East Bay Housing Market Update May 2026
May 21, 2026
May 21, 2026
The East Bay market remains highly competitive, particularly for single-family homes.
Home prices softened slightly across both counties after months of steady growth.
Inventory remains significantly below last year’s levels despite the peak spring season.
Single-family homes continue selling in under two weeks.
Median sale price: $1,317,080
Year-over-year change: -2.44%
Median sale price: $860,000
Year-over-year change: -1.71%
Median sale price: $582,500
Year-over-year change: -10.38%
Median sale price: $492,500
Year-over-year change: +9.44%
Total inventory: 2,480 homes
Year-over-year inventory decline: -25.23%
Supply remains historically low despite increased spring activity
Total inventory: 937 units
Year-over-year inventory decline: -14.82%
Alameda County: 13 days
Contra Costa County: 13 days
Market pace remains unchanged from last year
Alameda County: 24 days
Contra Costa County: 21 days
Alameda County: 1.8 months
Contra Costa County: 2.1 months
Both counties remain well below the 3-month benchmark for a balanced market
Buyer competition remains intense due to limited supply
MSI declined year-over-year by:
28% in Alameda County
25% in Contra Costa County
Alameda County: 4.3 months
Contra Costa County: 4.1 months
Condo inventory levels place both counties firmly in buyer’s market territory
Buyers have more negotiating leverage in the condo segment
Alameda County condo prices continue facing downward pressure as supply rises relative to demand
Single-family homes remain the strongest segment of the East Bay market.
Inventory shortages continue supporting prices despite slight year-over-year declines.
Condos remain a more balanced opportunity for buyers, especially in Alameda County.
Buyers should expect continued competition for well-priced single-family homes throughout the spring market.
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Provided Courtesy of Ascend Real Estate
Provided Courtesy of Ascend Real Estate
Provided courtesy of Ascend Real Estate
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