Browse
Log in / Register
Share
The Long Beach, California housing market showed clear signs of a seasonal cooldown in September 2026, with home prices experiencing a moderate decline. The median listing price settled at $769,000, reflecting a broader trend of decreasing prices per square foot and a shrinking number of available homes. This data, analyzed from recent market reports, indicates a shift towards a more balanced market compared to the intense competition of previous years, giving potential buyers increased negotiating power.
A typical seasonal pattern held true in September, with home values softening. The most significant indicator was the price per square foot, which decreased by 1.6% compared to August 2026. This metric, which calculates a property's value by dividing the sale price by its total square footage, provides a standardized way to compare homes of different sizes. For context, the national average saw a smaller dip of 0.8% during the same period, suggesting Long Beach's market adjustments were more pronounced. The overall median listing price of $769,000 confirms this downward pressure on home values.
The supply of homes for sale, often referred to as active inventory, contracted noticeably. By the end of September, there were 538 homes on the market in Long Beach, a 5.4% decrease from the previous month. This reduction in available properties is larger than the typical seasonal expectation for the area. However, when viewed annually, inventory was still 14.1% higher than in September 2025, contributing to a less frenzied environment. In contrast, the national active inventory saw a slight increase of 0.2%.
| Market Metric | Long Beach (Sept 2026) | Monthly Change | National Average (Sept 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Listing Price | $769,000 | Decrease | N/A |
| Price per Sq. Ft. | Decreased | -1.6% | -0.8% |
| Homes for Sale | 538 | -5.4% | 0.2% |
| Median Days on Market | 64 | +4 days | 62 days |
The pace of sales slowed considerably, giving buyers more time to make decisions. The median days on market—the typical time a listing remains active before going under contract—reached 64 days in September. This was four days longer than in August and a significant 14 days longer than the same period last year. This extended selling timeline exceeds the national median of 62 days, indicating that homes in Long Beach are currently selling slower than in many other parts of the country.
Based on our experience assessment, the current Long Beach market data points to a favorable window for serious buyers. The combination of lower prices, increased selection compared to last year, and less pressure from competing offers creates negotiable opportunities. Sellers should be prepared for a more deliberate sales process, emphasizing accurate pricing and home presentation to attract buyers in a cooling market.
