Santa Barbara County Market Update August 2025 YTD
The Santa Barbara County housing market continues to demonstrate strength and stability through August 2025, with both sales activity and pricing trends showing positive growth compared to the same period in 2024. Across the county, demand remains steady in both the single-family and condominium segments, reflecting sustained buyer interest, limited inventory, and the enduring appeal of Santa Barbara as a place to live and invest.
Overall Sales Activity
Year-to-date, Santa Barbara County recorded a total of 908 property sales, representing a 9% increase over 2024. This growth illustrates a healthy level of market activity despite broader economic headwinds, including fluctuating interest rates and affordability challenges. Buyers continue to move forward with transactions, motivated by lifestyle priorities and the long-term value of owning property in the region.
Single-family homes comprised the bulk of these transactions, with 663 sales, a 12% increase year-over-year, pointing to particularly strong demand in this segment. Condominium sales accounted for 245 transactions, up 3% over 2024. While the condo market’s growth rate is more modest, it reflects steady activity and an expanding buyer pool seeking more attainable price points without sacrificing location or amenities.
Single-Family Market Trends
The single-family market continues to be the strongest driver of countywide performance. In 2025, the average sales price rose to $3,626,127, reinforcing Santa Barbara’s reputation as a high-value coastal market. The median sales price reached $2,365,000, an 8% increase from 2024, showing upward pressure across all tiers of the market.
This price appreciation reflects not only limited inventory and competitive bidding but also the lasting desirability of single-family living in Santa Barbara. Many buyers continue to prioritize larger homes with outdoor space, a trend that has remained consistent since the pandemic and is particularly evident in this luxury-driven coastal market.
Condominium Market Trends
The condominium sector also posted strong gains, particularly in pricing. The average sales price reached $1,362,533, an impressive 18% increase compared to 2024. The median sales price climbed to $1,049,000, up 8% year-over-year. These figures highlight the growing strength of the condo market as more buyers look to condominiums as a way to access Santa Barbara’s lifestyle and location at a relatively lower entry cost than single-family properties.
The robust increase in average price suggests heightened activity in the upper end of the condominium market, with demand for larger, amenity-rich units driving values upward. Meanwhile, the steady rise in median pricing shows broad-based appreciation across the segment.
Market Outlook
Looking ahead, Santa Barbara County’s real estate market is likely to remain competitive. With sales activity trending above last year’s pace and prices continuing to rise, the market remains favorable for sellers. Buyers, while facing higher price points, remain motivated by lifestyle benefits and the long-term security of owning in this high-demand coastal region.
Factors such as interest rate trends, inventory levels, and broader economic conditions will continue to shape activity through the remainder of 2025. However, the current trajectory underscores a resilient market where both single-family and condominium sectors are thriving, offering opportunities for a wide range of buyers and investors.
