California Housing Market Cools: Sales Decline for Fourth Straight Month

California's vibrant housing market, often a bellwether for national trends, is currently experiencing a notable cooling phase. According to the latest comprehensive report from the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.), home sales across the Golden State in August 2025 continued to trail last year's figures, marking the fourth consecutive month of year-over-year declines.

This sustained slowdown signals a shift in market dynamics, prompting close observation from industry experts and prospective homeowners alike.

The August data reveals a palpable deceleration in transactions. While specific percentages vary by region, the statewide median reduction in existing single-family home sales hovered around an estimated 8-10% compared to August 2024.

This persistent downturn indicates that factors such as elevated mortgage interest rates and ongoing affordability challenges are significantly impacting buyer activity, especially after a period of robust growth.

Despite the dip in sales volume, the median home price in California has shown resilience, with a marginal increase of approximately 1.5% year-over-year to an estimated $850,000.

This subtle appreciation, while modest, suggests that strong underlying demand and limited housing inventory are preventing steeper price corrections. However, it also underscores the growing chasm between housing costs and average household incomes, intensifying the affordability crisis for many potential buyers.

Market observers attribute the current trends to a confluence of macroeconomic factors.

The Federal Reserve's sustained efforts to combat inflation have kept interest rates elevated, making mortgages more expensive and eroding purchasing power. Furthermore, a persistent shortage of homes for sale continues to characterize the California market. While new listings have shown a slight uptick in some areas, the overall inventory remains insufficient to meet the pent-up demand, leading to competitive bidding for well-priced properties despite the general sales slowdown.

C.A.R.

Vice President and Chief Economist, Leslie Appleton-Young, stated, "The sustained decline in sales for a fourth month highlights the challenges facing California's housing market. Buyers are facing higher costs of borrowing and a constrained supply, leading many to pause their home search. While prices are holding relatively steady, indicating continued underlying demand, the market's pace has clearly moderated.

We anticipate this trend to continue as long as interest rates remain elevated, but we could see a rebound if rates begin to stabilize or decline in the coming months."

Looking ahead, the market's trajectory will largely depend on inflation trends and the Federal Reserve's monetary policy. A sustained period of lower interest rates could re-energize buyer demand, while continued high rates might further dampen sales.

Both buyers and sellers are advised to monitor market conditions closely and work with experienced real estate professionals to navigate this evolving landscape in the Golden State.