Santa Cruz County – Q1 2026 Market Overview



Santa Cruz County entered 2026 with inventory increasing from late 2025 levels before declining early in the quarter and then ticking back up toward the end of Q1. Sales activity dropped sharply at the start of the year but rebounded by quarter-end, signaling improving buyer engagement heading into the spring market. Median sales prices remained volatile but trended upward overall, finishing the quarter in the mid-$1.2M range. Price per square foot fluctuated and softened slightly compared to prior highs, hovering around the low $800s. Days on market spiked significantly into early 2026 before easing, reflecting a slower start to the year followed by gradually improving conditions as Q2 approaches.