Orange County Housing Report 2025: Real Estate Trends & Forecast

The Orange County housing market remains a dynamic and complex landscape, shaped by shifting inventory levels, fluctuating mortgage rates, and evolving buyer demand. With 2024 almost behind us, this report takes a deep dive into the trends that defined the past year—rising active inventory, muted demand, and a resurging luxury market—and offers key insights into what 2025 may hold for Orange County real estate.

A surprising 44% of Americans thought the housing market would crash and values would plunge, according to a LendingTree survey conducted at the end of last year. A shocking 52% of millennials believed in a 2024 crash.

With so many varying viewpoints and narratives swirling about the Orange County housing market, taking a step back to assess current real estate trends can provide much-needed clarity. As we enter the final stretch of the 2024 housing market, a few pivotal trends are emerging that offer valuable insights for Orange County sellers, buyers, and investors alike. Here’s a look at the Top 3 Real Estate Trends identified by my colleague and seasoned housing economist, Steven Thomas, shedding light on what to expect in the Orange County market as the year concludes.

As the inventory continues to rise, more sellers are reducing their asking prices or pulling their homes off the market altogether, indicative that far too many homes are overpriced.

Housing has been slowing through both the Spring and Summer Markets, yet the slowdown has picked up its pace since transitioning to the Autumn Market.

Mortgage rates have plunged from 7.5% in April to 6.34% today, opening up a window of opportunity for buyers who should not wait.

Whether you’re putting your home on the market in a few weeks or a few years, strategic upgrades can make all the difference.

Housing is much different this year compared to last year, with more FOR-SALE signs, more OPEN HOUSE directional arrows, and longer market times.

Longer market times and more price reductions are very strong indicators that sellers will net less upon closing.

Last December, when the Federal Reserve projected a series of benchmark rate cuts in the coming year, some analysts speculated that mortgage rates—which had recently peaked near 8%—would fall closer to 6% by mid-2024.

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The peak moving season is upon us. In fact, according to Move.com, almost 70% of U.S. moves occur between May and September.1 And while the percentage of Americans who move each year has declined, the desire to relocate remains strong.

While the inventory may still be limited and not even close to returning to pre-pandemic levels, there are finally more homes coming on the market. There are 18% more sellers than last year.

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It is best to step back from all the narratives, opinions, and noise whirling around the housing market and focus on the trends.

The number of homes for sale is playing a big role in today’s housing market. And, if you’re considering whether or not to list your house, today’s limited supply is one of the biggest advantages you have right now.

For most homeowners, comprehensive home insurance coverage is crucial for financial security—but massive rate increases can turn a once-affordable home into a financial burden.

The Orange County inventory has been on the rise and is starting to pick up steam, unlike last year when it continuously dropped through mid-April.

When you've lived somewhere for many years, it can be tough to say goodbye. But if you (or a loved one) currently have a home that is bigger than necessary or is too high maintenance, it may be time to trade unused square footage for a smaller, more manageable space.

Over the past few months, experts have revised their 2024 home price forecasts based on the latest data and market signals, and they’re even more confident prices will rise, not fall.