May 2026 Market Trends

The East Bay housing market remained resilient in May, with sellers continuing to benefit from limited inventory and steady buyer demand. Across most communities, single-family homes sold quickly—often in two weeks or less—and many properties still received multiple offers, particularly those that were well-priced and move-in ready. Months of inventory remained well below the 4 to 6 months considered a balanced market, with many cities reporting between one and two months of supply. As a result, sale-to-list price ratios remained strong, exceeding 100% in nearly every market and reaching as high as 135% in El Cerrito and 130% in Berkeley.

While market conditions remain favorable for sellers, buyers are becoming more selective. Median home prices continued to rise in many East Bay cities, including Oakland (+26%), El Cerrito (+20%), Pleasant Hill (+12%), Richmond (+11%), Hercules (+11%), and Pleasanton (+7%). At the same time, several higher-priced markets such as Berkeley, San Ramon, Dublin, and Martinez experienced modest price declines, reflecting changing buyer preferences and differences in the mix of homes sold rather than a broad slowdown. The condo and townhome market also showed signs of balancing, with increased inventory and longer marketing times in several communities, giving buyers more opportunities to negotiate.

Overall, the East Bay continues to be a healthy housing market heading into the summer season. Low inventory, strong demand, and competitive pricing continue to support home values, while buyers are benefiting from slightly more choices than in recent years. For sellers, strategic pricing and effective marketing remain the keys to maximizing value. For buyers, preparation and local market knowledge continue to be essential, as the best homes are still selling quickly and attracting strong interest.