Costa Mesa Real Estate Update: Why the Market Is Finally Starting to Change
As we head into November here in Costa Mesa, it suddenly feels like fall arrived overnight. The days are cooler, rainstorms are popping up more often, and the sun is setting earlier than ever. Just like the weather changed quickly, the Orange County housing market has made a fast and noticeable shift too. We’ve now moved from the Autumn Market into what we call the Holiday Market, which runs from mid-November through mid-January, and it always brings a calmer, quieter pace to real estate.
But this year feels different — in a good way. For the first time in several years, there’s finally a little light at the end of the tunnel. The housing market in Costa Mesa and across Orange County has been dealing with high interest rates, low inventory, and a lot of uncertainty. Now, things are slowly beginning to improve. More buyers are watching the market closely, sellers are adjusting their expectations, and early signs show that we may be near the end of a long “housing recession” that began years ago.
So what’s driving this change? It’s a mix of factors. Mortgage rates are starting to settle, more homeowners are becoming open to selling, and buyers are feeling hopeful again. While the Holiday Market is naturally slower every year, this season is bringing something new: stability. And stability is exactly what the Costa Mesa real estate market has needed to help buyers and sellers move forward with confidence.
If you’re thinking about making a move in 2026, this is a great moment to pay attention, get informed, and prepare. The shifts happening now will shape what the new year looks like for homes for sale in Costa Mesa, and staying ahead of the curve will help you make the smartest real estate decisions in Orange County.