As we step into a brand-new year, we're wishing you a happy, healthy and hope-filled start to 2026. Reflecting back on 2025, our local real estate market showed steady strength and resilience, with median prices climbing for both homes and condos and overall sales activity on the rise - a reassuring reminder of the enduring appeal of our coastal communities. It was a year marked by confidence, consistency and continued demand across the board.
Here's a snapshot of how our local market performed this year (Carpinteria thru Goleta thru Dec)
Single-Family Residences:
- 998 total sales (up 12% from '24)
- Median prices up 6% to $2,300,000
- Active MLS listings up 15%
Condos:
- 367 total sales (up 8% from '24)
- Median prices up 10% to $1,093,000
- Active MLS listings up 18%
38% of all purchases were all cash.
Looking ahead, 2026 is already shaping up to be an interesting one. Real estate has been making waves in the headlines, from proposed legislation aimed at limiting institutional buyers of single-family homes - which could help unlock inventory nationwide, though likely with minimal impact locally given our unique price points - to a proposed $200B investment in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which may help ease interest rates over time. Here's hoping for tailwinds that support both buyers and sellers in the year ahead.
CARPINTERIA
number of sales
125
median price
sfr: $1,785,000
condo: $850,000
Carpinteria kept things lively in 2025, with single-family home sales jumping 33% to 68 closings. While the median price eased to $1,785,000, this shift likely reflects a few standout beachfront sales that influenced the numbers rather than a broader softening. Condo activity cooled slightly, with sales down 8% to 57 transactions, yet pricing held steady with a 1% year-over-year bump, pointing to continued resilience in this coastal market.
MONTECITO
number of sales
214
median price
sfr: $6,192,500
condo: $3,085,000
Montecito had a strong showing in 2025, with single-family home sales climbing 27% to 184 closings and the median price rising 13% to $6,192,500, underscoring continued enthusiasm at the top of the market. Condo sales truly stole the spotlight, jumping 67% to 30 transactions, while median pricing saw a gentle 4% dip to $3,085,000 - creating a bit more breathing room for buyers. All told, it was an active, confidence-filled year across both segments of the Montecito market.
SANTA BARBARA
number of sales
603
median price
sfr: $2,300,000
condo: 1,180,000
Santa Barbara stayed on a steady upward path in 2025, with single-family home sales inching up 2% to 436 closings and the median price rising a healthy 7% to $2.3M. Condos brought the extra sparkle this year, with sales jumping 29% to 167 transactions and the median price climbing 9% to $1,180,000. All signs point to continued enthusiasm across property types, especially for well-located, low-maintenance living.
HOPE RANCH
number of sales
30
median price
sfr: $6,775,487
Hope Ranch made a bold move in 2025, with nearly double the number of sales compared to 2024, totaling 30 property closings. Prices followed suit, as the median price climbed 13% year over year to $6,192,500, reinforcing the area's enduring appeal. Fewer homes, big statements - a classic Hope Ranch year.
GOLETA
number of sales
376
median price
sfr: $1,700,000
condo: $935,000
Goleta kept a steady pace in 2025, with single-family home sales up 11% to 267 closings and the median price rising 5% to $1,700,000. Condos took a brief breather, with sales dipping 16% to 109 transactions and the median price easing slightly to $850,000. Overall, it was a year of balance, with strength in the single-family segment and thoughtful recalibration on the condo side.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
number of sales
181
median price
sfr: $1,764,400
condo: $719,900
The Santa Ynez Valley enjoyed a strong and confident 2025, with single-family home sales rising 19% to 146 closings and the median price climbing 13% to $1,764,400. Condos joined the fun as well, with sales up 30% to 35 transactions, alongside a 9% increase in the median price to $719,900. From larger estates to easier-living options, demand stayed lively across the board in this scenic market.
If your plans for 2026 include making a move - whether that's moving up, downsizing, relocating, or simply exploring what's possible - we're here as a resource and sounding board every step of the way. For those keeping an eye on refinancing opportunities, we'll be watching rates closely. And if investing is on your radar, we'd love to talk strategy and timing. Please reach out anytime to talk through your 2026 real estate goals - we're always happy and ready to help.
data from SB CORT from Jan - December 2025 Carpinteria through Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley, presented by Dianne and Brianna Johnson, Village Properties Realtors DRE 00947199 & 01943572 All information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.
