Contra Costa County, CA Real Estate Insights – March 2025

What Real Estate Professionals Need to Know Now

Contra Costa County remains one of Northern California’s most competitive real estate markets, offering a diverse range of housing options, from suburban family homes to luxury properties. While mortgage rates and economic factors have influenced affordability over the past year, market conditions have started to stabilize, creating new opportunities for both buyers and sellers.


This report provides an in-depth market analysis for March 2025, including current trends, pricing, inventory shifts, and exclusive Buyer & Seller Scores to help real estate professionals navigate the market effectively.

Market Overview

Current Market Conditions (March 2025)

  • Median Sale Price (Countywide): $825,000 (+2.7% YoY)

  • Median Price for Single-Family Homes: $890,000 (+2.9% YoY)

  • Median Price for Condos/Townhomes: $605,000 (+2.1% YoY)

  • Price per Square Foot: $515 (+3.0% YoY)

  • Homes Sold (Last 30 Days): ~450

  • Average Days on Market (DOM): 31 days

  • List-to-Sale Price Ratio: 98.5% (showing mild negotiation room for buyers)

  • Months of Inventory (MOI): 2.4 months (leaning toward a seller’s market)


Market Competitiveness & Demand

  • More Listings Available: Inventory levels have increased slightly, giving buyers more options.

  • Price Adjustments Growing: 15% of listings have had price reductions before selling.

  • Higher Demand for Mid-Range Homes: The $900K–$1.5M range remains highly competitive.

  • Luxury Homes Facing Longer DOM: Homes above $2M in areas like Lafayette, Orinda, and Danville are experiencing longer sales cycles.


Current Market Trends

  • Mortgage Rates Are Declining: Rates have dropped to ~6.75%, improving affordability.

  • Move-Up Buyers Are Active: Demand is highest for mid-tier homes ($900K–$1.5M).

  • First-Time Buyers Are Returning: More FHA and VA loans are being utilized.

  • Investors Are Watching the Market: Rental demand is growing in cities like Concord and Antioch.

Buyer & Seller Scores – March 2025

Buyer Score: 50/100

The Buyer Score of 50 suggests a balanced market, where buyers have improved conditions compared to previous years but still face some challenges.

Buyer Advantages:

  • More Listings Available: Increased inventory means more choices.

  • Less Competition Than Peak Years: Bidding wars have decreased compared to 2021–2022.

  • Negotiation Leverage is Increasing: Buyers can ask for rate buydowns and closing cost assistance.

Buyer Challenges:

  • Affordability Still a Concern: Home prices remain high despite lower mortgage rates.

  • Tight Supply in Prime Locations: Cities like Walnut Creek, Lafayette, and San Ramon still have low inventory.


Seller Score: 72/100

The Seller Score of 72 indicates that sellers still have an advantage, but pricing strategy and property condition play a crucial role.

Seller Advantages:

  • Homes Under $1M Sell Quickly: This price range attracts the most competition.

  • Home Values Holding Steady: Contra Costa County is not seeing major price declines.

  • Move-Up Buyers Are Active: Demand remains high in Walnut Creek, Brentwood, and Pleasant Hill.

Seller Challenges:

  • Luxury Homes Take Longer to Sell: Buyers in the $2M+ range are more selective due to high borrowing costs.

  • More Price-Conscious Buyers: Buyers are negotiating for repairs, contingencies, and seller concessions.

Top 3 Takeaways for Real Estate Professionals

Buyers Have More Leverage Than Last Year: Inventory increases and price adjustments have created better conditions for buyers.

Sellers Must Price Competitively: Overpricing leads to longer days on the market—strategic pricing is key.

Mortgage Rate Adjustments Could Shift Demand: If rates drop further, buyer competition may rise again.

Outlook for 2025 and Beyond

Future Projections for Buyers and Sellers

  • Home Prices Expected to Rise Modestly: Prices are projected to increase 2.5%–3.5% over the next 12 months.

  • Mortgage Rates May Decline Further: Forecasts predict rates could drop to ~6.25% by late 2025, increasing buyer competition.

  • Inventory Will Remain Limited in Key Areas: Cities like Walnut Creek, Orinda, and Lafayette will continue to see tight supply.

What This Means for Buyers:

🏡 Now is a good time to buy, before interest rates drop further and competition increases.

What This Means for Sellers:

🏡 List your home competitively, especially in the $1.5M+ market, where buyers have more choices.


💬 Utilizing This Content – Messaging for Social Media & Client Outreach

3 Key Messages for Real Estate Professionals

📢 "Market Update: Buyers Gain Negotiating Power!" – More listings and lower rates mean better opportunities for buyers. Ready to make a move? Let’s connect!

📢 "Thinking of Selling? Price Matters More Than Ever!" – Overpriced homes are staying on the market. Strategic pricing is key! Let’s get your home sold quickly and for top dollar.

📢 "Move-Up Buyers Are Driving the Market!" – Homes priced between $900K–$1.5M are selling fast. If you’re considering upgrading, now is a great time to list!


📌 Action Steps

🏡 Buyers: Get pre-approved and start shopping now before rates fall and competition increases.

🏡 Sellers: Price competitively and consider buyer incentives to attract serious offers.

For expert guidance on buying or selling in Contra Costa County, contact Pacific Residential Partners today.

📍 Visit www.findebhomes.com for real-time market insights and professional support.


Additional Resources

Contra Costa County

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Contra Costa County 〰️