Santa Barbara South Coast Real Estate Update

May 13, 2026 

According to data from the County Recorder’s Office as reported by Fidelity National Title, the number of residential property sales on the Santa Barbara South Coast increased by 22% in April 2026, with 135 sales as compared with April 2025.  Of these 135 sales, there were 99 House or Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) sales, up from 94 in April 2025; the median sale price of these House/PUD sales was $2,030,000, down 7% from 2025, and the average sale price was $4,533,360, up 41% from 2025.  Of these 135 sales, there were 36 Condominium sales in April 2026, up from 33 in 2025; the median sale price of these Condominium sales was $965,000, down 8% from 2025, and the average sale price was $1,117,974, down 23% from 2025.

Carpinteria had 17 residential MLS sales reported in April 2026, up from 13 in March.  There were 8 House/PUD sales, down from 10 in March; the median sale price of these House/PUD sales was $2,535,000, and the average price was $5,359,938.  There were 9 Condominium sales, up from 3 in March; the median sale price of these Condominium sales was $950,000, and the average sale price was $1,004,333.  In April 2026, the lowest-priced Carpinteria sale was a Condominium on Via Real @ $575,000, and the highest-priced sale was an Estate on Toro Canyon Road @ $17,450,000.

Summerland had 2 residential MLS sales reported in April 2026, up from zero in March.  There were 2 House/PUD sales; the median and average sale price of these House/PUD sales was $8,050,000.  There were no Condominium sales in April.  In April 2026, the lowest-priced Summerland sale was a House on Whitney Avenue @ $2,145,000, and the highest-priced sale was an Estate on Montecito Ranch Place @ $13,955,000.

Montecito had 21 residential MLS sales reported in April 2026, up from 15 in March.  There were 18 House/PUD sales, up from 14 in March; the median sale price of these House/PUD sales was $7,837,500, and the average price was $12,314,611.  There were 3 Condominium sales, up from 1 in March; the median sale price was $2,600,000 and the average sale price was $2,450,000.  In April 2026, the lowest-priced Montecito sale was a Condominium on Coast Village Road @ $2,050,000, and the highest-priced sale was an Estate on Sycamore Canyon Road @ $59,881,000.

Santa Barbara had 59 residential MLS sales reported in April 2026, the same number of sales as in March.  There were 45 House/PUD sales, up from 40 in March; the median sale price of these House/PUD sales was $1,860,000, and the average price was $2,013,199.  There were 14 Condominium sales, down from 19 in March; the median sale price of these Condominium sales was $942,500, and the average sale price was $952,575.  In April 2026, the lowest-priced Santa Barbara sale was a small House on Santa Barbara Street @ $600,000, and the highest-priced sale was a House on Mira Vista Avenue @ $5,500,000.

Hope Ranch had 5 residential MLS sales reported in April 2026, down from 8 in March.  There were 5 House/Estate sales, down from 8 in March; the median sale price of these House/PUD sales was $8,500,000, and the average price was $8,099,800.  There are no PUDs or Condominiums in Hope Ranch.  In April 2026, the lowest-priced Hope Ranch sale was a House on Las Palmas Drive @ $5,315,000, and the highest-priced sale was an Estate on Cresta Avenue @ $9,984,000.

Goleta had 31 residential MLS sales reported in April 2026, down from 36 in March.  There were 21 House/PUD sales, down from 27 in March; the median sale price of these House/PUD sales was $1,581,000, and the average price was $2,765,107.  There were 10 Condominium sales, up from 9 in March; the median sale price of these Condominium sales was $980,000, and the average sale price was $1,052,200.  In April 2026, the lowest-priced Goleta sale was a Condominium on Armitos Avenue @ $565,000, and the highest-priced sale was a House on Via Los Santos @ $5,350,000.

Analysis

As of May 1^st in the Santa Barbara Multiple Listing Service (MLS), there were 194 available House/PUD listings (up from 180 on April 1^st) and 56 available Condominium listings (down from 58 on April 1^st) along the Santa Barbara South Coast.  The lack of housing inventory available for sale has loosened up a bit since last year, but it has continued to put upward pressure on housing values.  Compare our current low supply levels to the years 2007 through 2011, when the total number of available listings for Buyers to choose from fluctuated between 734 and 1,026.  Historically, the highest number of available listings along the Santa Barbara South Coast was recorded in June 1992, when there were an amazing 1,297 available! 

While the number of days that listings stay on the market before entering escrow has risen and the competition among Buyers creating bidding wars may have diminished a bit, it has not totally disappeared.  According to the MLS sales data, there were a total of 127 residential sales in April on the South Coast of Santa Barbara County, up from 119 in March.  The County Recorder reported 135 total sales in April, indicating that 16 private sales did not register in the MLS.  Of the 127 MLS sales, 27% closed above the original asking price (up from 26% in March), 24% closed at the original asking price (up from 18% in March), and 49% closed for less than the original asking price (down from 56% in March).  After analyzing the April MLS sales data, there were 16 listings (the same number as in March) which sold $100,000+ above their original asking prices; these listings were 1710 Mira Vista Avenue which sold $550,000 above asking, Calle Ocho which sold $505,000 above asking, Guava Avenue which sold $286,000 above asking, Cedar Lane which sold $250,000 above asking, Las Palmas Drive which sold $220,000 above asking, Mountain Avenue which sold $215,000 above asking, Cantera Avenue that sold $155,000 above asking, Gwyne Avenue which sold $150,000 above asking, Exeter Place which sold $133,000 above asking, Elm Avenue which sold $107,000 above asking, Anchor Drive & Berkeley Road which both sold for $105,000 above asking, W. Junipero Street which sold $101,000 above asking, and Windsor Avenue & Colleen Way & Fairway Road which all sold $100,000 above asking.  Nationally, the percentage of April sales above the asking price has averaged 28% as compared to the South Coast of Santa Barbara’s 27%.  If you think Buyer competition is high in Santa Barbara, think again: In San Francisco, 88.3% of homes sold above asking in April 2026, with some selling more than $2,000,000 above asking. Other high-demand areas, such as San Jose and Oakland, still report over 50% of homes selling above list price.

From the government report of April 30^th: Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 2.0 percent in the first quarter of 2026, according to the advance estimate released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the fourth quarter of 2025, real GDP increased 0.5 percent. The contributors to the increase in real GDP in the first quarter were investment, exports, consumer spending, and government spending. Imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, also increased. 

Of the 135 residential sales in April 2026, 108 sold over $1,000,000, which equates to 80% of the total sales, down from 87% March.  The South Coast of Santa Barbara is not an inexpensive place to purchase real estate compared to other areas of the United States, but many people will pay more to live in Santa Barbara.  According to Property Shark’s survey, California had 7 of the 10 most expensive median-priced ZIP codes in the United States.  Montecito’s 93108 ZIP code came in at #5 with a median sale price of $6,995,000.  The #1 spot is held by Fisher Island (off the coast of Miami) where the median sale price is $11,925,000, which is 27  times higher than the U.S. median sale price. https://www.propertyshark.com/Real-Estate-Reports/most-expensive-zip-codes-in-the-us/

Another validation of Santa Barbara’s popularity, no matter the cost, the New York Post’s survey ranked the most expensive cities in the US to visit as a tourist and the winner is #1 Aspen where a three-day trip for two costs $2,708.  Closely followed is #2 Santa Barbara where a three-day trip for two costs $2,446.  Filling out the top five on the list were Anchorage, Bar Harbor, and Fairbanks.  The last (#55) on the list and the least expensive tourist destination for vacationers was Clearwater, Florida, where a three-day trip for two costs $1,630, 40% less than Aspen. https://nypost.com/2025/07/04/lifestyle/most-expensive-tourist-destinations-in-the-us-in-2025/

Another reason Santa Barbara is so sought after is its local educational system as University of California Santa Barbara ranked as #91 out of 2,250 universities worldwide, and Santa Barbara City College ranked #1 out of the 116 Community Colleges in California.

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/rankings and 

https://bold.org/blog/best-community-colleges-in-california

On April 29^th in an unexpectedly close split decision, Federal Reserve policymakers decided to keep interest rates on pause in what is likely to be the final meeting under the supervision of Fed Chair Jerome Powell.  Powell joined the 8-4 majority on the Federal Open Market Committee to vote in favor of leaving the federal funds rate unchanged at Wednesday’s meeting in Washington, DC, judging inflation as running too hot to justify a rate cut.  At a press conference after the vote, Powell revealed that he will remain on the board of governors as a regular member after his term as chairman ends, saying: “After my term as chair ends on May 15^th, I will continue to serve as a governor for a period of time to be determined. I plan to keep a low profile as a governor. There is only ever one chair of the Federal Reserve Board.”  It marked the first time in 30 years that four or more voters have dissented with the majority, underlining the stark divisions on the panel as President Donald Trump’s nominee Kevin Warsh prepares to take over when Powell’s term as chairman ends.  https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/fed-interest-rate-decision-kevin-warsh-jerome-powell-april-2026/

Since the beginning of 2022, 30-year mortgage interest rates have doubled, but started easing downward in 2024, and were 6.3% as of May 1^st, up from 5.95% on April 1^st.  Historically, the lowest 30-year mortgage interest  rate since 1970 was recorded in February 2021 at 2.65% and that low rate was matched in July 2021 during the COVID pandemic.  If Buyers are expecting 3% or even low 5% mortgage rates to return to buy a home, they are waiting for an anomaly and  should wait no longer.  The highest historical 30-year fixed-rate interest rate was recorded in 1981 @ 18.63%. The average 30-year mortgage rate over the last 50 years has been 7.70%, so current rates are still well below that average.  Mortgage rates of 8.03% in October 2023 were at a 23-year high following all-time lows reached just three years before, highlighting the effect that financing costs have on the housing market.  A $913,100 loan in 1981 would have been $13,423/ month, the payment in June 2021 would have been $3,679/month, and now, as of May 1^st, that payment would be $5,652/month.  As an alternative to obtaining a mortgage, in April 2026, 40% of South Coast Buyers purchased homes with cash, up from 37% in March.

The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index in the US, which measures builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes, fell to 34 in April 2026, the lowest since September 2025, from 38 in March and compared to forecasts of 37. Current sales conditions fell four points to 37. Sales expectations in the next six months dropped seven points to 42 and traffic of prospective buyers posted a three-point decline to 22. Meanwhile, 36% of builders cut prices in April, down slightly from 37% in March. The average price reduction was 5%, down from 6% in the previous month. The use of sales incentives was 60%, down from 64% in March, and marking the 13th consecutive month this share has reached 60% or higher.  https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/housing-economics/indices/housing-market-index

As for the worldwide cost of living as of May 1^st, Expatistan compiled an index of 106 major worldwide metropolitan areas.  According to the index in the United States the most expensive metropolitan area to live in the world is #1 New York City with a @ 249 Price Index score (according to GasBuddy the least expensive gallon of regular gas costs $4.46/gallon in New York).  The least expensive in the United States is #84 Cedar Rapids, Iowa @ 82 ($3.99/gallon).  The lowest State average gas price in the United States is $3.96/gallon in Oklahoma.  Of the top 25 most expensive areas on the worldwide list, one is in California: #8 San Diego @ 175 ($6.03/gallon).  According to the index, the least expensive area to live in the world is #106 Yogyakarta (Indonesia) @ 31 ($2.88/gallon – government subsidized).  Gas prices on the South Coast are as low as $5.53/gallon (up $1.00++ from February) and are generally lower than in other California coastal areas.  A Chevron Station near LAX is now charging up to $8.71/gallon!  According to AAA in California, the most expensive average cost of gas is in Mono County @ $6.98/gallon and the least expensive is in Yuba County @ $5.72/gallon.  According to AAA, the average cost of a gallon of gas in California is $5.98/gallon, while the National average is $4.39/gallon.  The most expensive gas in California is in Gorda By The Sea on the Big Sur Coast where a gallon of gas will cost you $9.40.  If you think that we have high prices, you may be surprised that in Hong Kong gas costs $15.55/gallon!  Expatistan’s Cost of Living Index is an interesting way to compare the cost of living in cities around the world. 

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® edged up by 0.6 points to 92.8 (1985=100) in April, from 92.2 in March’s upwardly revised reading.  “Consumer confidence edged up in April but was overall little changed, despite material concern about rising gasoline prices as the war in the Middle East prompted a surge in Brent crude oil prices,” said Dana M Peterson, Chief Economist, The Conference Board. “Consumer appraisals of current and expected business conditions declined moderately compared to last month. This was offset by modest improvements in consumers’ perceptions of the labor market, both current and expected, as well as income expectations, which were slightly more optimistic in April.”  https://www.conference-board.org/topics/consumer-confidence

Consumer sentiment fell in April 2026 to the lowest level recorded in the 70-plus-year history of the University of Michigan’s survey: Americans are concerned that the Iran war will hit the domestic economy. The survey’s preliminary April reading came in at 47.6, down from 53.3 in March. That was worse than analysts had expected. The previous low point, 50, was recorded in June 2022, when the U.S. was facing searing inflation. Speaking of inflation, the Consumer price index rose 3.8% in April from a year earlier as higher energy prices replaced tariffs as the driver of higher prices for American consumers. https://www.sca.isr.umich.edu/

Historically, the highest Year-to-Date median sale price on the Santa Barbara South Coast was recorded in 2007 at $1,031,500, but that high mark is now ancient history.  The median sale price of all residential 2026 sales Year-To-Date as of April 1^st was $1,770,000, down 6% from 2025, and the average sales price was $2,934,675.  While the median sale price was hovering near 2007’s historic high for most of 2017, 2018, and 2019, it started its upward climb in 2020, accelerating in 2021 and into the first half of 2022 before leveling off throughout and declining 1% in 2023.  There have been no double-digit price increases in the median sales price since a 17% increase in 2020, 24% in 2021 and 15% in 2022.

Based on the Santa Barbara Multiple Listing Service data, as of  May 1^st in the City of Santa Barbara, there were 79 active House/PUD listings (up from 60 on April 1^st) and 40 pending sales (down from 44 on April 1^st) which equates to a 1.98-month supply (up from 1.4 on April 1^st) of listings for Buyers to choose from in the City of Santa Barbara.  Generally, a 1-month supply would indicate the listings would be sold within one month.  A less than 1-month supply of inventory indicates a feverish Seller’s market, a 1-to-2-month supply indicates a heated Seller’s market, and a 2-to-4-month supply is considered a basic Seller’s market where Buyer demand is still high, and inventory is scarce.  Historically, a 4-to-6-month supply of available inventory indicates a Balanced market.  More than a 6-month supply indicates a Buyer’s market where inventory is plentiful, with Buyers being slower to make decisions as they compare numerous properties on the market.  As of May 1^st, Carpinteria/Summerland has a 2.3-month supply (up from .8 on April 1^st), Montecito has a 4.6-month supply (down from 4.9 on April 1^st), Hope Ranch has a 5.7-month supply (down from 6 on April 1^st), and Goleta has a 1.1-month supply (significantly down from 5.3 on April 1^st).  Carpinteria/Summerland has moved into a Basic Seller’s market.  Montecito and Hope Ranch are both in Balanced markets.  Santa Barbara and Goleta have both moved into Heated Seller’s markets.  With a combined total of 86 House/PUD pending sales (up from 75 on April 1^st) and 194 active listings (up from 180 on April 1^st) along the South Coast of Santa Barbara County, there is a 2.3-month supply (down from 2.4 on April 1^st) of House/PUD listings from which Buyers can choose.  By removing the 67 higher-valued House/PUD listings in Montecito & Hope Ranch and their 14 pending sales from the equation, there is only a 1.76-month supply (down from 1.8 on April 1^st) from which Buyers can choose on the South Coast of Santa Barbara County.  With a combined total of 28 Condominium pending sales (up from 27 on April 1^st) and 56 active listings (down from 58 on April 1^st), there is a 2-month supply (down from 2.2 on April 1^st) of Condominium listings from which Buyers can choose.

There are many concerns for Buyers and Sellers. These include the wars in Iran and Ukraine, continuing tensions in all of the Middle East, the rising price of gas, continued worldwide geopolitical tensions, inflation, insurance premium volatility, mortgage interest rates, health insurance rates, geopolitical tensions, and how other administration economic policies are confusing to our trading partners.  Also, a major concern for Buyers and Sellers is the scarcity and cost of homeowners’ insurance coverage, especially since State Farm, Nationwide, Kemper, Marine America, Trans-Pacific, Allstate and others have refused to issue new policies in California and are not renewing existing home insurance policies.  Farmers Insurance has been restricting the number of new policies it offers since July 2023, but recently removed the cap on the number of new policies it will issue, but insurance still remains very expensive as compared to years past.  As of May 1^st there is so much political and economic uncertainty that no one really knows how it will impact the housing market.

California’s Proposition 19 now allows homeowners aged 55+ to transfer their existing real estate tax base to a home anywhere in California; this law encourages some older Sellers who wish to sell their current homes and downsize.  The imbalance between Santa Barbara’s low housing supply and high demand is more pronounced than in most national cities, so over the years, there has been a surge in local property values.  While market corrections may still negatively impact property values on the Santa Barbara South Coast, the impact is expected to be less severe compared to many other areas in the state and country.  New 2026 listings may have remained on the market a bit longer than in 2025, but they continue to sell.  Home values in the Santa Barbara South Coast Real Estate Market continue to be supported by supply and demand dynamics due to our current market’s persistent low listing inventory.  Pre-pandemic House/PUD active listings as of May 5^th 2019 totaled 378; as of May 1^st  2026, there are now only 194 active listings, which equates to 49% fewer active listings than in 2019.

Review the attached list of the 135 properties sold on the Santa Barbara South Coast in April 2026, and contact me for information on specific sales in our area.

Stan Tabler, CRS, GRI, ABR, GREEN

Compass

801 Chapala Street

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

805.689.2305

stan@stantabler.com

http://www.stantabler.com

DRE #00774377 since 1980

Santa Barbara South Coast Real Estate Update

June 14, 2026 

According to data from the County Recorder’s Office as reported by Fidelity National Title, the number of residential property sales on the Santa Barbara South Coast increased by 7% in May 2026, with 134 sales as compared with May 2025.  Of these 134 sales, there were 100 House or Planned Unit Development (PUD) sales, up from 86 in May 2025; the median sale price of these House/PUD sales was $2,312,500, up 1% from 2025, and the average sale price was $3,360,386, up 7% from 2025.  Of these 134 sales, there were 34 Condominium sales in May 2026, down from 39 in 2025; the median sale price of these Condominium sales was $1,049,500, down 9% from 2025, and the average sale price was $1,300,681, down 4% from 2025.

Regional Highlights

Carpinteria had 15 residential sales reported in May 2026, down from 17 in April.  There were 8 House/PUD sales, the same number as in April; the median sale price of these House/PUD sales was $1,850,000, and the average price was $2,041,875.  There were 7 Condominium sales, down from 9 in April; the median sale price of these Condominium sales was $950,000, and the average sale price was $979,857.  In May 2026, the lowest-priced Carpinteria sale was a Condominium on Via Real @ $605,000, and the highest-priced sale was a House on 3rd Street @ $3,260,000.

Summerland had 1 residential sale reported in May 2026, down from 2 in April.  The  1 PUD sale was on Freesia Drive and sold for $3,900,000.

Montecito had 17 residential sales reported in May 2026, down from 21 in April.  There were 15 House/PUD sales, up from 14 in April; the median sale price of these House/PUD sales was $5,600,000, and the average price was $7,322,000.  There were 2 Condominium sales, down from 7 in April; the median and average sale price of these Condominium sales was $4,466,000.  In May 2026, the lowest-priced Montecito sale was a Condominium on Fairway Road @ $1,195,000, and the highest-priced sale was an Estate on Alston Road @ $15,900,000.

The City of Santa Barbara had 68 residential sales reported in May 2026, up from 59 in April.  There were 51 House/PUD sales, up from 45 in April; the median sale price of these House/PUD sales was $2,160,000, and the average price was $2,700,742.  There were 17 Condominium sales, up from 14 in April; the median sale price of these Condominium sales was $960,000, and the average sale price was $1,192,059.  In May 2026, the lowest-priced Santa Barbara sale was a House on W. Ortega Street @ $612,500, and the highest-priced sale was a House on Roble Lane @ $5,770,000.

Hope Ranch had 2 residential sales reported in May 2026, down from 5 in April.  There were 2 House/Estate sales, down from 5 in April; the median and average sale price of these House/Estate sales was $7,140,000.  There are no Condominiums in Hope Ranch.  In May 2026, the lowest-priced Hope Ranch sale was a House on Via Sinuosa @ $5,900,000, and the highest-priced sale was an Estate on Via Alegre @ $8,380,000.

Goleta had 31 residential sales reported in May 2026, the same number as in April.  There were 23 House/PUD sales, up from 21 in April; the median sale price of these House/PUD sales was $1,750,000, and the average price was $2,345,903.  There were 8 Condominium sales, down from 10 in April; the median sale price of these Condominium sales was $1,090,250, and the average sale price was $1,020,894.  In May 2026, the lowest-priced Goleta sale was a Condominium on Hollister Avenue @ $770,000, and the highest-priced sale was a House on San Antonio Creek Road @ $5,773,000.

Analysis

As of June 1^st in the Santa Barbara Multiple Listing Service (MLS), there were 191 available House/PUD listings (down from 194 on May 1^st) and 60 available Condominium listings (up from 56 on May 1^st) along the Santa Barbara South Coast.  The lack of housing inventory available for sale has loosened up a bit since last year, but it has continued to put upward pressure on housing values.  Compare our current low supply levels to the years 2007 through 2011, when the total number of available listings that Buyers could choose from fluctuated between 734 and 1,026.  Ten years ago in June 2017 there were 365 available House/PUD listings and 102 available Condominium listings available. The highest number of available listings along the Santa Barbara South Coast was recorded in June 1992, when there were an amazing 1,297 available! 

While the number of days that listings stay on the market before entering escrow has risen and the competition among Buyers creating bidding wars has diminished a bit, it has not totally disappeared.  According to the MLS sales data, there were a total of 130 residential sales in May on the South Coast of Santa Barbara County, up from 127 in April.  The County Recorder reported 134 total sales in May, indicating that 4 private sales did not register in the MLS.  Of the 130 MLS sales, 24% closed above the original asking price (down from 27% in April), 19% closed at the original asking price (down from 24% in April), and 57% closed for less than the original asking price (up from 49% in April).  After analyzing the April MLS sales data, there were 7 listings (down from 16 in April) which sold $100,000+ above their original asking prices; these listings were Knoll Circle Drive which sold $495,000 above asking, Arbol Verde Street which sold $305,000 above asking, Meadowlark Lane which sold $255,000 above asking, Santa Rosa Lane which sold $205,000 above asking, Green Lane which sold $200,000 above asking, Los Feliz Drive which sold $165,000 above asking, and Vincente Way which sold $150,000 above asking.  Nationally, the percentage of May sales above the asking price has averaged 28% as compared to the South Coast of Santa Barbara’s 24%.  If you think Buyer competition is high in Santa Barbara, think again: Compass in the Silicon Valley reports that in May at least 41 properties sold for $200,000 or more above list price, including 18 homes that commanded premiums of $400,000 or higher. Even more impressive, 7 properties closed for more than $700,000 above asking. One standout home in Palo Alto attracted 20 offers and ultimately sold for an astounding $1,405,000 over its list price!

Of the 134 residential sales in May 2026, 117 sold over $1,000,000, which equates to 87% of the total sales, up from 80% April.  As a comparison, just 12% of listings nationwide are priced above $1,000,000.  The South Coast of Santa Barbara County is not an inexpensive place to purchase real estate compared to other areas of the United States, but many people will pay more to live in Santa Barbara.  According to Property Shark’s survey, California had 7 of the 10 most expensive median-priced ZIP codes in the United States.  Montecito’s 93108 ZIP code came in at #5 with a median sale price of $6,995,000.  The #1 spot is held by Fisher Island (off the coast of Miami) where the median sale price is $11,925,000, which is 27  times higher than the U.S. median sale price. https://www.propertyshark.com/Real-Estate-Reports/most-expensive-zip-codes-in-the-us/

Another validation of Santa Barbara’s popularity, no matter the cost, the New York Post’s survey ranked the most expensive cities in the US to visit as a tourist and the winner is #1 Aspen where a three-day trip for two costs $2,708.  Closely followed is #2 Santa Barbara where a three-day trip for two costs $2,446.  Filling out the top five on the list were Anchorage, Bar Harbor, and Fairbanks.  The last (#55) on the list and the least expensive tourist destination for vacationers was Clearwater, Florida, where a three-day trip for two costs $1,630, 40% less than Aspen. https://nypost.com/2025/07/04/lifestyle/most-expensive-tourist-destinations-in-the-us-in-2025/

Another reason Santa Barbara is so sought after is its local educational system as University of California Santa Barbara ranked as #91 out of 2,250 universities worldwide, and Santa Barbara City College ranked #1 out of the 116 Community Colleges in California.

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/rankings and 

https://bold.org/blog/best-community-colleges-in-california

The next Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee meeting is set for June 16-17, and prediction markets are speculating when the Fed might hike its rates.  Former Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s tenure ended on May 15, but as a Fed Governor, he maintains a voice on monetary policy and the potential challenges the central bank faces with an aggressive President Trump trying to exert his influence. Even with Trump’s pick, Kevin Warsh, sworn in, the president’s history suggests that the honeymoon will be short if Warsh displeases him in any way.  And by “displeasing” him, that means not doing exactly what Trump wants. A rate hike would fall neatly into that category.  When Powell received the 2026 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award, he spoke of his concerns about the bank’s independence and how Trump’s persistent aggression threatens it, calling it a “stress test.” https://federalnewsnetwork.com/prediction-markets/2026/06/powell-issues-warning-trump-stress-test-see-odds-next-fed-rate-hike/

Since the beginning of 2022, 30-year mortgage interest rates have doubled, but started easing downward in 2024, and were 6.53% as of May 28^th, up from 6.3% on May 1^st. Historically, the lowest 30-year mortgage interest rate since 1970 was recorded in February 2021 at 2.65% and that low rate was matched in July 2021 during the COVID pandemic.  If Buyers are expecting 3% or even low 5% mortgage rates to return to buy a home, they are waiting for an anomaly and should wait no longer.  The highest historical 30-year fixed-rate interest rate was recorded in 1981 @ 18.63%.  The average 30-year mortgage rate over the last 50 years has been 7.70%, so current rates are still below that average.  Mortgage rates of 8.03% in October  2023 were at a 23-year high following all-time lows reached just three years before, highlighting the effect that financing costs have on the housing market.  The payment on a $913,100 mortgage in 1981 would have been $13,423/month, the payment in June 2021 would have been $3,679/month, and as of June 1^st, the payment would be $5,789/month.  As an alternative to obtaining a mortgage, in May 2026, 48% of South Coast Buyers purchased homes with cash, up from 40% in April.

The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index in the US, which measures builder  confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes, rose to 37 in May 2026 up from 34 in April which was its lowest level since September 2025, and came in above forecasts of 35. The current sales conditions rose three points to 40.  Sales expectations in the next six months increased three points to 45 and traffic of prospective buyers posted a three-point gain to 25. Also, 32% of builders cut prices in May, down from 36% in April.  The average price reduction was 6%, up from the 5% figure in April.  https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/housing-economics/indices/housing-market-index

As for the worldwide cost of living as of June 1^st, Expatistan compiled an index of 103 major worldwide metropolitan areas.  According to the index in the United States the most expensive metropolitan area to live in is #1 New York City (which is also the most expensive in the world) with a @ 244 Price Index score (according to GasBuddy the least expensive gallon of regular gas costs $4.59/gallon in New York).  The least expensive City in the United States is Cedar Rapids, Iowa @ 82 ($3.95/gallon).  The lowest State average gas price in the United States is $3.96/gallon in Oklahoma.  Of the top 25 most expensive areas on the worldwide list, two are in California: #8 San Diego @ 174 ($5.29/gallon) and #9 Los Angeles @ 173 ($6.07).  According to the index, the least expensive area to live in the world is #103 Yogyakarta (Indonesia) @ 30 ($2.52/gallon – government subsidized).  Gas prices on the South Coast are as low as $5.53/gallon (up $1.00++ from February) and are generally lower than in other California coastal areas.  A Chevron Station near LAX is now charging $8.71/gallon!  According to AAA in California, the most expensive average cost of gas is in Mono County @ $7.05/gallon and the least expensive is in Modoc County @ $5.68/gallon.  According to AAA, the average cost of a gallon of gas in California is $6.03/gallon, while the National average is $4.32/gallon.  The most expensive gas in California is sold in Gorda By The Sea on the Big Sur Coast where a gallon of gas will set you back $9.99.  If you think that we have high prices, you may be surprised that in Hong Kong gas costs $15.75/gallon!  Expatistan’s Cost of Living Index is an interesting way to compare the cost of living in cities around the world. https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/index

On May 26^th the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® dipped 0.7 points to 93.1 (1985=100), down from an upwardly revised 93.8 in April.  The survey period for this month’s preliminary results was May 1–19, noting the ongoing war in the Middle East that is placing upward pressure on prices globally.  “Consumer confidence edged downward in May as the inflationary impacts of the war in the Middle East intensified,” said Dana  Peterson, Chief Economist, The Conference Board.  “Consumer appraisals of current business conditions and the current labor market were moderately less positive compared to last month.  This was somewhat offset by modest improvements in consumers’ expectations for business conditions and the labor market six months from now. Meanwhile, income expectations eased in May, as those anticipating less income rose.”  https://www.conference-board.org/topics/consumer-confidence 

 According to the University of Michigan’s monthly survey, consumer sentiment fell in May for the third straight month as supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to boost gasoline prices.  Sentiment is now just below the previous historical trough seen in June 2022.  The cost of living continues to be a first-order concern, with 57% of consumers spontaneously mentioning that high prices were eroding their personal finances, up from 50% last month.  https://www.sca.isr.umich.edu/ 

Historically, the highest Year-to-Date median sale price on the Santa Barbara South Coast was recorded in 2007 at $1,031,500, but that high mark is now ancient history.  The median sale price of all residential 2026 sales Year-To-Date as of May 1^st was $1,800,000, down 4% from 2025, and the average sales price was $2,912,889.  While the median sale price was hovering near 2007’s historic high for most of 2017, 2018, and 2019, it started its upward climb in 2020, accelerating in 2021 and into the first half of 2022 before leveling off throughout and declining 1% in 2023.  There have been no double-digit price increases in the median sales price since a 17% increase in 2020, 24% in 2021 and 15% in 2022.

Based on the Santa Barbara Multiple Listing Service data, as of  June 1^st in the City of Santa Barbara, there were 72 active House/PUD listings (down from 79 on May 1^st) and 36 pending sales (down from 40 on May 1^st) which equates to a 2-month supply (up from 1.5 on May 1^st) of listings for Buyers to choose from in the City of Santa Barbara.  Generally, a 1-month supply would indicate the listings would be sold within one month.  A less than 1-month supply of inventory indicates a feverish Seller’s market, a 1-to-2-month supply indicates a heated Seller’s market, and a 2-to-4-month supply is considered a basic Seller’s market where Buyer demand is still high, and inventory is scarce.  Historically, a 4-to-6-month supply of available inventory indicates a Balanced market.  More than a 6-month supply indicates a Buyer’s market where inventory is plentiful, with Buyers being slower to make decisions as they compare numerous properties on the market.  As of June 1^st, Carpinteria/Summerland has a 1.5-month supply (down from 2.3 on May 1^st), Montecito has a 6.4-month supply (up from 4.6 on May 1^st), Hope Ranch has a 3.3-month supply (down from 5.7 on May 1^st), and Goleta has a 1.6-month supply (up from 1.1 on May 1^st).  Carpinteria/Summerland and Goleta are both in a heated Seller’s market.  Montecito is in a Buyer’s market.  Santa Barbara and Hope Ranch are both in a basic Seller’s market.  With a combined total of 83 House/PUD pending sales (down from 86 on May 1^st) and 191 active listings (down from 194 on May 1^st) along the South Coast of Santa Barbara County, there is a 2.3-month supply (the same number as on May 1^st) of House/PUD listings from which Buyers can choose.  By removing the 64 higher-valued House/PUD listings in Montecito & Hope Ranch and their 12 pending sales from the equation, there is only a 1.8-month supply (basically the same number as on May 1^st) from which Buyers can choose on the South Coast of Santa Barbara County.  With a combined total of 21 Condominium pending sales (down from 28 on May 1^st) and 60 active listings (up from 56 on May 1^st), there is a 2.9-month supply (up from 2 on May 1^st) of Condominium listings from which Buyers can choose.

There are many concerns for Buyers and Sellers. These include the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, the rising price of gas, continued worldwide geopolitical tensions, inflation, insurance premium volatility, mortgage interest rates, health insurance rates, geopolitical tensions, and how many other administration economic policies are confusing to our trading partners.  Also, a major concern for Buyers and Sellers is the scarcity and cost of homeowners’ insurance coverage, especially since State Farm, Nationwide, Kemper, Marine America, Trans-Pacific, Allstate and others have refused to issue new policies in California and are not renewing existing home insurance policies.  Buyers are increasingly resorting to the California Fair Plan for insurance coverage as the last resort, whose rates are rumored to be rising by 29% later this year.  Sellers should be aware that Buyers are being more disciplined, homes are taking longer to sell, and pricing strategy matters more than ever. 

California’s Proposition 19 now allows homeowners aged 55+ to transfer their existing real estate tax base to a home anywhere in California; this law encourages some older Sellers who wish to sell their current homes and downsize.  The imbalance between Santa Barbara’s low housing supply and high demand is more pronounced than in most national cities, so over the years, there has been a surge in local property values.  While market corrections may still negatively impact property values on the Santa Barbara South Coast, the impact is expected to be less severe compared to many other areas in the state and country.  New 2026 listings may have remained on the market a bit longer than in 2025, but they continue to sell.  Home values in the Santa Barbara South Coast Real Estate Market continue to be supported by supply and demand dynamics due to our current market’s persistent low listing inventory.  Pre-pandemic House/PUD active listings as of May2019 totaled 378; as of May 1^st  2026, there are now 194 active listings, which equates to 49% fewer active listings than in 2019.

Review the attached list of the 134 properties sold on the Santa Barbara South Coast in May 2026, and contact me for information on specific sales in our area.

Stan Tabler, CRS, GRI, ABR, GREEN

Compass

801 Chapala Street

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

805.689.2305

stan@stantabler.com

http://www.stantabler.com

DRE #00774377 since 1980

Positioned quietly between Ventura and Santa Barbara County, Carpinteria is a small, enchanting ocean-side town that is renowned for its exceptional bluffs and seemingly endless beaches. Entertainment in Carpinteria & Summerland California Area includes everything from surf and sea right outside your front door to bike riding, camping, a walk along the Salt Marsh Reserve, fine dining, world-class shopping and much, much more.

Carpinteria Real Estate allows residents and visitors alike to participate in endless recreational, social and cultural activities throughout the year. One great example is the highly celebrated Avocado Festival. Each year the festival can be found along Linden Avenue with everything from award winning guacamole to homemade avocado ice cream. Speaking of food, you will also find a wealth of great restaurants including Carp’s one-stop hamburger shack, Robitaille’s Fine Candies, Island Brewing Company, Cajun Kitchen Café and Hugos Restaurant. You will also find Hollandia Produce, an organic produce company, rounding off the shopping and Entertainment in Carpinteria & Summerland California Area.

Other fantastic sources of Entertainment in Carpinteria & Summerland California Area are the many hiking trails and hot springs found in the neighboring community of Ojai, the events and activities at the Santa Barbara Polo Fields and of course the endless beaches and ocean waves.

As your Carpinteria and Summerland Realtor, it would be my pleasure to introduce you to the area and to the many activities, amenities and luxuries found here. I encourage you to browse my website at your convenience and look forward to assisting you with any and all your real estate needs. You may also be interested in my recent blog entitled: How Do I Price My Carpinteria and Summerland Home? Contact me today to get started whether buying, selling or investing!

When it comes to putting your Carpinteria and Summerland Real Estate on the market, determining the right asking price is one of the most important decisions you and your Realtor will make. If you’re asking the question –  “How Do I Price My Carpinteria and Summerland Home?” – you’re headed in the right direction. With the help of a qualified and experienced Carpinteria Real Estate Agent, you should have no problem setting the right price for your home and attracting more potential buyers to your property.

When determining the appropriate asking price, real estate professionals take several things into consideration. Some of these include: comparable listings and sales, withdrawn and expired listings, pending sales, square foot cost comparisons and the overall condition of the local market. Once these items have been reviewed, a good Realtor will be able to answer: “How Do I Price My Carpinteria and Summerland Home.”

As a seller, it is also important to look at the selling of your home as objectively as possible and to try to keep emotions out of the equation. Equally as important is to remember that pricing your home too high could have a very negative impact on the marketability of your home. By setting a price that is too high, your home could likely become “stale” in the market and will need to be removed from the market for a period of time. If the property is priced too high and sits too long, potential buyers will think negatively of the property. Therefore, in order to get your home sold in the quickest possible time period, it is important for you to give serious consideration to the price suggested by your Realtor.

If you’re still wondering, “How Do I Price My Carpinteria and Summerland Home?” or would like to learn more about Entertainment in Carpinteria & Summerland California Area, I encourage you to browse my website and blog at your leisure. Please contact me if you have any questions. It would be my great pleasure to help you with any and all of your real estate goals!