East Bay Housing Market Update - January 2026
Ascend RE January 20, 2026
Ascend RE January 20, 2026
The Local Lowdown
Quick Take:
Single-family home prices held relatively steady in December, while the condo market continued its year-long slide with double-digit declines in Alameda County.
Inventories dropped significantly as the year came to a close, with single-family home inventory down nearly 19% year-over-year.
Single-family homes continue to move quickly, while condos are spending considerably more time on the market.
Single-family homes hold steady while condos continue to struggle
East Bay single-family home market ended the year relatively stable
Alameda County (single-family)
Median sale price: $1,170,000
+0.47% year-over-year
Contra Costa County (single-family)
Median sale price: $839,500
–1.81% year-over-year
Condo market shows a different trend
Alameda County (condos)
Median sale price: $522,500
–19.55% year-over-year
Contra Costa County (condos)
Median sale price: $462,000
–7.60% year-over-year
Key takeaway
Ongoing divergence between single-family homes and condos throughout 2025
Inventory levels plummeted as the year came to a close
Holiday season brought a sharp decline in East Bay inventory
Single-family homes
Inventory down 18.70% year-over-year
Just 1,265 homes on the market at the end of December
Condos
Inventory declined 16.48% year-over-year
Only 512 units available
Inventory drops are typical during the holidays as sellers delay listing
Notable takeaway
The size of the decline is significant given the higher inventory levels seen through much of 2025
Single-family homes fly off the shelves while condos linger
Single-family homes continue to sell quickly across the East Bay
Alameda County (single-family)
Average days on market: 20 days
4.76% faster than last year
Contra Costa County (single-family)
Average days on market: 23 days
Condo market is moving more slowly
Alameda County (condos)
Average days on market: 42 days
23.53% longer than last year
Contra Costa County (condos)
Average days on market: 33 days
Key trend
Buyers are acting quickly on single-family homes
Buyers are taking more time when purchasing condos
The East Bay ends the year firmly in seller's market territory
Market conditions are defined by Months of Supply Inventory (MSI)
California’s historical average is ~3 months of MSI, indicating a balanced market
Below 3 months MSI = seller’s market
Above 3 months MSI = buyer’s market
East Bay ended December as a strong seller’s market
Single-family homes
Alameda County: 0.8 months of inventory
Contra Costa County: 1.2 months of inventory
20% year-over-year decline in both counties
Buyers should expect intense competition heading into the new year
Condo market
Alameda County: 2.2 months of inventory
Contra Costa County: 2.4 months of inventory
Inventory levels declined significantly from earlier in the year
Key takeaway
Both single-family and condo markets are now firmly in seller’s market territory
Recent
Browse our blog posts to be in the know.
Provided Courtesy of Ascend Real Estate
Provided Courtesy of Ascend Real Estate
Provided courtesy of Ascend Real Estate
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