Padraic's Real Estate Market Update
Santa Cruz County, CA
Single-Family Homes
Padraic Collins | Padraic.Collins@stewart.com | Cell: 831.431.3884
Santa Cruz County, CA
Thu Aug 20 2026
This week the median list price for Santa Cruz County, CA is $1,449,000 with the market action index hovering around 38. This is about the same as last month's market action index of 38. Inventory has increased to 407.
Market Action Index
This answers “How’s the Market?” by comparing rate of sales versus inventory.
Slight Seller's Advantage
Market Narrative
The market has started cooling and prices have been flat for several weeks. Since we’re in the Seller’s zone, watch for changes in MAI. If the MAI resumes its climb, prices will likely follow suit. If the MAI drops consistently or falls into the Buyer’s zone, watch for downward pressure on prices.
Real-Time Market Profile
| Median List Price | $1,449,000 | |
| Median Price of New Listings | $1,387,000 | |
| Per Square Foot | $741 | |
| Average Days on Market | 103 | |
| Median Days on Market | 63 | |
| Price Decreased | 38% | |
| Price Increased | 0% | |
| Relisted | 5% | |
| Inventory | 407 | |
| Median Rent | ||
| Market Action | 38 | |
| Slight Seller's Advantage | ||
The market appears to be hovering around this plateau. This week prices eased down a bit. The Market Action Index is a good leading indicator for the durability of this shift.
Market Segments
Each segment below represents approximately 25% of the market ordered by price.
| Median Price | Sq. Ft. | Lot Size | Beds | Bath | Age | New | Absorbed | DOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,825,000 | 3,000 | 0.5 - 1 acre | 4 | 3 | 45 | 5 | 13 | 70 |
| $1,699,000 | 2,351 | 0.5 - 1 acre | 4 | 3 | 47 | 13 | 12 | 59 |
| $1,250,000 | 1,600 | 0.25 - 0.5 acre | 3 | 2 | 59 | 12 | 9 | 66 |
| $749,000 | 1,204 | 6,500 - 8,000 sqft | 2 | 2 | 66 | 10 | 10 | 63 |