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The Orange County housing market is following its usual seasonal rhythm—slowing in December but without signs of structural weakness. Inventory is dropping, market time is growing, and buyer activity is predictably muted. But this isn’t a crash—it’s the typical holiday lull, layered over an already slower year.
What We’re Seeing:
→ Active inventory fell to 4,304 homes, down 11% from last month
→ Demand dipped to 1,259 pending sales, a 7% decline from November
→ Expected Market Time rose to 103 days—up from 96 days a year ago
→ Luxury homes ($2.5M–$4M) are sitting for an average of 227 days
→ $6M+ listings are averaging a staggering 594 days on market
Insights That Matter:
▪ Demand is lower—but that’s expected for December. This slowdown is seasonal, not alarming
▪ Buyers still have the upper hand, with longer decision windows and more room to negotiate
▪ Inventory will likely rise in January as new listings come online post-holiday
▪ Sellers who list now will stand out—but only if they price thoughtfully and present well
▪ Even with fewer buyers in the pool, homes priced right still move
The Bottom Line:
This is December doing what December does. For buyers, patience pays—but acting now means less competition. For sellers, launching now requires realism, strategy, and sharp presentation. The market may feel quiet, but the right moves still make noise.
📲 If you’re thinking about buying or selling in 2026, I’m here to help you start strong. Call or text: 949-463-0400 – Doug