Across Orange County, prices largely held steady through the end of the year, with modest year-over-year appreciation in most submarkets. The bigger story wasn’t pricing — it was pace.
Homes took longer to sell than they did a year ago, and buyers were more deliberate. With mortgage rates hovering in the low-6% range, affordability remained a factor, particularly for first-time and move-up buyers. That said, serious buyers stayed active, especially when homes were well-priced and move-in ready.
What defined the OC market in December:
A slower, more thoughtful buying environment
Less urgency, but not a lack of demand
Strong performance for homes that were priced correctly from day one
More negotiating power for buyers than in prior years
The holiday season always brings a natural slowdown, but December 2025 felt less like a pause and more like a reset — setting the stage for a more normalized market heading into 2026.
Coastal Orange County Real Estate: Newport Beach & Corona del Mar
Luxury coastal markets tend to follow their own rhythm, and that was especially true in December.
While activity slowed seasonally, coastal Orange County remained resilient, supported by long-term wealth, lifestyle buyers, and limited inventory — particularly in premium locations.
Newport Beach Real Estate Market
Newport Beach closed the year in a steady, measured position.
Pricing remained relatively flat year over year, with buyers showing a clear preference for turnkey homes, strong locations, and realistic pricing. Properties that checked those boxes sold. Homes that didn’t — or were priced aspirationally — often lingered.
Key Newport Beach trends:
Longer days on market are now normal at this price point
Buyers are selective, not hesitant
Renovated and well-located homes continue to outperform
In short: Newport Beach isn’t immune to broader market conditions, but it remains one of Orange County’s most durable markets.
Corona del Mar Real Estate Market
Corona del Mar ended 2025 with stronger pricing performance than many surrounding areas — but also longer marketing times.
As a small, high-value, low-turnover market, CDM tends to amplify broader trends. In December, buyers took their time, scrutinized condition and value closely, and negotiated when possible.
What stood out in Corona del Mar:
Premium pricing still exists — when supported by quality and location
Buyers are less forgiving of deferred maintenance or overpricing
Top-tier properties continue to command attention
This is very much a “prove it” market at the high end — where presentation, pricing strategy, and micro-location matter more than ever.
What This Means Going Into 2026
As we head into the new year, Orange County real estate feels less reactive and more intentional.
If interest rates ease even slightly, sidelined buyers may re-enter the market quickly. At the same time, sellers who missed the spring 2025 window may look to relist early in 2026 — particularly in coastal areas where new inventory can reset expectations.
The takeaway:
Buyers have more leverage than they’ve had in years — but must act decisively on the right homes
Sellers need strategy, not optimism, to succeed
Coastal Orange County remains a long-term lifestyle market, not a short-term speculation play
As always, local expertise matters — especially in nuanced markets like Newport Beach and Corona del Mar.