Northern California Real Estate Market Update: January 2026
Happy New Year from Northern California! January 2026 data from MetroList shows a classic post-holiday rebound: new listings and pending sales surged after December's slowdown, while closed sales reflect the seasonal lag in closings. Inventory remains tight at 2.4 months (steady YoY), keeping it a balanced-to-seller market overall—but with more options emerging for buyers as we head toward spring.
Key Regional Trends (January 2026 Data)
Month over Month Real Estate Trends Across California’s Counties: January 2026 v. December 2025.
New Listings: 3,843 (+71% from Dec 2025, -5% from Jan 2025) — strong influx signals sellers returning.
Pending Sales: 2,649 (+27% MoM, +7% YoY) — buyer demand picking up.
Closed Sales: 1,895 (-35% MoM, -12% YoY) — typical January dip as year-end deals finalize.
Average Days on Market: 58 days (+5% MoM, +21% YoY) — buyers have more time to decide.
Months of Inventory: 2.4 (-23% MoM, flat YoY) — still undersupplied, but improving balance.
Compared to December 2025's holiday slowdown, January reflects the usual "reset" with renewed activity. Year-over-year, the market shows stability: pendings up, inventory steady, and well-priced homes continuing to move.
Central Valley and Sacramento Counties Spotlight
San Joaquin County (including Stockton): New listings up +37% MoM to 577 (though -16% YoY); pendings +17% MoM to 370; closed sales down -42% MoM/-26% YoY to 268. Inventory growth supports buyer opportunities in this affordable area.
Sacramento County: New listings +74% MoM to 1,246; pendings +28% MoM/+12% YoY to 935; closed sales -32% MoM/-16% YoY to 655. Strong demand persists.
Placer County: New listings +89% MoM to 528; pendings +28% MoM/+8% YoY to 382; closed sales -32% MoM but +3% YoY to 280. Resilience shines through.
These counties benefit from relative affordability vs. coastal markets, drawing families and buyers priced out elsewhere. Expect spring to accelerate listings and competition.
What This Means for Buyers & Sellers
Year over Year Real Estate Trends Across California’s Counties: January 2026 v. January 2025.
Buyers: More inventory and longer DOM give you leverage—better negotiation on price, concessions, and inspections. With pendings rising and rates stabilizing, early 2026 is a solid window before the spring rush heats up.
Sellers: The rebound favors prepared listings—price realistically, stage well, and market aggressively. Move-in-ready homes in good condition are standing out and closing efficiently, even in January.
Big picture: Short-term seasonal shifts (like January's closing dip) contrast with longer-term stability and gradual inventory growth. California's market—especially the Central Valley—is maturing with opportunities on both sides.
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