October 2025 - East Bay Market Insights

The Local Lowdown

Quick Take:

• Median sale prices climbed for the first time in six months.

• Inventory remains higher year over year but is trending downward.

• Homes are still taking longer to sell than last year.

Note: Charts and graphs for the Local Lowdown are available at the end of this section.

Prices tick upward after months of decline

After half a year of cooling, East Bay home values are inching back up. In August, median single-family prices rose 1.20% in Alameda County and 1.33% in Contra Costa County. Condos saw mixed results: up 2.04% in Contra Costa but down 7.41% in Alameda.

This slight rebound points to steady buyer confidence returning after months of adjustment.

Inventory is easing but still elevated

Following the pattern seen statewide, East Bay inventory surged through late spring and early summer—but August brought signs of balance. Active listings remain up 9.97% for single-family homes and 11.67% for condos year over year.

However, fewer new listings are hitting the market compared to last year (6.18% fewer single-family and 3.44% fewer condos), which could gradually stabilize supply heading into fall.

Homes are staying on the market longer

With more inventory still available, homes are taking longer to sell compared to last year. Single-family homes in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties spend 17 and 22 days on the market, respectively—up 21% and 37% year over year.

Condos vary widely: Alameda County condos now average 38 days on market, up nearly 58%, while Contra Costa condos are down 10%, selling in about 26 days.

Sellers still hold the upper hand in the single-family market

The East Bay single-family market remains a clear seller’s market, with 1.9 months of supply in Alameda County and 2.6 months in Contra Costa County. Condos, however, tell a different story: with 4.2–4.4 months of inventory, buyers have more room to negotiate.

Bottom Line:

The East Bay is showing its first signs of price recovery after several months of decline, signaling a return of buyer confidence. While inventory levels remain elevated compared to last year, they are starting to normalize, and listings are still moving at a healthy pace. The single-family home segment remains firmly in seller’s market territory, while the condo market continues to provide opportunities for buyers looking for value and flexibility. As inventory tightens heading into fall, we may see upward pressure on prices once again—making now a strategic window for both buyers and sellers to act.