Santa Barbara, CA
Housing Market
Santa Barbara's housing market is dynamic, with home prices and demand constantly shifting. Houzeo's housing market report monitors these fluctuations, providing real-time insights into Santa Barbara's supply and demand trends. Our report equips you with the information you require to make well-informed decisions.
Verified Data
Updated Monthly
Fast Insights
Real-time Analytics
Last updated
Overview
Supply
Demand
Buy or SellSanta Barbara Housing Market Overview
Santa Barbara real estate trends point to a competitive market in recent months. The median home price in Santa Barbara has increased by 34.3% from last year, hitting $2,226,500. Properties spend more time on the market, with a median of 81 days before going under contract. This reflects a slowdown in buyer urgency. On the other hand, 57 homes were sold this month, a 50% increase from last year, which suggests growing demand.
Santa Barbara's housing market is a mix of luxury oceanfront estates, Spanish-style homes, and historic properties. Home values are constantly on the rise due to limited inventory and high demand. The city's coastal charm and Mediterranean climate appeal to buyers from around the world. Santa Barbara plays a key role in California's real estate market, drawing in those who seek lifestyle and investment opportunities.
Santa Barbara's housing market is a mix of luxury oceanfront estates, Spanish-style homes, and historic properties. Home values are constantly on the rise due to limited inventory and high demand. The city's coastal charm and Mediterranean climate appeal to buyers from around the world. Santa Barbara plays a key role in California's real estate market, drawing in those who seek lifestyle and investment opportunities.
Median Sale Price
$
0% year-over-year
All Home Types 
1 year
3 year
5 year
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Housing Supply
Santa Barbara is a hot market for real estate investors due to the high demand it sees. Its pristine beaches, Mediterranean climate, and scenic coastal views continue to attract buyers year after year. The available homes for sale in Santa Barbara has increased to 120 properties, a 22.4% rise YoY. With 65 new listings, buyers can benefit from the slight increase in inventory. However, Santa Barbara's housing supply currently stands at only 2.1 months citywide, which signals a highly competitive market. The city's coastal location, strict zoning laws, and preservation efforts are factors that contribute to its low supply.
Santa Barbara's Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, luxury estates, and oceanfront properties attract buyers, second-home seekers, as well as investors. The Riviera and Montecito boast the state's most coveted homes, featuring private vineyards, tennis courts, and panoramic views. Seasonal trends typically make listings spike in spring and summer, but limited land and strong demand keep median home prices over $2 million. Santa Barbara is a competitive market for buyers willing to pay a premium for coastal living. The city's scenic lifestyle, wine country proximity, and top-rated schools further fuel demand.
Santa Barbara's Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, luxury estates, and oceanfront properties attract buyers, second-home seekers, as well as investors. The Riviera and Montecito boast the state's most coveted homes, featuring private vineyards, tennis courts, and panoramic views. Seasonal trends typically make listings spike in spring and summer, but limited land and strong demand keep median home prices over $2 million. Santa Barbara is a competitive market for buyers willing to pay a premium for coastal living. The city's scenic lifestyle, wine country proximity, and top-rated schools further fuel demand.
# of Homes for Sale
0% year-over-year
All Home Types
1 year
3 year
5 year
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Housing Demand
The Santa Barbara real estate market remains competitive, with 31.6% of homes selling above their list price. Meanwhile, only 18.5% of homes sell below asking price, down 2.9 percentage points from last year. The sale-to-list price ratio has climbed slightly to 99.8%, which means sellers are receiving nearly their full asking price—leaving buyers with limited room for negotiation. This ratio indicates that market conditions are very much in sellers' favor.
As a home seller, if you initially price your house accurately, you can avoid the need for price reductions. You can also offer concessions or list your home on the California MLS to find buyers quickly. If the sale-to-list price ratio is around 100% and demand is high, expect to get multiple offers from buyers. However, if you're buying a house in Santa Barbara, CA, you should ideally focus on houses with extended listing periods. Additionally, properties with prior price reductions can give you more room for negotiation.
As a home seller, if you initially price your house accurately, you can avoid the need for price reductions. You can also offer concessions or list your home on the California MLS to find buyers quickly. If the sale-to-list price ratio is around 100% and demand is high, expect to get multiple offers from buyers. However, if you're buying a house in Santa Barbara, CA, you should ideally focus on houses with extended listing periods. Additionally, properties with prior price reductions can give you more room for negotiation.
Homes Sold Above List Price
%0% year-over-year
All Home Types
1 year
3 year
5 year
Santa Barbara
Strong
Buyer
Buyer
Balanced
Seller
Strong
Seller
Buyer’s Market
Seller’s Market
Balanced: Neither buyers nor sellers dominate the market. Supply meets demand, prices stay stable, and both parties negotiate on an equal footing.
Santa Barbara Housing Market: When to Buy or Sell?
Santa Barbara's housing market has historically shifted between buyer-friendly and seller-friendly conditions. Unlike other parts of the California real estate market, Santa Barbara remains highly competitive due to limited inventory and strong demand. When inventory increases and competition slows, buyers gain more negotiation power. On the other hand, sellers benefit from higher prices and faster sales when demand outpaces supply, especially during the peak seasons of spring and summer.
If Santa Barbara's months of housing supply rise above the balanced conditions of the US housing market (5 to 6 months), buyers will have more leverage. However, with the current supply of 2 months, sellers benefit from multiple offers and quick sales. If you understand these market dynamics, you can time your purchase or sale strategically in Santa Barbara's competitive real estate landscape.
From Hot Trends to Hidden Gems—All in Your Pocket!
The Houzeo app brings the entire real estate journey to your fingertips. Browse, list, and close—anytime, anywhere.
Download the Houzeo Mobile App Now!
Check the Real Estate Trends in Your State
- Alabama Housing Market
- Alaska Housing Market
- Arizona Housing Market
- Arkansas Housing Market
- California Housing Market
- Colorado Housing Market
- Connecticut Housing Market
- Delaware Housing Market
- Florida Housing Market
- Georgia Housing Market
- Hawaii Housing Market
- Idaho Housing Market
- Illinois Housing Market
- Indiana Housing Market
- Iowa Housing Market
- Kansas Housing Market
- Kentucky Housing Market
- Louisiana Housing Market
- Maine Housing Market
- Maryland Housing Market
- Massachusetts Housing Market
- Michigan Housing Market
- Minnesota Housing Market
- Mississippi Housing Market
Show more
Search by Top Cities in California
- San Bruno Housing Market
- Sacramento Housing Market
- Atherton Housing Market
- San Diego Housing Market
- San Francisco Housing Market
- Los Angeles Housing Market
- San Mateo Housing Market
- Carlsbad Housing Market
- Palm Springs Housing Market
- San Jose Housing Market
- Irvine Housing Market
- Oakland Housing Market
- Palo Alto Housing Market
- Santa Barbara Housing Market
- Fresno Housing Market
- Temecula Housing Market
- Santa Cruz Housing Market
- Santa Rosa Housing Market
- Bakersfield Housing Market
- Walnut Creek Housing Market
- Modesto Housing Market
- Laguna Woods Housing Market
Frequently Asked Questions
How have Santa Barbara house prices changed over the past year?
The median price of houses in Santa Barbara has seen significant growth over the past year, with a 34.3% YoY rise. Several neighborhoods experienced strong price appreciation, driven by high demand and limited inventory. You can check your home's fair market value with our free home value estimator to decide on your initial asking price.
What are the Santa Barbara real estate predictions for 2025?
Santa Barbara home prices are expected to remain high due to limited inventory and continued demand. Prices have risen 34.3% year-over-year, outpacing many other California markets. While rising mortgage rates may slow buyer activity, Santa Barbara's desirable coastal location and luxury market are likely to keep prices elevated.
What's the average home price in Santa Barbara?
The average house price in Santa Barbara varies depending on the type, size, and local market conditions. It typically ranges from $1,450,000 for condos to $2,568,750 for single-family homes. If you want to buy a house in the city, you can find houses for sale in Santa Barbara, CA within your budget.
Is Santa Barbara expensive to live in?
Yes, Santa Barbara can be expensive. The cost of living in the city is 47.8% higher than the national median and 26% higher than the California average. Housing is the biggest factor, with home prices 115% above the national average.
Where can I check Santa Barbara housing market trends?
The housing market in Santa Barbara grows all year round. Housing demand as well as competition tends to remain high. Properties tend to stay for fewer days than average on the market. If you want to buy a house in Santa Barbara, you can check the city's housing market trends to decide on the right time to invest.
When will the Santa Barbara housing market crash?
As per housing market forecasts, it's very unlikely that the market will crash. Home prices and demand may increase during the summer, with sustained growth projected through 2025.
How to buy a home in Santa Barbara?
The steps to purchasing a house in Santa Barbara must start with a clear budget and mortgage pre-approval. Buyers can then search for homes for sale in Santa Barbara, submit offers, secure loans, and complete the closing process.
How can I list my home for sale in Santa Barbara, CA?
You can list your Santa Barbara home with a Flat Fee MLS California listing service. High-tech MLS listing sites like Houzeo automatically assign the right MLS paperwork based on your location. 🚀
What is the average mortgage rate for buyers in Santa Barbara?
The state-wide average mortgage rate for buyers fluctuates between 6.8% and 7%. However, it depends on the market and the borrower's credit score. Always check current rates with lenders.
What is the average cost of living in Santa Barbara?
The cost of living in Santa Barbara is 47.8% higher than the national average and 26% higher than the cost of living in California. Housing costs are the biggest factor, 115% higher than the national average. Essentials like food, clothing, and groceries are also about 15% higher than the US median.
Important Legal Disclosures