California Real Estate Market Update: Month-over-Month, Year-over-Year, and Seasonal Trends
California’s real estate market closed out December 2025 with a mix of short-term slowdowns and longer-term stability, a pattern that is typical for this time of year. By looking at month-over-month, year-over-year, and two-year seasonal trends, we can better understand where the market is heading and what it means for buyers and sellers moving into the new year.
Month-over-Month Trends: Seasonal Cooling Across Most Counties
Month over Month Real Estate Trends Across California’s Counties: December 2025 v. November 2025.
From November 2025 to December 2025, most California counties experienced a decline in new listings and pending sales, which is common during the holiday season. Across MetroList areas, new listings fell by over 20% month over month, while pending sales also declined. Many counties—including San Joaquin, Sacramento, Stanislaus, and Placer—saw fewer homes coming to market as sellers paused listings until after the holidays.
Despite fewer new listings, closed sales increased month over month, indicating that motivated buyers continued to move forward on homes already under contract. Average days on market increased slightly, reflecting slower showing activity during December, while inventory levels remained relatively tight.
Key takeaway: December’s month-over-month declines are largely seasonal, not a sign of weakening demand.
Year-over-Year Comparison: More Inventory, Stable Demand
Year over Year Real Estate Trends Across California’s Counties: December 2025 v. December 2024.
When comparing December 2025 to December 2024, the picture becomes more encouraging—especially for buyers. New listings increased year over year across many counties, including San Joaquin, Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, and Stanislaus, giving buyers more options than they had last year.
Pending sales were relatively flat to slightly down in several counties, suggesting buyers are taking a more measured approach as affordability and interest rates continue to influence decision-making. However, closed sales remained steady or increased in many areas, showing that well-priced homes are still selling.
Average days on market rose year over year, a sign of a more balanced market where buyers have time to evaluate options and sellers must price and market homes strategically.
Key takeaway: Compared to last year, the market is healthier and more balanced, with increased inventory and steady buyer activity.
Two-Year Trend Report: How the Market Moves Throughout the Year
The two-year trend data highlights a clear seasonal pattern in California real estate:
New listings typically rise in early spring, peak in late spring and early summer, and taper off toward the end of the year.
Pending sales follow closely behind listings, with strong activity from spring through early fall.
Closed sales peak shortly after pendings increase, reflecting the natural transaction timeline.
Trending Report for San Joaquin County: analyze peaks and falls in home sales in each month throughout the past two years.
Notably, the trend data shows that even during slower months, buyer activity does not disappear—it simply becomes more selective. This reinforces the importance of pricing correctly and marketing effectively, especially during off-peak seasons.
Key takeaway: Timing matters, but strategy matters more. Homes that are positioned well sell in every season.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
For sellers, increased year-over-year inventory means competition is higher than last winter. Homes that are priced accurately, staged well, and professionally marketed are the ones securing strong offers.
For buyers, the current market offers more choices and less urgency than in previous years, making it an excellent time to negotiate and find the right property.
As always, understanding local county trends—and how they compare month over month and year over year—is essential to making smart real estate decisions. Market conditions vary by area, and success depends on having a clear, data-driven strategy.
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