Santa Cruz County – Q3 2026 Market Overview

Santa Cruz County’s housing market showed varied trends during the third quarter, with active inventory holding relatively steady near 520 listings. Monthly sales eased in July and August following a June peak before edging up in September. Median sales prices fluctuated, rising in August before ending September at approximately $1.07 million, while average price per square foot finished near $760. Average days on market shortened from approximately 51 days in July to the low 40s in August and September. Overall, Q3 combined stable inventory with month-to-month changes in sales and pricing, while selling times remained below their winter peak heading into Q4.