The CA Association of Realtors has released the August 2025 Housing Market Statistics. Most of these sales went into contract in July with a 30 day escrow to result in an August closing. These statistics represent the middle stage of the summer selling season.
In the Los Angeles County real estate housing market statistics the median price increased 2.1% in August over July in Los Angeles County. Interestingly last year prices also rose a small amount 1.2% in August over July which suggests a seasonal component (more Buyers coming into the market in July). Median price decreased this year in Ventura County a low 1.3% whereas last year same time the median price fell .7%. Median price is now up only 1.2% in Los Angeles County from same time last year while Ventura County median price is down 2.8% according to the California Association of Realtors.
I also like to follow where the median price stands compared to it’s highest level. Los Angeles’ all time high median price remains at $960,370 from September 2024. The current median price is 3.1% lower than the high. Ventura County all time high median price remains $985,000 from May 2025.
2025 spring and summer activity was not as robust as hoped. Los Angeles County sales dropped a substantial 16% month to month which was much larger than the 3.2% drop last year same time. In Ventura County the sales volume dropped 7.3% vs last years 10.5% decrease. I have to repeat myself – real estate markets are very local so pay greater attention to the local real estate news.
Here are the interest rate levels for the past year.
In January mortgage rates increased to over 7%. Since then they have dropped to 6.26% subject to loan and borrower’s qualifications.
In the San Fernando Valley it is still a slight Seller’s market as inventory increased in August to 4.7 months which is the highest of the year. In Ventura County inventory hit a high of 4.9 months. We are as close to a balanced Seller/Buyer market as we have been in years.
Current Event – So many reasons to stay put: What’s behind California’s frozen housing market?
The lock-in effect is persisting and is creating a unique market dynamic in our local area, where homeowners, especially Seniors who are at the stage in life they should be preparing to sell, are essentially trapped by their current low interest rates, current high prices, potential capital gains taxes and overall economic uncertainty.
Homeowners in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties (especially Seniors who do have a mortgage) face multiple challenges so the financial incentive to stay put becomes overwhelming for most homeowners. Adding to this hesitation are broader economic uncertainties, including unanswered questions about the future of the economy, tariffs and what they might mean for inflation, the stock market and how all of the above will influence interest rates plus growing concerns about homeowner insurance rates in fire-prone areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
The result isn’t a crash in home values, but rather a significant slowdown in market activity. Homes in the San Fernando Valley now sell after 40 days on market which is up 12 days from the same time last year according to the Southland Regional Association of Realtors. For families who do need to sell due to life changes – whether probate situations, downsizing, or relocations – this means preparing for a longer marketing period and possibly more price negotiations, but also working with buyers who are genuinely committed since they’re willing to overcome significant financial barriers to make a move.
There is talk of a proposal to remove capital gains tax on the sale of your primary home or revising the exclusion amount. The amount of exclusion was set in 1997 and hasn’t been revised since. The argument against this proposal is that the wealthy and possibly real estate investors/flippers would benefit most. Additionally, the proposal is much more valuable in California where home prices have risen exponentially. In my practice I deal with a number of Senior clients and the proposal could definitely make a difference and probably unstick some Sellers but because it is a small group who would benefit it may not happen soon enough.
The current economic uncertainty reinforces why working with an experienced professional becomes even more critical during major life transitions. Understanding how broader economic forces affect personal decision-making timelines allows families to make informed choices rather than reactive ones. Whether the decision is to move forward with a sale or wait for more stability, having expert guidance helps ensure the timing aligns with both market conditions and family needs.
If you would like to discuss these housing market statistics, the real estate market in general or anything in particular, I hope you’ll reach out to me.
Who to Call
General real estate agents are great for working on every day transactions but if you are a Senior who is downsizing, a family selling an inherited home, settling an Estate in Probate or Trust administration or a family in a Divorce you need a real estate professional trained for these cases.
For a free consultation on your home’s value, how to prepare your home to sell or the real estate market in general call me at (818)570-1144 or email [email protected] or visit https://janeybishop.com
SRES, CPE, CPRES, RCSD
Senior Real Estate Specialist
Certified Probate Expert
Certified Probate Real Estate Expert
Real Estate Collaborative Specialist – Divorce
