistics referenced are based on December 2025 reports (reflecting November 2025 data) from Realtors Property Resource® (RPR) for the Santa Monica neighborhood in Los Angeles and are considered reliable but not guaranteed.”