Costa Mesa Real Estate Update: The Winter Market Is Officially Taking Off
The Orange County housing market has officially entered the Winter Market, and that’s great news for buyers and sellers here in Costa Mesa. After a slower start to the year, buyer demand is beginning to rise quickly while the number of homes for sale is increasing at a much slower pace. This combination is what causes the market to speed up, and it happens almost every year right around mid-January.
Think of it like the holidays ending and everyone jumping back into their routines. Buyers who paused their home search in November and December are now back and ready to act. Mortgage rates are also lower than they were last year, hovering in the low 6% range, which makes homes more affordable. When homes cost less each month to own, more buyers feel confident enough to jump back into the Costa Mesa real estate market.
While inventory has increased recently, it’s still fairly limited compared to buyer demand. That means well-priced homes are starting to get more attention, and competition is likely to grow as we move closer to spring. Historically, buyer demand grows much faster than inventory during the Winter Market, which leads to quicker sales and stronger activity across Orange County real estate.
So what does this mean for you? Buyers should be prepared for more competition in the coming weeks, especially for entry-level and mid-range homes in Costa Mesa. Sellers, on the other hand, have an opportunity to get ahead of the spring rush — but pricing correctly from the start is key. Overall, the Winter Market is warming up, and the Costa Mesa housing market is preparing for a strong launch into 2026.
