Santa Monica real estate is always in demand, but knowing when to buy can make all the difference. Whether you're dreaming of a coastal condo near the beach or a family home tucked into a quiet neighborhood, timing your purchase just right can unlock better options, less competition, and more negotiating power. If you’ve been wondering about the best time to buy in Santa Monica, now’s the time to get strategic.
Understanding the Santa Monica Real Estate Landscape
Santa Monica’s real estate market is known for being competitive, resilient, and consistently desirable. With its combination of beachfront living, top-rated schools, walkable neighborhoods, and proximity to Los Angeles, this coastal city continues to attract both local and out-of-state buyers year-round.
That said, not every season offers the same buying conditions. Some months bring more inventory. Others may offer better pricing or less competition. Understanding these seasonal patterns (and how they play out locally) is key to finding the right home at the right time.
That said, not every season offers the same buying conditions. Some months bring more inventory. Others may offer better pricing or less competition. Understanding these seasonal patterns (and how they play out locally) is key to finding the right home at the right time.
Spring: High Inventory, High Competition
Spring is traditionally the busiest season in real estate across the country, and Santa Monica is no exception. From March through May, more homes tend to hit the market as sellers aim to take advantage of favorable weather and strong buyer demand.
Pros of buying in spring:
Pros of buying in spring:
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More inventory means more choices across price points and property types
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Homes show well thanks to longer days and sunny weather
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Many listings are fresh, and sellers may be motivated to move before summer
Cons to consider:
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Increased competition from other buyers
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Bidding wars and faster-moving deals
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Sellers are often confident and less likely to negotiate
If you're focused on finding the ideal property and are willing to act quickly, spring can be a great time to buy, as long as you’re prepared for a competitive environment.
Summer: Great Weather, Still Competitive
Santa Monica shines in the summer, and so does its real estate market. June through August remains a strong period for sales, especially for families trying to move before the new school year and those relocating from out of state.
Why summer works for buyers:
Why summer works for buyers:
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Continued inventory, especially for larger homes or those near the beach
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Ideal conditions for exploring neighborhoods in person
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Opportunities to make offers on listings that didn’t sell in spring
That said, competition remains fairly high during the early summer. By late August, however, activity begins to slow slightly, especially with vacation schedules and school starting back up. This shift can open the door for buyers who are still actively looking and ready to move quickly.
Fall: Strategic Timing, Motivated Sellers
If you're hoping to avoid the peak buying frenzy, fall may be your window. From September through early November, the Santa Monica real estate market tends to become a little more balanced. Sellers who listed in spring or summer may become more flexible, and new fall listings may reflect a sense of urgency before the holidays.
Benefits of buying in the fall:
Benefits of buying in the fall:
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Less competition than in spring or summer
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Sellers may be more open to negotiations
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Transaction timelines may be quicker with fewer buyers in the mix
This period can be an ideal time to buy for those seeking value and a more relaxed pace. While inventory may be more limited, buyers often find better deals and less pressure to rush into decisions.
Winter: Fewer Listings, But Unique Opportunities
Winter is traditionally the slowest season for real estate, and that holds true in Santa Monica as well. December through February sees fewer new listings, and many buyers pause their searches for the holidays. However, for serious buyers, this quieter season can offer hidden advantages.
Why winter can work for the right buyer:
Why winter can work for the right buyer:
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Less competition means more room to negotiate
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Sellers on the market during this time may be highly motivated
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Fewer bidding wars and more thoughtful transaction timelines
If you're flexible and patient, winter can reveal opportunities that are overlooked during busier months. For buyers looking to invest, find off-market deals, or relocate early in the year, it might just be the best time to buy in Santa Monica, especially if you’re working with a well-connected local agent.
Local Factors That Influence Timing
While seasonal trends are helpful, Santa Monica has a few local dynamics that can influence the ideal buying window:
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Tech and entertainment relocations: Job transfers and remote work transitions often impact demand at different times of the year.
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Tourism cycles: Buyer activity near the beach can shift based on short-term rental seasonality and tourism-driven interest.
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School calendars: Families planning moves around Santa Monica’s top-rated schools often drive up demand in spring and summer.
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Inventory in specific neighborhoods: From Ocean Park to North of Montana, some areas follow their own rhythm based on property type and homeowner trends.
The key is aligning market timing with your personal goals, whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, or investing long term.
Work with a Local Expert to Find the Right Timing
Regardless of the season, buying in Santa Monica requires local knowledge, strategic planning, and a clear understanding of the market’s pace. What works in one neighborhood may not apply to another, and timing can vary depending on your price range and property type.
That’s where Megan Whalen comes in. As a seasoned Santa Monica real estate expert, she helps buyers navigate seasonal shifts, uncover the best opportunities, and move with confidence, whether you're looking now or planning ahead.
That’s where Megan Whalen comes in. As a seasoned Santa Monica real estate expert, she helps buyers navigate seasonal shifts, uncover the best opportunities, and move with confidence, whether you're looking now or planning ahead.
Wondering When the Best Time to Buy in Santa Monica Is for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but understanding the market cycles and having expert support can help you make the most informed decision possible. Whether you’re just starting your search or ready to buy, Megan Whalen brings the local insight and market experience you need to succeed. If you're planning your next move, reach out today to find out when the best time to buy might be for you.
