California has a lot to offer, including a world-famous coastline, beautiful beaches, and state parks, as well as thriving metropolises, and the eponymous Hollywood and Silicon Valley areas. If you’re planning a home purchase in The Golden State, you may be wondering, what’s the best time to buy a house in California? Does it make a difference in how much I will need to spend or how long the process will take? What factors might impact the timing of my home purchase? Summer provides California home shoppers with the highest selection of properties for sale. Specifically, the end of May and June typically see the most home sales. However, summer is often cited as the most expensive time to buy a house — with prices potentially as much as 10% higher. This is partly because many families want to purchase a house before their children start a new school year. Additionally, buyers often use summer vacation days to move into a new house and they have the most mobility during the summer months. Because of these reasons, many industry publications will advise you to start your home search in January or February for a late spring or summer closing. According to Jennifer and Andrew Oldham, a top-performing real estate team in California’s Bay Area, “Listings typically get posted after the Superbowl and then keep increasing through August. The least available inventory is during the winter holidays.” Spring is second only to summer in inventory and price levels for the California housing market. Spring carries with it a sense of new beginnings. The season blossoms with property selections and open house events that can enhance the excitement of the house-hunting experience. According to Time magazine, early fall can be a good time to buy a home because inventory in some markets is still plentiful, and those sellers are often eager to close a deal before the winter season begins. Late fall to winter — specifically, through the holidays — can present opportunities for homebuyers to get a good deal, with California data showing that sales typically see another uptick in December as buyers strive to wrap up financial matters before the end of the year. Echoing the Oldhams’ observations, data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) indicate that winter typically has the least sales activity — with January and February being the slowest. But prices tend to be lower and buyers can often get eager sellers to offer concessions, such as covering closing costs. In addition, builders can be incentivized to negotiate to clear new construction inventory at the end of the year. Ultimately, the best time of year to buy a house in California depends on your goals. Are you budget-minded, or do you want a larger pool of properties to choose from? If the home is an investment, the best time to buy is when everyone else isn’t. To pick the best time for you to buy a house in California, the first step is to partner with an experienced agent in your selected market. There aren’t any best or worst days to buy a house in California. “Anytime that is right for you is a good time to buy a house in California,” says Jennifer Oldham. “Appreciation on California homes has been steady over the years, and your home will likely be your largest asset, so choose wisely and don’t wait on the market or what the media tells you is the best time to buy.” “Instead, be selective about the house you buy and the neighborhood,” Andrew adds. “Check out where you’re going to buy your groceries, coffee, and the local school districts.” The Golden State housing market is unique because California is the country’s third largest state. It attracts a lot of new residents and visitors each year, and has some of the most picturesque scenery in the world. Major companies are headquartered throughout the state and so many people find it a desirable place to live. This means that there is a high demand for houses in the state. It’s also very tech driven so tech companies coming to the area and tech layoffs affect the surrounding housing markets. Other unique factors about the California housing market include: It’s always a good time to buy a house in California, according to the Oldhams. California homes have steadily appreciated over time. Historical data shows the average rate of appreciation in California came in at 6.77% annually over a 39-year period. In the current market, some areas of California are experiencing slight declines in median home prices, which can benefit buyers. In addition, California offers a variety of world-class amenities for almost every buyer’s discerning tastes. The Oldhams are still seeing multiple offer situations on many homes, so demand is still strong. The best way to get started buying a house in California is by taking a free online buyer quiz. Answer questions like what ZIP code you want to buy in, what is your time frame, and what’s your budget. Then get matched to a reliable, trusted local HomeLight network real estate agent. We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews. The recommended agents are the best performing agents in their area. You can compare them online and then choose the real estate agent that seems like the best match. This is a completely free service and is a good first step in the California homebuying process. »Planning tip: Try HomeLight’s Home Affordability Calculator California doesn’t generally get as harsh winters as other states, but Northern California does have its cool days and chillier evenings. However, southern California is a more moderate climate and is typically known for its warm, dry summers and wetter winters. Buyers may be affected if the weather is too hot or too cold, and may choose to buy when the temperatures aren’t as extreme. No one wants to go house hunting during freezing temps or when it’s unbearably hot. Earthquakes and fires are other deterrents for buyers in California. These events aren’t always predictable or frequent, so buyers don’t typically see these as a home-shopping obstacle like winter weather. According to the Oldhams, “It’s hard to both bring homes on the market and to get buyers out looking at homes when it gets dark early and there are brutal winters with flooding and downpours.” Choosing the best cities to buy a house in California is subjective. It really depends on where you want to live, if you want to be near friends or family members, the location of your job, or where you want your children to go to school. Some homebuyers prefer to live in rural areas where they can spread out, while others enjoy the hustle and bustle of a big city. Still, others prefer the laid-back vibes of small coastal towns. Choosing where to buy a house can also vary depending on if you’re going to live there full time, use the house as a vacation home, or if you’re purchasing an investment property. Some of the top-rated cities to buy a house in California include: California is a beautiful place to live, with diverse scenery and endless activities and adventures. However, it is also one of the most expensive states to live in. Some tips to get a better deal on a California home include: When buying a house in California, some things to keep in mind include: The best time to buy a house in California is whenever is best for you. It’s impossible to predict the market; inventory changes regularly, and so do interest rates. Focus instead on factors you can control. Purchase a home in California when you’re financially able and when it best suits your needs. When you’re ready to make the move to California, consider HomeLight’s Agent Match platform. Get free performance-based recommendations for real estate agents in the area you want to live in. HomeLight agents safely show you homes and negotiate successful offers. Then all you need to do is settle into your new dream home.When is the best time of year to buy a house in California?
1. Summer (best selection)
2. Spring (good selection)
3. Fall (fewer options, better price)
4. Winter (best price)
Are there ‘best days’ or ‘worst days’ to buy a house in California?
What’s unique about the California housing market?
Is it a good time to buy a house in the current California market?
What’s the best way to get started buying a house in California?
How does weather affect house prices or sales in California?
What are the best cities to buy a house in California?
How else might I get a better deal on a home in California?
A few final tips for California home buyers
Bottom line: When Is the best time to buy a house in California?