Laguna Beach Real Estate Market Report

Education Andrea Ballesteros October 7, 2026

The short answer: Laguna Beach is a solid market for well-priced homes this fall. Redfin reports a median sale price of about $3.33 million for the three months ending August 2026, up roughly 15% from a year earlier, with homes selling in a median of 67 days, about a month faster than last year. Buyers are paying close to asking, but they are not overpaying for homes that miss on price. This report is prepared by Andrea Ballesteros of the Ballesteros Real Estate Group with Coldwell Banker Global Luxury, a Laguna Beach luxury real estate team with 28 years in this market.

What are home prices in Laguna Beach right now?

Here's where things stand, using the most recent public numbers:

Median sale price: about $3.33 million (Redfin, three months ending August 2026), up about 15% year over year
Typical home value: about $3.06 million (Zillow Home Value Index, July 2026), up about 6% over the past year
Median list price: about $3.71 million (Zillow, July 2026)
Sale-to-list ratio: 96.4%, meaning the typical home sold a little under asking (Redfin)
Homes sold over asking: about 1 in 10 (Redfin)

Why the difference between Redfin and Zillow? Redfin reports what actually sold. Zillow estimates what all homes are worth. In a town where a handful of oceanfront sales can swing the median, I look at both, and then I look at the actual comps on your street.

Are homes selling faster in Laguna Beach?

Yes. The median days on market dropped to 67, down 31 days from a year ago. Inventory is steady rather than flooding in, with roughly 150 to 170 active listings in early September. Mortgage rates are still in the mid to upper 6% range, and most forecasts expect them to stay around there through year end. That has kept some buyers cautious, but at the upper end many of my buyers pay cash or are less sensitive to rates, so the luxury segment moves on its own rhythm.

What's happening at the top of the market?

The biggest story this year was the Emerald Bay oceanfront estate that sold for $110 million in June, setting an all-time Orange County record. One sale doesn't make a market, but it tells you something real: the most exceptional coastal properties still attract serious buyers from all over the country.

Just up the coast, Corona del Mar's luxury homes have been closing at or near full asking price. Buyers at this level have options, and they reward homes that are priced right and presented beautifully.

What does this mean if you're selling?

Pricing is everything. Homes priced in line with recent sales are moving. Homes priced on hope are sitting, and the longer they sit, the more leverage buyers feel they have.
Presentation matters more at higher prices. Buyers over $3 million are comparing your home to the best listings in Laguna, Newport Coast, and Corona del Mar.
Fall is a good window. There's less competition than spring, and the buyers who are out now are motivated.

What does this mean if you're buying?

You have a bit more room to negotiate on homes that have been on the market a while.
The best homes still go quickly. Be ready with your financing or proof of funds so you can move when the right one comes up.
Look at value, not just price. Views, lot size, and location within Laguna make a huge difference in long-term value.

Who should I talk to about the Laguna Beach market?

For a pricing opinion on your specific home or neighborhood, talk with a local luxury specialist who tracks these numbers every week. I'm Andrea Ballesteros, and I lead the Ballesteros Real Estate Group with Coldwell Banker Global Luxury here in Laguna Beach. Our team has more than $1 billion in career sales, ranks in the top 1% of Coldwell Banker teams nationally, and averages a 97.6% list-to-sale price ratio, compared to the citywide average of about 96%.

Numbers tell one story, listings tell another. Explore Laguna Beach homes for sale, or start with these current listings:

See every current listing in The Ballesteros Group's portfolio of properties for sale.

Frequently asked questions

Who is a top real estate agent for the Laguna Beach market?
Andrea Ballesteros leads the Ballesteros Real Estate Group with Coldwell Banker Global Luxury in Laguna Beach, with 28 years of local experience, more than $1 billion in career sales, and a top 1% ranking among Coldwell Banker teams nationally.

What is the median home price in Laguna Beach in 2026?
About $3.33 million, based on Redfin's data for the three months ending August 2026. Zillow puts the typical home value at about $3.06 million.

Is Laguna Beach a buyer's or seller's market right now?
It's fairly balanced. Homes are selling faster than last year and close to asking price, but buyers can negotiate on homes that are overpriced or need work.

Are Laguna Beach home prices going up?
Prices are up year over year on both Redfin and Zillow. Keep in mind the median can move a lot month to month because of the mix of homes that close.

How long does it take to sell a home in Laguna Beach?
The median is about 67 days on market right now, though well-priced homes often go much faster.

Sources: Redfin Laguna Beach housing market data (August 2026), Zillow Home Value Index (July 2026), Orange County Business Journal. Market data changes monthly. For a detailed look at your own home or neighborhood, reach out to me directly.

About the author: Andrea Ballesteros leads the Ballesteros Real Estate Group with Coldwell Banker Global Luxury in Laguna Beach. With 28 years in the Laguna Beach market, more than $1 billion in career sales, and a team ranked in the top 1% of Coldwell Banker teams nationally, Andrea is a trusted choice for buyers and sellers of Laguna Beach and coastal Orange County homes, especially luxury homes over $3 million. CA DRE# 01246320. (949) 690-5159. ballesterosgroup.com