Huntington Beach, CA Housing Market Report

The Huntington Beach housing market entering December 2025 reflects a transition toward a more balanced environment, though it remains competitive for premium coastal properties. With a median home value of $1,301,657, the market has seen a steady 2.07% year-over-year increase. A significant shift is visible in the inventory levels, which have surged by 11.53% compared to last year, reaching 18,566 active listings. This increase in supply, coupled with a median of 65 days on market—an increase of 12 days over the previous year—suggests that buyers now have more leverage and selection than they did in the post-pandemic frenzy.

Price trends over the last six months indicate a robust recovery following a brief plateau in late summer. After dipping slightly to $1,275,192 in August, values have climbed consistently for four consecutive months, gaining nearly $26,000 in equity since October alone. This upward momentum is driven by sustained demand for the Orange County lifestyle and a sale-to-list ratio of exactly 1, indicating that while buyers are taking more time to deliberate, homes are still largely selling for their full asking prices once a deal is reached.

Looking ahead, both buyers and sellers must adjust their expectations to this 'new normal' of higher inventory and longer closing timelines. For sellers, the increase in days on market means that aggressive pricing and high-quality staging are essential to stand out among the growing competition. For buyers, the current climate offers a rare window of opportunity to negotiate on repairs or closing costs without the immediate pressure of multiple-offer bidding wars that defined previous years. As the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metro area continues to face housing shortages, Huntington Beach remains a high-value asset with reliable long-term appreciation potential.