Is LA Becoming a Buyer’s Market?

If you’ve been asking, “Is LA a buyer’s market now?” you’re not alone. Buyers across Southern California are watching the housing market for the best moment to act. After years of intense demand and very low supply, the market is edging toward balance. It isn’t a full buyer’s market, but dynamics have shifted enough to change your strategy: you’ll see more real estate listings , a bit less competition, and more room to negotiate on price and terms without giving up inspections or your timeline.

By the Numbers – July 2025

Note: LA Metro UII was ~3.9 months in July 2025. County metrics from Redfin; UII from C.A.R.

These figures point to steadier or higher inventory and slower selling speeds than last summer. Sellers can’t always expect fast sales or big over-ask outcomes. To gauge leverage by neighborhood, track the share of homes selling over list and days on market (DOM). A larger gap where sale prices land below list and longer DOM suggest buyers have the upper hand; shorter DOM and at/over-list pricing indicate a seller-leaning pocket.

Los Angeles Housing Market Update

The shift from a seller’s market to a buyer’s isn’t uniform, and some areas still favor sellers. Overall, the market has cooled from the recent frenzy. Prices are steadier, days on market are longer, and offers over list are less common than in recent years. Sellers still benefit from strong values, but the best results come from pricing to today’s conditions instead of last year’s aspirations.

Each neighborhood sets its own pace. Beverly Hills often defies broader trends at the high end even as listing times stretch. Santa Monica blends condos and single-family homes, so medians and DOM can swing by subarea. Hancock Park’s historic inventory draws steady demand, with outcomes hinging on condition and period detail. Culver City’s family-friendly pockets and school-adjacent streets can move faster than nearby areas, but results still depend on price and presentation.

Inventory Trends, Listing Times, & Buyer Advantage

Active real estate listings have increased year over year, easing upward pressure on home prices in many LA neighborhoods. While competition remains intense at entry-level price points, higher-priced segments are seeing longer listing times and notably fewer bidding wars. In sought-after areas like Hancock Park, a home that’s been on the market for 30 days or more now sends a clear signal: savvy buyers should seize the opportunity to negotiate, whether for seller credits, needed repairs, or a direct price reduction.

Today’s buyers enjoy more options and less aggressive competition, but a persistent housing shortage still supports values in the most desirable locations. To make your move count, closely monitor inventory levels, price reductions, and the days-on-market metric within your target ZIP code. This data-driven approach reveals where sellers are becoming negotiable and how the local market is truly shifting.

^{Photo: Abraham Gore Residence by MichaelJLocke , CC BY-SA 4.0}

Days on Market: Your Quiet Advantage

Per Redfin , July’s median days on market climbed to 52, up from 36 a year earlier, highlighting a clear slowdown and offering buyers greater negotiating power. If a property has been listed for 30 days or more, you’re in a stronger position to request seller credits for closing costs, rate buydowns, or essential repairs. These credits can reduce your upfront costs or long-term interest expense, making a lingering listing your secret edge.

Price Trends and Property Values

Countywide trends hide important micro-market differences. Redfin’s City of Los Angeles shows longer marketing times than last year, but median prices across the city remain around the low-seven figures. Use median sale price and median listing price together to set expectations and prep your search strategy. In luxury markets like Beverly Hills or Hancock Park, the average sale price can skew higher, and price trends may be buffered from larger swings. Check the median and your most recent comps to see whether values are holding or drifting in your target area.

^{Photo: Los Feliz Theatre by Downtowngal , CC BY-SA 4.0}

Rates, the Economy, and the Affordability Crisis

According to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey , the 30-year fixed averaged 6.58% for the week of August 21, 2025. Small rate shifts can change your budget by tens of thousands of dollars. The region’s affordability challenges mean every fraction of a point matters. Pair rate monitoring with your offer timing, and consider negotiating for a buydown or seller credit.

When to Buy? (And When to Negotiate…)

Spring and early summer often bring the most new inventory and faster sales, but you’ll also compete with more buyers. Autumn sees price adjustments before the holidays, as sellers look to capture demand. Winter provides fewer listings but more chances for negotiation, with sellers more willing to agree to credits, repairs, or rate buydowns.

In this more balanced market, information is your best tool. Use market statistics and very recent comps, especially if a listing’s days on market exceed the neighborhood average. In high-demand areas like Hancock Park or Santa Monica, even a small rate change can open the door to better terms. Don’t hesitate to ask for what you need—sellers are increasingly willing to work with qualified buyers.