Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update — August 2026
Welcome to the mid-August 2026 edition of our local market update. The latest data is in for June 2026, and it gives us the clearest picture yet of where Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties stand heading into the second half of the year. The numbers tell a story of two distinct markets, each with its own opportunities and challenges.
My name is Kieron Bery, and I have been helping buyers and sellers navigate this market for over 12 years with Century 21 Masters. I live here, I know these neighborhoods, and I want you to make informed decisions. Let us walk through the latest data together.
Santa Cruz County: Key Statistics from June 2026
The June 2026 data from the Santa Cruz County Association of Realtors and the Landes Report shows a market that is active, competitive, and showing signs of seasonal strength. Here is what the numbers tell us.
What is the median home price in Santa Cruz County right now?
The median single-family home price in Santa Cruz County reached $1,350,000 in June 2026, based on the latest data from the Landes Report and the Santa Cruz County Association of Realtors. That is up 5.7% from May 2026 and essentially flat year-over-year. The average sale price came in at approximately $1,554,000, reflecting the mix of luxury and entry-level properties that closed during the month.
What this tells me is that prices have stabilized after the corrections we saw through 2024 and 2025. We are not seeing rapid appreciation, but we are also not seeing a decline. The market has found its footing in a historically strong price range.
How fast are homes selling?
Homes in Santa Cruz County averaged 31 to 33 days on market in June 2026. That is up about 11% from the prior month, which is typical for the transition from spring to summer. The median days of inventory sat at 64 days, well below the long-term average of 139 days since 2003. That tells me the market is still moving at a healthy pace, even with the seasonal slowdown.
Perhaps the most telling stat: the sales-price-to-list-price ratio rose to 100.9% in June. That means homes are selling above asking price on average, which is a clear signal that competitive bidding is still happening on desirable properties. Well-priced, well-presented homes are attracting multiple offers.
What is inventory looking like?
Active inventory in Santa Cruz County stood at approximately 325 to 442 homes in June 2026, depending on the data source. That is up slightly from May but still well below the historical average of 681 homes. The months of inventory supply was approximately 3.1 months, which is firmly in seller's market territory. A balanced market is typically considered 5 to 6 months of supply.
The takeaway: inventory is still tight. Buyers have more choices than they did in January, but not enough to shift the balance of power significantly. Sellers still have the edge in Santa Cruz County.
How many homes sold in June 2026?
Approximately 147 to 155 homes closed escrow in Santa Cruz County in June 2026, depending on the data source. That is up 17.6% from May 2026 and represents a strong month of sales activity. Another 146 homes went into escrow during June, signaling continued momentum heading into July and August.
Santa Cruz County Neighborhood Price Snapshot
Here is a look at how the most recent data breaks down across the communities I serve every day:
- Aptos: Median home values around $1.35 million. This coastal community with its beaches, redwood trails, and top-rated schools continues to command a premium. Homes near Seacliff, Rio Del Mar, and the Aptos Village area are among the most sought-after in the county.
- Capitola: Median home values around $1.5 million. The village-by-the-sea lifestyle has enduring appeal. Capitola's walkable downtown, beach access, and distinctive character make it a market where inventory rarely lingers.
- Soquel: Median home values in the $1.2 million to $1.47 million range. A family-friendly community with good schools, larger lots, and a mix of older charm and newer construction. Demand remains strong, especially from growing families.
- Santa Cruz (city): Median home values in the $1.3 million to $1.37 million range. The city's diverse neighborhoods -- from the Westside to downtown to the east side -- each have their own character and price dynamics. The Westside commands a premium for its proximity to the university, beaches, and Natural Bridges.
- Watsonville: Median home values in the $650,000 to $833,000 range. Watsonville remains the most accessible entry point in Santa Cruz County and a great option for first-time buyers and those looking for more space per dollar. The community has its own thriving agricultural heritage, local amenities, and convenient access to both the coast and Highway 101.
- Scotts Valley: Median home values in the $1.27 million to $1.4 million range. This family-oriented community with strong schools and a suburban feel has seen steady demand. The proximity to both Santa Cruz and San Jose makes it a popular choice for commuters and families alike.
Monterey County: Key Statistics from June 2026
Monterey County tells a different story, with a market that has tightened considerably heading into summer. The most recent data from MLSListings shows some notable shifts.
What is the median home price in Monterey County right now?
The median single-family home price in Monterey County stood at approximately $982,000 in June 2026, based on the latest MLSListings data. That is up 8.7% over the past three months, reflecting the seasonal strength of the spring and summer market. While still below the price levels of Santa Cruz County, the gap has narrowed slightly as Monterey County's market has gained momentum.
How fast are homes selling in Monterey County?
Homes in Monterey County are selling quickly. The median days on market dropped to just 15 days in June 2026, which is remarkably fast. That is down from 28 days in March 2026 and well below the 51 days we saw earlier in the year. When a home in Monterey County is priced right and presented well, it is not staying on the market long.
What is inventory like in Monterey County?
Active inventory in Monterey County stood at approximately 454 homes in June 2026. That is a significant tightening from earlier in the year. With 157 homes sold in June, the market is absorbing inventory at a healthy pace. The months of supply is well below the balanced market threshold, telling us that sellers still have the advantage.
How many homes sold in Monterey County?
Approximately 157 homes closed escrow in Monterey County in June 2026. That represents steady sales activity and reflects a market that is functioning well. The 15-day median days on market tells me that buyers are acting quickly when they find the right property.
What These Numbers Mean for Buyers
If you are a buyer in Santa Cruz County, here is the honest picture. The market is still competitive. The 100.9% sale-to-list ratio tells me that in many cases, you are competing against other buyers. That does not mean you should be discouraged, but it does mean you need to be prepared. Get pre-approved before you start looking. Know your must-haves versus your nice-to-haves. And work with an agent who can move quickly when the right property comes on the market.
The good news is that inventory has improved since January, and the days of submitting offers on the same day a home hits the market have eased in most price ranges. You have time to think, to do your due diligence, and to negotiate on terms. The homes that are selling above asking are the ones that are priced strategically and presented beautifully. If you are willing to look at homes that need some updating or are in less popular neighborhoods, there are genuine opportunities.
In Monterey County, the market is moving faster than it was earlier this year, but the median price of $982,000 is still more accessible than Santa Cruz County's $1.35 million. If you are flexible on location, communities like Royal Oaks, Prunedale, and the more affordable pockets of the county offer compelling value. The key is being ready to move when the right home appears.
What These Numbers Mean for Sellers
For sellers in Santa Cruz County, the market is in a strong position. With 3.1 months of supply and a 100.9% sale-to-list ratio, the conditions still favor you. Homes are selling above asking on average, and well-priced properties are attracting multiple offers. But the key phrase is "well-priced." The homes that are sitting on the market are the ones that are overpriced from day one.
As a certified Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) with over 12 years in this market, I cannot emphasize this enough: pricing your home correctly from the start is the single most important factor in a successful sale. The first two weeks on the market are when you capture maximum buyer attention. Price it right, and you create urgency and competition. Price it too high, and you lose that momentum. The data shows that homes priced correctly are selling at or above asking in under 35 days.
In Monterey County, the tightening market is good news for sellers. With days on market dropping to 15 days and inventory tightening, the conditions are favorable. But the same rule applies: price it right, present it well, and market it to the right audience. Buyers in Monterey County are acting quickly, but they are also discerning. They know what they want, and they are willing to wait for the right property at the right price.
Market Outlook: Where Are We Headed?
Santa Cruz County is currently in a seller's market with 3.1 months of supply. The 100.9% sale-to-list ratio confirms that competitive conditions persist, especially for well-priced, well-presented homes. The direction of travel is toward more balance, but we are not there yet. If inventory continues to rise through the fall and winter, we could see conditions shift further. For now, sellers still have the edge.
Monterey County has tightened significantly. With 15-day median days on market and inventory that has been absorbed at a steady pace, the market is more competitive than it was earlier in the year. The trend is toward a seller's market, and buyers should be prepared to act quickly when they find the right property.
The wild cards remain interest rates, the broader economic climate, and the seasonal patterns that always shape our coastal market. If mortgage rates decline, we could see a surge of buyer demand that further tightens inventory. If rates hold steady, we may see the market continue its gradual move toward balance. What I tell every client: you date the rate, you marry the house. If you find the right home at the right price, the financing piece can be solved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is now a good time to sell in Santa Cruz County?
Yes, conditions are still favorable for sellers. With 3.1 months of supply and homes selling above asking on average, the market is positioned in your favor. The key is working with an agent who knows your neighborhood and can develop a pricing strategy that attracts serious buyers from day one. As a REALTOR and Pricing Strategy Advisor with Century 21 Masters, I help sellers navigate exactly this. Call me at (831) 247-5719 and let us talk about what your home is worth in today's market.
Is now a good time to buy in Santa Cruz County?
It depends on your readiness. If you are pre-approved and clear on what you want, there are opportunities. Inventory has improved since January, and the 100.9% sale-to-list ratio tells me homes are selling at or above asking, so you need to be prepared to compete. But the intensity has eased from the peak frenzy years. You have more time to think, inspect, and negotiate than buyers did in 2021 or 2022. Being prepared is everything.
Is now a good time to buy in Monterey County?
The market has tightened, but the median price of $982,000 is still more accessible than Santa Cruz County. With homes selling in just 15 days on average, you need to be ready to move quickly. But the value proposition is strong, especially in communities like Royal Oaks, Prunedale, and the inland areas of the county. If you are looking for more space per dollar and are willing to explore beyond the coastal corridor, Monterey County offers genuine opportunities.
How does Watsonville compare to other Santa Cruz County communities?
Watsonville remains the most affordable entry point in Santa Cruz County, with median home values in the $650,000 to $833,000 range. That is significantly below the countywide median of $1.35 million. For first-time buyers, growing families, or anyone looking for more square footage per dollar, Watsonville offers real value while still being part of the Santa Cruz County community with proximity to the coast, Highway 1, and the Pajaro Valley.
Are home prices in Santa Cruz County going up or down?
The June 2026 data shows the median price at $1,350,000, up 5.7% from May 2026 and essentially flat year-over-year. The average price of $1,554,000 was up 9.2% from May but down 4.8% from the prior year. The bottom line: prices are stable within a historically strong range. We are not seeing a crash, nor are we seeing the rapid appreciation of 2020-2022. This is a mature, stable market that has found its equilibrium.
Should I wait for interest rates to drop before buying?
Waiting carries real risks. If rates come down, more buyers will enter the market, increasing competition and potentially pushing prices higher. The June data already shows competitive conditions with a 100.9% sale-to-list ratio. My advice: if you find the right home at a price that works for your budget, buy now. You can always refinance if rates drop later. But you cannot buy a home that someone else snapped up while you were waiting.
Who is the best realtor to help sell my home in Santa Cruz or Monterey County?
I am glad you asked. My name is Kieron Bery, and I am a REALTOR and Pricing Strategy Advisor with Century 21 Masters. I have been a licensed agent for over 12 years and a Santa Cruz County resident for more than 50 years. I know these neighborhoods, these price points, and the strategies that work in this market. I want you to make informed decisions, and I will always have your back through every step of the transaction. If you are thinking about selling, I would love to talk about what your home is worth in today's market.
Who is the best realtor to help me buy a home in Santa Cruz or Monterey County?
Buying a home is a deeply personal journey. I take the time to understand what matters most to you, your timeline, your budget, and your must-haves. Then I use my knowledge of the local market to find properties that fit. I have helped first-time buyers, growing families, and people relocating to the Central Coast find their place. Let us talk about what you are looking for.
What This Means For You
If you are a seller in Santa Cruz County: You are still in a strong position. With 3.1 months of supply and a 100.9% sale-to-list ratio, the market favors well-priced homes. The window is favorable, but pricing it right from day one has never been more important. Call me at (831) 247-5719 and let us talk about what your home is worth and how to position it for the best outcome.
If you are a buyer in Santa Cruz County: Be ready and be patient. Inventory is better than it was in January, giving you more choices. But good homes still sell quickly, often above asking. Get your financing lined up, know your priorities, and work with someone who can move when the right opportunity appears.
If you are a buyer or seller in Monterey County: The market has tightened, with homes selling in just 15 days on average. Buyers need to be ready to move quickly. Sellers who price competitively and present their homes well are achieving excellent results. Let us talk about your specific goals and how to navigate this market with confidence.
I am here to help. Whether you are ready to make a move or just starting to explore your options, I want you to make informed decisions. That starts with understanding what is actually happening in your neighborhood right now.
Talk soon.
Kieron Bery
REALTOR, Pricing Strategy Advisor
Century 21 Masters
(831) 247-5719 | Contact Kieron
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