Market Update · November 5, 2026
Owning in OC now costs over $10,000 a month. Here’s how to buy or sell smart.
New ATTOM data, reported this week by The Real Deal, shows Southern California sales running about 30% below normal while monthly ownership costs have roughly doubled in five years. Here is what we’re telling buyers and sellers in LA and Orange County.
The numbers
Sales are far below normal, and the monthly cost is the reason
OC: $10,303 a month to own
ATTOM puts the typical Orange County monthly ownership cost at $10,303, up 125% in five years, on a $1.2 million median price and roughly a $122,000 down payment. Sales are about 30% below the 21-year norm, the smallest gap of six SoCal counties.
LA: $7,592 and 31% below normal
Los Angeles County sales are running about 31% below normal, with typical monthly ownership costs of $7,592. Ventura (31% below, $7,166) and San Diego (32% below, $7,769) look similar.
Rates: 7.24%
Freddie Mac’s 30-year average was 7.24% on Oct. 29, down from 7.32% a week earlier but well above 6.17% a year ago. That rate is a big part of the payment problem.
If you’re selling
Price to the buyer’s monthly budget
Think payment, not just price
Buyers are shopping a monthly number. A price that looks fair on paper may still be out of reach once taxes, insurance and a 7%+ rate are added, so pricing sharply can bring more showings.
Offer a rate-buydown credit
A seller credit toward a rate buydown can lower a buyer’s payment more efficiently than the same dollars off the price. We can model both for your home.
Don’t wait for a rate reset
Sales are already depressed and contract activity is weak. Waiting for lower rates means carrying your home for months with no guarantee. We’ll help you compare the cost of waiting against a price adjustment now.
If you’re buying
Fewer buyers means more room to negotiate
Know your payment ceiling first
Get pre-approved and decide on a monthly number you can hold comfortably, then work backward to a price. We’ll show payments at several rates and down payments.
Negotiate credits, repairs and timing
With sales this far below normal, sellers who’ve been sitting often accept credits or repairs. Homes past the local median days on market are the best candidates.
Consider the inland options
Inland counties are cheaper: ATTOM reports Riverside at $605,000 and San Bernardino at $533,500 median prices. Their sales have fallen furthest from normal, so buyers can be selective, though commutes matter.
Investing or flipping in SoCal?
If you’re buying to renovate and resell, our partner platform FlipOS ↗︎ helps investors analyze deals and manage flips. With ownership costs this high, build your exit buyer’s monthly payment into every ARV estimate.
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County sales pace, median prices and ownership costs: ATTOM data as reported by The Real Deal, Nov. 4, 2026; the analysis covers sales through July 2026, and ownership costs are ATTOM estimates. Rates: Freddie Mac weekly survey, Oct. 29, 2026. Real estate data is regional and changes quickly — contact us for current numbers on your specific home or target neighborhood.