Santa Cruz, CA
Housing Market
Santa Cruz'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 Cruz's supply and demand trends. Our report equips you with the information you require to make well-informed decisions.
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Buy or SellSanta Cruz Housing Market Overview
Santa Cruz real estate trends indicate a moderately competitive market in recent months. Median home prices in Santa Cruz have increased by 1.5% compared to last year, reaching $1,168,000. Properties typically stay on the market for 45 days before they go under contract, down 7 days from this time last year. Additionally, 20 homes were sold this month, marking a 5.3% YoY increase.
The housing market in Santa Cruz offers a diverse range of properties, from coastal homes to hillside retreats, with options across budgets and lifestyles. The local housing market has seen consistent property value appreciation. Demand is driven by limited inventory and the proximity to Silicon Valley. A vital part of California's real estate market, Santa Cruz's scenic coastline, redwood forests, and small-town charm consistently attract buyers from the Bay Area and beyond. The city appeals to homebuyers and investors who seek long-term value as well as natural beauty.
The housing market in Santa Cruz offers a diverse range of properties, from coastal homes to hillside retreats, with options across budgets and lifestyles. The local housing market has seen consistent property value appreciation. Demand is driven by limited inventory and the proximity to Silicon Valley. A vital part of California's real estate market, Santa Cruz's scenic coastline, redwood forests, and small-town charm consistently attract buyers from the Bay Area and beyond. The city appeals to homebuyers and investors who seek long-term value as well as natural beauty.
Median Sale Price
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Santa Cruz Housing Supply
Santa Cruz is a popular market with real estate investors. The city attracts buyers willing to pay premium prices for lifestyle and location. In February 2025, the available homes for sale in Santa Cruz increased to 43 properties, a near 14.8% rise. Buyers stand to benefit from this increase in Santa Cruz's housing inventory. On the other hand, the Santa Cruz housing supply currently stands at only 2 months citywide, which indicates a highly competitive market.
Santa Cruz housing supply often fluctuates with seasonal trends. More homes typically hit the market in spring and summer, as sellers aim to close deals before fall. However, limited land and development restrictions keep inventory low year-round, driving prices well above the national median. Sellers in Santa Cruz frequently get competitive offers, especially for desirable coastal properties. Buyers should inspect homes carefully and consider negotiating concessions, though the strong demand often limits leverage.
Santa Cruz housing supply often fluctuates with seasonal trends. More homes typically hit the market in spring and summer, as sellers aim to close deals before fall. However, limited land and development restrictions keep inventory low year-round, driving prices well above the national median. Sellers in Santa Cruz frequently get competitive offers, especially for desirable coastal properties. Buyers should inspect homes carefully and consider negotiating concessions, though the strong demand often limits leverage.
# of Homes for Sale
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Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Housing Demand
The Santa Cruz real estate market shows steady competition at the moment. In February 2025, 30% of homes sold above the list price, up 8.9 percentage points from last year. Meanwhile, 11.4% of homes sold below the asking price, a 3.6 percentage point decrease. The sale-to-list price ratio sits at 99.2%, meaning most sellers receive close to their asking price. This ratio reflects the market's balance of negotiation power, which currently leans in favor of sellers.
As a home seller, if you initially price your house accurately, you can avoid the need for any price reductions in future. 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, you can expect to get multiple offers from buyers. If you're planning on buying a house in Santa Cruz, CA, you can focus on houses with extended listing periods. Properties with previous price reductions can also give you more room for negotiation.
As a home seller, if you initially price your house accurately, you can avoid the need for any price reductions in future. 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, you can expect to get multiple offers from buyers. If you're planning on buying a house in Santa Cruz, CA, you can focus on houses with extended listing periods. Properties with previous price reductions can also give you more room for negotiation.
Homes Sold Above List Price
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Strong
Buyer
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Balanced
Seller
Strong
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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 Cruz Housing Market: When to Buy or Sell?
Santa Cruz's housing market shifts between buyer-friendly and seller-friendly conditions based on seasonal trends. The market is slightly less competitive than other regions in California's housing market, but the limited inventory in the city favors sellers. Buyers can get lucrative opportunities when there's a spike in new listings.
Moreover, if the months of Santa Cruz's housing supply rise above the balanced conditions of the US real estate market (5 to 6 months), buyers have more time to consider their options. Sellers typically receive multiple offers on their Santa Cruz homes when the supply period is around 2-3 months. Knowledge of these market forces can help you strategically time your purchase or sale.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How have Santa Cruz house prices changed over the past year?
Over the past year, Santa Cruz's median home price has continued to rise at a modest rate of 1.5%, with multiple regions seeing double-digit percentage growth. 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 Cruz real estate predictions for 2025?
Santa Cruz home prices may face slight downward pressure as demand softens across California. State-wide prices rose 6% year-over-year in February 2025, but rising mortgage rates and affordability challenges could slow the market. Both buyers and sellers should watch for shifting conditions and adjust their strategies accordingly.
What's Santa Cruz's average home price?
The average house price in Santa Cruz varies depending on the type, size, and local market conditions. A typical single-family home can cost $1,405,000 on average. If you want to buy a house in the city, you can find cheap homes for sale in Santa Cruz within your budget.
Is this a good time to buy a home in Santa Cruz, CA?
First, carefully assess Santa Cruz real estate trends, from home prices to inventory levels. Sellers currently benefit from the limited supply and steady demand. However, if inventory increases and mortgage rates stabilize, buyers may find better opportunities. The ideal time for your purchase depends on these shifting market factors.
Where can I check Santa Cruz housing market trends?
The housing market in Santa Cruz grows all year round. Housing demand as well as competition remain high, while properties tend to stay for fewer days than average on the market. If you want to sell or buy a house in Santa Cruz, you can check the city's housing market trends to time your transaction.
When will the Santa Cruz 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 Cruz?
Start with a clear budget and get a mortgage pre-approval. Then, you should browse Santa Cruz houses for sale, make a competitive offer, secure a loan, and complete the closing process.
How can I list my home for sale in Santa Cruz, CA?
You can list your Santa Cruz 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 Cruz?
The state-wide average mortgage rate for buyers fluctuates between 6.8% and 7%. However, it depends on the market and your credit score. Always check current rates with lenders.
What is the average cost of living in Santa Cruz, California?
The cost of living in Santa Cruz is 55% higher than the national average. Housing alone is 486% higher than the US median. The typical single-family home in Santa Cruz costs $1.4M, with regional price variations. Necessities such as food, clothing, and groceries are around 15% higher than the national average. You can know more about your area's living expenses with our free California cost of living calculator.
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