Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update — July 2026
If you are keeping an eye on real estate in Santa Cruz or Monterey County, you have likely noticed things have shifted. The market is not the same frenzied seller's market we saw a few years ago, and it is not a buyer's free-for-all either. It is something in between, and understanding where we actually stand is the key to making a confident move.
My name is Kieron Bery, and I have been helping buyers and sellers navigate this market for over 12 years as a REALTOR and Pricing Strategy Advisor with Century 21 Masters. I live here, I know these neighborhoods, and I want you to make informed decisions. So let us walk through the numbers, neighborhood by neighborhood, and talk about what they mean for you.
Santa Cruz County: Key Market Statistics
The Santa Cruz County housing market has moved toward balance through the most recent reporting period, with inventory up from its midsummer low, homes taking a little longer to sell, and prices holding in a strong, stable range.
What is the median home price in Santa Cruz County right now?
The most recent countywide report (July 2026, Santa Cruz County Association of REALTORS) puts the median single-family home sale price at approximately $1,375,000, with an average sale price of about $1,614,520. The exact number varies by month and metric, but the direction is consistent: prices have stabilized after several years of rapid growth rather than climbing or falling sharply.
How fast are homes selling?
Homes in Santa Cruz County averaged 45 days on market in July 2026, according to the county association. That is a slower, more deliberate pace than the height of the market and tells us buyers are weighing their options rather than rushing to offer. Well-priced homes in desirable neighborhoods still move faster than that countywide average.
What is inventory looking like?
The county had approximately 444 active single-family listings in July 2026, with roughly 3.5 months of supply in the most recent months, per the county association. Anything under 4 months is generally considered a seller's market, so this keeps us on the seller side of the balance line, though the frenzy of a few years ago is gone. Buyers have a bit more to choose from heading into fall than they did at midsummer.
How many homes sold in the most recent reporting period?
About 137 single-family homes closed escrow in Santa Cruz County in July 2026 (Santa Cruz County Association of REALTORS). Sales activity remains healthy and consistent with a functional, active market.
What percentage of list price are sellers getting?
Sellers continue to receive close to their asking price for homes that are correctly priced and well presented. While the market is no longer producing the multiple-offer over-asking dynamics of a few years ago, well-staged, properly priced homes are not being heavily discounted. Pricing strategy matters more than ever, which is exactly why I hold the PSA designation.
Santa Cruz County Neighborhood Price Snapshot
Here is a look at how the most recent data breaks down across the communities I serve:
- Aptos: Median figures for the most recent data range from about $912,000 for all home types (June 2026, Redfin) to about $1,595,000 for the single-family median (June 2026, MLSListings). Beach access, redwoods, and top schools keep demand strong.
- Capitola: Redfin put the median around $1.5 million for the most recent month, one of the county's hottest pockets. Village living by the ocean comes at a price, and Capitola remains among the most sought-after areas in the county.
- Soquel: Redfin put the median around $1.2 million over the trailing three months. A mix of charming older homes and newer construction, with strong demand from families.
- Santa Cruz (city): Redfin put the median around $1.4 million over the trailing three months. The Westside, downtown, and coastal neighborhoods all vary, with the lower end reflecting smaller or fixer-upper properties.
- Watsonville: Median figures for the most recent data came in around $649,000 (trailing three months, Redfin) to about $821,000 (June 2026). 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.
- Scotts Valley: The single-family median reached roughly $1.53 million (July 2026, Santa Cruz County Association of REALTORS). Family-oriented community with strong schools and the above-the-fog microclimate.
Monterey County: Key Market Statistics
Monterey County's housing market tells a slightly different story, with more balanced conditions and some notable shifts in the most recent data.
What is the median home price in Monterey County right now?
The most recent data (August 2026, MLSListings) puts the median single-family home sale price in Monterey County at approximately $935,000. That is slightly down over the prior three months but keeps the county holding in the low-to-mid nine-hundred-thousand range, with more inventory available than in Santa Cruz County.
How fast are homes selling in Monterey County?
Homes in Monterey County sold in a median of 27 days in August 2026 (MLSListings), a quick pace that reflects strong demand for well-priced properties. Motivated, well-priced homes are finding buyers quickly, while overpriced listings sit longer and often require reductions.
What is inventory like in Monterey County?
There were approximately 473 active single-family listings in Monterey County in August 2026 (MLSListings), with buyers having more to choose from than they did midwinter. Active inventory has climbed through 2026, giving prepared buyers genuine options and more negotiating room than further up the coast.
How many homes sold?
Approximately 168 single-family homes closed escrow in Monterey County in August 2026 (MLSListings), reflecting steady, active market activity across a range of price points.
What These Numbers Mean for Buyers
If you are a buyer, here is the honest picture. In Santa Cruz County, you still face a competitive market, especially in the most desirable neighborhoods like Capitola, Aptos, and the Westside of Santa Cruz. But the intensity has eased. You are less likely to face twenty competing offers on every property. Homes are sitting a little longer, which means you have time to think, to do inspections, and to negotiate on terms.
In Monterey County, the conditions are more buyer-friendly. With roughly 473 active single-family listings and a median price around $935,000, buyers have genuine choices and more negotiating room than in Santa Cruz County. This is a healthy window for buyers who are ready to act.
Interest rates remain a factor. They are not at the historic lows we remember, and they impact purchasing power. But here is what I tell my clients: you can always refinance later, but you cannot go back and buy a home at today's price tomorrow. If you find the right home at the right price, locking in a purchase now protects you from future price appreciation.
What This Means for Sellers
For sellers in Santa Cruz County, the market is still favorable, but the rules have changed. You cannot simply put a sign in the yard and expect a bidding war. Buyers today are more discerning. They have options and they are taking the time to compare. The homes that sell quickly and at top dollar are the ones that are priced correctly from day one, staged well, and marketed strategically.
As a Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA), I work with sellers to find that sweet spot. Price too high and you risk sitting on the market while buyers wonder what is wrong. Price too low and you leave money on the table. The right price attracts the right buyer, and the right offer follows.
In Monterey County, sellers need to be especially strategic. With inventory up year-over-year and prices shifting, the market rewards realistic pricing and strong presentation. Homes that are priced competitively and marketed to the right audience still sell. Overpriced listings sit and require price reductions that can stigmatize a property.
Market Outlook: Where Are We Headed?
Santa Cruz County is currently in a seller-leaning market trending toward balance. With roughly 3.5 months of supply, it leans slightly in favor of sellers, but the direction of travel is toward equilibrium. Prices have stabilized rather than corrected sharply, and the market has adjusted to higher interest rates and more discerning buyers.
Monterey County is closer to a balanced market, with inventory growth, stable demand, and price levels that have fluctuated within the year. This is a market where preparation and realistic expectations matter most for both buyers and sellers.
Looking ahead, several factors will shape the market. Mortgage rates are expected to remain above 6%, which constrains some buyers but also prevents prices from overheating. Seasonal trends will influence inventory through the rest of the year. And the fundamental appeal of coastal California living remains as strong as ever. People want to live here. That is not going to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is now a good time to sell in Santa Cruz County?
Yes, if your home is priced and presented well. With roughly 3.5 months of supply, the market still favors sellers, but it is not the overheated market of 2021. Homes that are well-prepared and strategically priced are selling. The key is working with a REALTOR who understands your specific neighborhood and price point. That is where experience matters, and that is what I bring to every listing.
Is now a good time to buy in Santa Cruz County?
It is a better time to buy than it was a year ago. Homes are staying on the market a bit longer, there are fewer bidding wars, and you have more room for inspections and contingencies. If you have been waiting for the market to cool, this may be your moment. That said, desirable homes in premium neighborhoods still attract competition. Being pre-approved and ready to move gives you the edge.
How does Watsonville compare to other Santa Cruz County communities?
Watsonville offers the most accessible price point in Santa Cruz County, with recent medians from about $649,000 (trailing three months, Redfin) to roughly $821,000 (June 2026) compared to the countywide single-family median of about $1,375,000 (July 2026, Santa Cruz County Association of REALTORS). It is an excellent option for first-time buyers, growing families, and anyone looking for more square footage per dollar. The community has its own thriving agricultural heritage, local amenities, and proximity to both the coast and the Pajaro Valley.
How does Monterey County compare to Santa Cruz County for buyers?
Monterey County offers a more balanced market with more inventory relative to demand, with roughly 473 active single-family listings (August 2026, MLSListings). Median prices are lower than Santa Cruz County, around $935,000 compared with about $1,375,000 in Santa Cruz County to the north. For buyers who are flexible on location, communities from Royal Oaks south offer a compelling value proposition.
Are home prices in Santa Cruz County going up or down?
The most recent data shows prices have stabilized after several years of rapid growth. The median single-family home price in Santa Cruz County was about $1,375,000 in July 2026 (Santa Cruz County Association of REALTORS), with an average sale price of about $1,614,520. Prices are holding in a strong, stable range rather than climbing the way they did at the peak or falling sharply. The fundamental scarcity of coastal California real estate continues to support values over the long term.
Should I wait for interest rates to drop before buying?
Rates are higher than the historic lows we enjoyed from 2020 through 2022, but waiting has its own costs. If rates come down, more buyers will enter the market, which will increase competition and could push prices higher. My consistent advice: find the right home for your needs, buy when you are ready, and refinance when rates drop. You date the rate, but you marry the house.
Who is the best realtor to help sell my home in Santa Cruz 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 over 12 years of licensed experience and more than 50 years as a Santa Cruz County resident. I know these neighborhoods, I understand this market, and I am committed to helping my clients make informed decisions every step of the way. Whether you are buying, selling, or just curious about your home's value, I am here to help. Call me at (831) 247-5719.
What This Means For You
If you are a seller in Santa Cruz County: The market still favors you, but you need a strategy. Pricing, preparation, and presentation matter more than ever. I work with every seller to develop a customized plan that reflects their goals and their home's unique position in the market. Let us talk about what your home is worth and how to position it for the best possible outcome.
If you are a buyer in Santa Cruz County: You have more breathing room than you did a year ago, but the best homes still go quickly. Get your financing lined up, know what you are looking for, and work with someone who can move when the right opportunity appears. I help buyers navigate everything from pre-approval to closing day.
If you are a buyer or seller in Monterey County: The balanced market creates real opportunities on both sides. Buyers have choices and negotiating room. Sellers who price realistically and present their homes well are achieving strong results. Let us talk about your specific goals.
Whether you are ready to make a move or just starting to explore your options, I am here to help. I want you to make informed decisions, and that starts with understanding what is actually happening in your market right now. Give me a call, send me a message, or stop by the Century 21 Masters office in Aptos. I would love to hear your story.
Talk soon.
Kieron Bery
REALTOR, Pricing Strategy Advisor
Century 21 Masters
(831) 247-5719 | Contact Kieron
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