This is my October 15, 2026 market update for Santa Cruz County and Monterey County. It brings together the most recent available data: closed median prices for September 2026, the freshest October snapshot for active inventory, days on market, and sales pace, and the latest published countywide reports for Monterey County. Whether you are buying, selling, or simply tracking your home's value, here is where the market actually stands right now.

My name is Kieron Bery, and I have been helping buyers and sellers across these coastal communities for more than 12 years as a REALTOR and Pricing Strategy Advisor with Century 21 Masters. I grew up here, I know these neighborhoods from the inside out, and I want you to make informed decisions. Every figure below comes from a named public source with its data date, and where a number is not yet available for a period, I say so rather than guess.

Santa Cruz County: Key Market Statistics

The most recent closed data for Santa Cruz County is September 2026, and the freshest SCCAR reading covers October 2026. The picture is one of a balanced market: prices have eased modestly from a year ago, inventory is essentially flat compared with last year, and homes are selling at a steady, deliberate pace of roughly six weeks. Buyers have genuine choices, while sellers who price and present well are still achieving strong results.

Median single-family home price (September 2026): approximately $1,250,000, the most recent month with closed data, per the Santa Cruz County Association of REALTORS (SCCAR) statistics. The freshest October SCCAR reading put the median near $1,280,821.
Year-over-year change: prices have eased in the mid-single digits. The August 2026 median was about $1,350,000, down about 4.6% from $1,415,000 in August 2025, and MLSListings reported the September 2026 median down about 7.4% over the trailing three months.
Active inventory: about 455 active single-family listings in the freshest October reading, down from 479 in September, per SCCAR. That is essentially flat with the roughly 455 active listings a year earlier, per the Brezsny Associates October 2025 market update.
Months of supply: about 3.7 months in the October reading (455 listings against 123 sales), versus about 3.6 months a year earlier. That sits in the middle of the 3- to 6-month range that defines a balanced market.
Homes sold (October 2026): about 123 single-family homes in the freshest SCCAR reading, down from 129 in September.
Average days on market: about 43 days in the October reading, down from 47 in September, per SCCAR. Homes are selling in roughly six weeks.

The exact figures vary slightly by source and by month, but the direction is consistent: prices have cooled from their high-water mark while holding in a high, stable band, and inventory is steady at levels well above the extreme lows of a few years back. That is the signature of a market settling into balance after years of seller dominance.

What is the median home price in Santa Cruz County right now?

The most recent closed data, for September 2026, puts the countywide median single-family home price at approximately $1,250,000 per SCCAR, with the freshest October reading near $1,280,821. Prices have eased about 4.6% year over year in the August reading ($1,350,000 versus $1,415,000 a year earlier), so the honest summary is that values have leveled off after a long run-up while Santa Cruz County remains one of the most expensive coastal markets in California.

How does inventory compare with last year?

Inventory is essentially flat with a year ago. The freshest October reading showed about 455 active single-family listings, down from 479 in September, and the October 2025 market update from Brezsny Associates showed a similar count of roughly 455 actives. Months of supply sits around 3.7, versus about 3.6 a year earlier, which keeps conditions balanced: more choice than the peak years, but not an oversupply.

How fast are homes selling?

Homes in Santa Cruz County averaged about 43 days on market in the freshest October reading, down from 47 in September, per SCCAR. That works out to roughly six weeks, and well-priced homes in sought-after neighborhoods still move noticeably faster than the countywide average, while properties that start too high tend to sit and draw price adjustments.

How many homes sold in the past month?

About 123 single-family homes sold in the freshest October SCCAR reading, down from 129 in September. Sales activity remains healthy and functional, with a pace that has stayed steady through the fall.

Santa Cruz County Neighborhood Price Snapshot

Here is how the most recent available data breaks down across the communities I serve. Figures vary by source and by whether they measure median sale price, typical home value, or a single month versus a rolling window, so I have noted the source and data date for each:

Aptos: Redfin put the median sale price near $1,236,182, up about 4.1% year over year (August 2026), while Zillow's average home value was about $1,348,891, up about 1.5% year over year (end of July 2026). Beach access, redwood trails, and strong schools keep demand steady here.
Capitola: Zillow's typical home value was about $1,258,267, up about 3.7% year over year (July 2026). Competition remains strong for well-priced homes near the village and the beach.
Soquel: Zillow's average home value was about $1,289,278, and the 2025 annual MLS median for single-family homes was $1,450,000. No current-year comparison figure surfaced in the latest published reports, so I will not guess at one. Soquel Village charm keeps family demand strong.
Santa Cruz (city): Redfin put the median near $1.4 million, essentially flat year over year (three months ending June 2026), with RealtyTrac estimating a median value of about $1,399,000. Each pocket, from the Westside to the Eastside to downtown, has its own rhythm.
Watsonville: Consistently the most accessible price point in the county. Zillow's average home value was about $833,282, up about 0.7% year over year (June 2026), and the 2025 annual MLS median for single-family homes was $800,000. It remains a strong option for first-time buyers and anyone looking for more space per dollar.
Scotts Valley: Redfin reported a median near $1.4 million, up about 17.2% year over year (March 2026, its most recent reading), with the 2025 annual MLS median at $1,350,000 and homes selling in roughly 18 days. The above-the-fog microclimate and top schools continue to drive demand.

Monterey County: Key Market Statistics

Monterey County is telling a lean-supply story. The most recent closed data is for September 2026, and it shows inventory running at roughly 2.6 months of supply, well below balance, which keeps conditions competitive for well-priced homes even as the price trend has softened from a year ago.

Median single-family home price (September 2026): about $915,000 per MLSListings/Aculist, the most recent month with closed data.
Year-over-year change: the median has eased roughly 2% to 3% from a year earlier and is down about 6.8% over the prior three months. RealtyTrac's September figure put the median sold price near $827,600, down about 1.0% year over year. Monthly medians swing with the mix of sales, so these should be read as a softening trend, not a sharp decline.
Active inventory (September 2026): about 452 active single-family listings, essentially flat to slightly lower than a year ago. The August 2026 report showed 425 actives, down about 5.1% from 448 a year earlier, with days of inventory down about 15.7% year over year (79 days versus 94).
Months of supply: roughly 2.6 months in the September snapshot (about 79 days of inventory), well below the 5- to 6-month mark that defines a balanced market.
Homes sold (September 2026): about 173 homes closed during the month, up from roughly 161 in August.
Median days on market: about 26 days in the September snapshot, per MLSListings (which reports the median), with a sale-to-list price ratio of about 98.5%. For context, the August report put average days on market at about 51, so the two measures are not directly comparable.

What is the median home price in Monterey County right now?

The most recent countywide figure, for September 2026, put the median single-family home price at about $915,000. The median has eased roughly 2% to 3% from a year earlier and is down about 6.8% over the prior three months, with RealtyTrac's September reading near $827,600. Taken together, the honest summary is that Monterey County prices are holding in a high band but have softened modestly, while individual months can swing on a small number of sales.

How does inventory compare with a year ago?

Inventory is lean and essentially flat to slightly lower than a year ago. The September 2026 snapshot showed about 452 active single-family listings, the August report put actives at 425, down about 5.1% from 448 a year earlier, and days of inventory have fallen about 15.7% year over year (79 days versus 94). That tight supply keeps Monterey County from tipping into buyer's territory.

How fast are homes selling in Monterey County?

The most recent reading put median days on market at about 26 days, per MLSListings, with a sale-to-list ratio of about 98.5%. Well-priced homes continue to find buyers quickly, while properties that start too high tend to sit and draw price adjustments.

How many homes sold in Monterey County recently?

About 173 homes closed in September 2026, up from roughly 161 in August. Sales activity has stayed steady and healthy, reinforcing that Monterey County remains an active, functioning market across a broad range of price points.

What These Numbers Mean for Buyers

If you are a buyer in Santa Cruz County, the honest picture is encouraging, with one important caveat. Months of supply around 3.7, homes averaging about six weeks on the market, and inventory essentially flat with a year ago give you more time to compare, complete inspections, and make offers with thought behind them than you had in the peak years. The trade-off is affordability: prices remain among the highest in coastal California, so being pre-approved and knowing your priorities is still your edge.

In Monterey County, the conditions are competitive but offer real value. Inventory is lean at roughly 2.6 months of supply, and well-priced homes sell at about 98.5% of asking with a quick pace, so being ready to act matters. At the same time, the median price point sits meaningfully below Santa Cruz County's, and buyers who are flexible on location have genuine choices.

What These Numbers Mean for Sellers

For sellers in Santa Cruz County, the market is balanced but still on your side. Prices remain high by any historical standard, homes are selling in roughly six weeks, and inventory is not building, which favors well-positioned listings. At the same time, buyers are discerning, and the homes selling fastest are priced correctly from day one and presented beautifully. As a Pricing Strategy Advisor, I help sellers find that sweet spot, because starting too high risks letting the home sit while starting too low leaves money on the table.

In Monterey County, well-priced homes continue to sell at about 98.5% of asking with lean supply, which is a genuine advantage for prepared sellers. Preparation and realistic pricing are not optional right now; they are what separate a smooth sale from a stale listing.

Market Outlook: Where Are We Headed?

Santa Cruz County sits in a balanced market, edging out of the seller's territory of recent years without tipping into a clear buyer's market. Months of supply is about 3.7, squarely in the 3- to 6-month balanced range, inventory is essentially flat with a year ago, and prices have eased in the mid-single digits after a long run-up. That does not mean values are collapsing. It means the market is normalizing into balance, with buyers gaining leverage while sellers still benefit from the enduring appeal of living here.

Monterey County sits closer to a soft seller's market. Supply is lean at roughly 2.6 months of supply, well below balance, which keeps conditions competitive for well-priced homes, while the price trend has flattened or eased modestly year over year. No one is predicting a downturn; the consensus is a market holding in a calmer, more sustainable rhythm.

Mortgage rates remain the defining backdrop. The national average 30-year fixed rate rose to about 7.40% in the week ending October 8, 2026, per Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey, up from 7.28% the prior week and about 1.10 percentage points above the 6.30% average a year earlier. Rates shape how much house buyers can qualify for, and the gap between today's rates and the low-rate mortgages many owners hold keeps new supply tight in many coastal areas. Even so, the lasting appeal of Santa Cruz and Monterey living keeps demand steady, and buyers who are prepared and realistic about their budget are finding that balance brings opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is now a good time to sell in Santa Cruz?

Yes, for homes that are priced correctly and presented well. Prices remain high, homes are selling in roughly six weeks, and inventory is not building, which favors well-positioned listings. The market has cooled from its peak, so strategy matters more than ever: price it right from day one, prepare the property to show beautifully, and market to the right audience. That is exactly what I do for every seller I work with at Century 21 Masters.

Is now a good time to buy in Santa Cruz County?

It is a better time than it was a few years ago, with real gains in leverage, though the most desirable homes can still draw competition. Months of supply sits around 3.7, homes are averaging about six weeks on the market, and there is more room for inspections, due diligence, and thoughtful offers than in the peak years. The frenzy is gone, which means time to make good decisions. If you have been waiting for conditions to cool, this window of balance is worth using.

Is the Santa Cruz County market a buyer's or seller's market right now?

It is a balanced market, edging out of the seller's territory of recent years without tipping into a clear buyer's market. With roughly 3.7 months of supply, homes selling in about six weeks, and prices easing modestly year over year, buyers have more leverage than they have had in some time, while sellers still benefit from high values and steady, desirable coastal supply.

How does Monterey County compare with Santa Cruz County for buyers?

Monterey County currently offers buyers more value per dollar, with a median around $915,000 versus roughly $1.25 million in Santa Cruz County. Supply is leaner, at about 2.6 months, and well-priced homes sell at about 98.5% of asking, so being ready to act matters more. For buyers flexible on location, communities across the county offer real opportunities.

Which Santa Cruz County neighborhoods held up best over the past year?

Scotts Valley stands out on the most recent reported reading, up about 17.2% year over year, with Aptos up about 4.1% and Capitola's typical value up about 3.7% on the figures currently available. Watsonville remains the most accessible entry-level market in the county, with a lower price point and steady demand. Every neighborhood has its own rhythm, which is why local knowledge matters so much.

Who is the best realtor to help sell my home in Santa Cruz County?

I am glad you asked. My name is Kieron Bery, and I am a REALTOR and Pricing Strategy Advisor with Century 21 Masters. I have more than 12 years of licensed experience, over 50 years as a Santa Cruz County resident, and deep knowledge of everything from Capitola to Watsonville to the Santa Cruz Mountains. I am calm, informative, and honest in all situations, and I want you to make informed decisions at every step. Whether you are buying, selling, or just curious about your home's value, I am here to help. Call me at (831) 247-5719.

What This Means For You

If you are a seller in Santa Cruz County: The market is balanced and leaning in your favor for well-priced homes, so pricing and presentation carry the day. Prices remain high, homes are selling in roughly six weeks, and inventory is not building, but buyers are discerning and moving deliberately, which means an overpriced home can sit. I work with every seller to build a plan tailored to their home, their neighborhood, and their goals, backed by local data and my Pricing Strategy Advisor certification. Let us talk about what your home is worth and how to position it for the best possible outcome.

If you are a buyer in Santa Cruz County: You have more leverage and more time than you had in the peak years, with a steadier pace and room for inspections and thoughtful offers. That said, affordability is real, and the most desirable homes can still draw competition, so the right home requires prepared, decisive action. Get your financing lined up, know your neighborhoods, and work with someone who can move when the opportunity appears. I help buyers navigate everything from pre-approval to closing day, calmly and thoroughly, the way I have for over a decade.

If you are a buyer or seller in Monterey County: The lean supply and softening price trend create opportunities on both sides. Buyers have a lower price point and genuine choices, and well-priced homes are selling at about 98.5% of asking. Sellers who price realistically and present their homes well achieve strong results in a supply-constrained market. Let us talk about your specific goals, your timeline, and what kind of move makes sense for you right now.

Whether you are ready to make a move or just beginning to explore your options, I am here to help. I want you to make informed decisions, and that starts with knowing what is actually happening in your market, block by block. Give me a call, send me a message, or stop by the Century 21 Masters office in Aptos. I would love to hear your story.

Talk soon.

Kieron Bery
REALTOR, Pricing Strategy Advisor
Century 21 Masters
(831) 247-5719 | Contact Kieron

Sources and Data Dates

This update uses only named, public sources. The Santa Cruz County figures are from the Santa Cruz County Association of REALTORS (SCCAR) market statistics for September 2026 (the most recent month with closed data) and the freshest October 2026 SCCAR reading, compared with the Brezsny Associates October 2025 Santa Cruz County market update for the year-over-year inventory comparison. The Monterey County figures are from MLSListings/Aculist market statistics for September 2026 (the most recent month with closed data), the Monterey County Real Estate Report (Information Designs, MLS data) for August 2026, and RealtyTrac's September 2026 county trend data. The mortgage rate is from Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey, week ending October 8, 2026. Neighborhood figures are from Redfin, Zillow, and MLSListings with the data dates noted above. Where the sources differ or a figure is not yet available, I have said so rather than guessing.

Figures in this update are countywide and may not reflect your specific neighborhood or property type. For a market analysis tailored to your home and block, I am happy to help. I am a REALTOR and Pricing Strategy Advisor with Century 21 Masters, and I want you to make informed decisions.

Fair Housing

I am committed to the principles of the Fair Housing Act and to equal professional service for every buyer and seller, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. Market data is reported as-is and is intended to inform, not to steer. Every client receives the same honest, capable service.

More from Kieron Bery: Complete selling guide | Complete buying guide | Neighborhood guides | Client reviews | All blog posts

Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update - October 2026