October 2025 Orange County Real Estate Market Update

October 2025 Orange County Real Estate Market Update: Luxury Trends & Buyer Opportunities

October in Orange County isn’t just about cooler breezes and coastal sunsets — it’s also one of the best times of the year to buy or sell a home.

While many assume the market slows down, seasoned real estate experts know that fall often brings opportunity, strategy, and value.

Here’s why: sellers who list during the holidays are typically motivated, serious, and ready to move. For buyers searching in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Clemente, or Irvine, that creates the perfect window to secure a dream home — often with less competition and more negotiation power.

📉 New Listings: Down But Not Out

Inventory has dipped again, with new listings down 13.5% year-over-year. But don’t mistake that for a stagnant market. Many homeowners in Costa Mesa, Irvine, and Newport Coast are choosing to hold off until early 2026, waiting for the right conditions. That means fewer listings — but higher-quality opportunities for serious buyers ready to act.

In short: motivated sellers, smarter buyers, and sharper deals.

⚖️ Active Listings: A Balanced Market Returns

Active listings across Orange County real estate have fallen below 6,000 homes, signaling a more balanced market. Earlier this year, inventory was up 30%; now, it’s only 13% higher than last year. Some sellers have pulled their homes after missing pricing goals, creating a healthy sense of equilibrium.

Luxury buyers are noticing — well-priced homes, especially those with ocean views or modern upgrades, are moving quickly. The result? A renewed sense of competition that favors preparation, precision, and expert representation.

📈 Closed Sales: Activity + Confidence Are Back

Despite tighter supply, closed sales are up 11% year-over-year — proof that confidence is returning. Buyers and sellers who understand today’s pricing are making it happen.

Homes are taking an average of 38 days to go under contract, though well-presented listings in Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Dana Point often sell much faster. Those sitting longer tend to be:

• Overpriced for current conditions

• Under-marketed

• Lacking professional presentation or staging

🧭 The Seller’s Playbook: How to Win This Fall

For sellers in Newport Coast, Irvine, and Laguna Beach, success comes down to strategy and style. Follow these expert tips to stand out this season:

• Hire a modern, results-driven team. Work with agents who understand today’s digital-first marketing landscape.

• Perfect your presentation. From high-end staging to cinematic visuals, presentation matters more than ever.

• Price to today’s market. Not to last spring’s highs.

• Make it easy to show. More flexibility = more potential buyers.

In the luxury market, elegance and precision always pay off.

💰 Prices + Interest Rates: The Calm in the Current

Home prices rose modestly — from $1,165,000 to $1,185,000, a 3% increase year-over-year. This reflects a stable, healthy market for luxury real estate and long-term investment.

Even better, mortgage rates have eased into the 6.38% range, making a noticeable difference in affordability. And while we may never return to 3%, mid-5% rates could be on the horizon in 2026 — a scenario that’s energizing buyers from Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and even abroad.

For many, Orange County offers what few markets can — stability, desirability, and lifestyle-driven value.

🌅 Why Demand Is Rising Again

Smart buyers recognize that this fall’s market offers a rare balance of pricing, selection, and motivation. The factors driving activity include:

• Falling interest rates, which have expanded affordability

• Reduced competition, giving buyers more leverage

• Lifestyle appeal, with coastal luxury, resort-style amenities, and year-round sunshine continuing to attract local, national, and international buyers

🏖️ The Bottom Line: Luxury Opportunity Awaits

From Newport Coast estates and Laguna Beach oceanfront homes to Dana Point harbor-view villas and Irvine modern retreats, Orange County continues to set the standard for elevated living.

For sellers, the message is clear: the market rewards preparation and precision.
For buyers, this fall presents a prime window before 2026 competition heats back up.

✨ Now is the time to act. Whether you’re listing a luxury home in Newport Beach or searching for your next coastal investment in San Clemente or Costa Mesa, Brad Trager and Surterre Properties offer the expertise and connections to help you succeed.

📞 Connect with Brad Trager, Realtor with Surterre Properties, today at SurterreProperties.com and let him guide you to your perfect Southern California home.
Explore exclusive listings now and experience the Orange County lifestyle at its finest.

October 2025 Orange County Housing Market Update – FAQ

1. Is fall 2025 a good time to buy a home in Orange County?

2. Why are new listings down year-over-year in October 2025?

3. What does “active listings below 6,000” mean for the market?

4. Why do some listings sit on the market longer than 38 days?

5. Are prices rising or falling in October 2025 across Orange County real estate?

6. How do current mortgage rates affect purchasing power right now?

7. What’s the best strategy for luxury sellers this season?

8. Where do international and relocating buyers focus in Orange County?

9. How can buyers gain an edge in competitive submarkets like Newport Coast or Laguna Beach?

10. How do I start with a tailored plan for buying or selling this fall?