🌇 Southern California Real Estate Forecast: What’s Ahead for 2025 in LA & Ventura Counties

The Southern California real estate scene is doing what it does best—keeping everyone on their toes. As we settle into 2025, both Los Angeles and Ventura Counties are undergoing some major shifts. Fueled by rising mortgage rates, increased inventory, and a few curveballs from Mother Nature, this year is shaping up to be a pivot point for buyers, sellers, and investors alike.

Let’s break it down.

🏠 Los Angeles County: A Cooling Market or a Smart Opportunity?

Price Watch:
As of February 2025, the median home price in LA hit $1.1 million, up 9% year-over-year. Not exactly cheap—but considering recent years’ sky-high price growth, the pace is starting to normalize.

Inventory Rising:
Here’s where it gets interesting. The number of homes on the market jumped 32% compared to last year. More choices for buyers means sellers need to be on their A-game with pricing and presentation. Gone are the days of “list it and leave it”—you’ve got competition now.

Mortgage Reality Check:
Buyers, brace yourselves—rates are hovering around 6.85%. That’s not pocket change, and it’s a big reason why many are being extra cautious with purchases. That said, those with strong financing and solid strategies can find deals that didn’t exist a year ago.

Rental Crunch Intensifies:
The rental market is no picnic either. Over 57% of LA renters are now classified as “rent-burdened,” meaning they’re spending more than 30% of their income just to keep a roof over their heads. Add in wildfire-related housing loss? Expect rental prices to continue creeping upward.

🌴 Ventura County: The Underrated Player Holds Steady

Prices Climb, But Not Crazy:
Ventura County’s median sale price hit $895,000, a 5.3% increase from 2024. It’s a slower, steadier rise—more manageable and potentially more attractive to long-term investors or move-up buyers priced out of LA.

Homes Selling Slower, But Still Moving:
On average, homes are selling in 59 days, and most receive about one offer. Translation: buyers have a little breathing room, and sellers can still make solid deals if they price right and stay realistic.

🔮 What This Means for YOU in 2025

👥 Buyers:

Now’s the time to sharpen your pencils, get pre-approved, and look for motivated sellers. With more homes on the market and less bidding-war chaos, you might just land a home without having to arm-wrestle five other buyers in the driveway.

🏡 Sellers:

Yes, values are up—but don’t let that fool you into overpricing. Buyers are cautious, and overpriced homes are sitting longer. Staging, strategic pricing, and strong marketing are essential.

💼 Investors:

With rent affordability hitting a crisis point in LA, multi-family and rental properties remain hot commodities. But don’t forget: natural disasters, local regulations, and interest rates are major risk factors. Know what you’re getting into.

🚀 Final Take

The 2025 market in LA and Ventura Counties isn’t crashing—it’s correcting. And in a world where chaos can be your biggest advantage, now’s the time to act strategically.

As a local broker with 30+ years of experience, I’ve seen it all—booms, busts, and everything in between. If you’re thinking of buying, selling, or just need honest guidance, give me a call directly at 818.266.1100. Let’s make 2025 your smartest real estate year yet.

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Anthony Guetzoian
Broker | Century 21 Valley Properties
Serving LA & Ventura County with unmatched experience and straight talk.