The pace of home sales dipped across California and the Southland last month as rising mortgage rates and persistent affordability challenges weighed on buyer demand, the California Association of Realtors said Monday.
Sales of existing, single-family homes in California totaled 260,410 in September on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, down 3.4% from 269,620 in August and down 6.5% from 278,540 in September 2025.
Southern California recorded the largest annual decline at 9.1%, according to C.A.R.
In Los Angeles County, sales were down 10.9% from one year ago, but up 5.4% from last month. In Orange County, sales were down 2% from one year ago and .7% from August. The county numbers are not seasonally adjusted.
“As we move into fall, the market feels a little less rushed, giving buyers more time to carefully consider their options,” said C.A.R. President Tamara Suminski, a Southern California broker and realtor. “Mortgage rates and affordability remain challenging, but with competition easing, well-prepared buyers may have more room to explore their options, negotiate and focus on finding the right home rather than simply hurrying to make an offer.”
Prices declined slightly in September statewide, but rose in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
The average price of an existing, single-family home in California fell from $901,420 in August to $899,720 in September. In Los Angeles County, the average price went from $946,950 in August to $994,670 last month. The Los Angeles metro area saw a slight increase as well, from $850,000 to $855,000.
Orange County’s average price rose from $1.452 million to $1.48 million.
The county with the highest median home price in California in September was Mateo County at $2.327 million. The lowest median price was Lassen County’s $237,500.
More information can be found at car.org/.
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