September 2026 East Bay Real Estate Market Update

September's East Bay housing market continued to show a tale of two markets, with strong competition for single-family homes in some communities and growing opportunities for buyers in others. Berkeley, El Cerrito, Oakland, and Pinole remained competitive, with homes selling well above asking price. Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill also stood out, with single-family homes selling in just 9 and 11 days, respectively. Pleasant Hill recorded an impressive 32% increase in its median sale price, while inventory remained relatively tight across much of the region.

Meanwhile, buyers gained negotiating power in several Tri-Valley communities, including Dublin, Pleasanton, and San Ramon, where single-family homes sold at or below the asking price. Condo and townhome buyers generally enjoyed even greater flexibility, with longer selling times and more available inventory in many markets. The bottom line? The East Bay remains anything but a one-size-fits-all market. Well-priced single-family homes in desirable neighborhoods continue to attract strong interest, while buyers willing to explore different communities and property types may find less competition and more room to negotiate.