Summer 2025 delivered the strongest buyer’s market in more than a decade.
Nationwide, there were over 500,000 more home sellers than buyers in the market in August. For anyone considering Orange County real estate—from Newport Beach to Irvine—this shift created negotiating power not seen since 2013.
The number of active buyers fell to just 1.4 million, while sellers pulled back with 50,000 fewer listings since May. Even with that retreat, supply still outweighs demand. For buyers of luxury estates, high-end properties, and coastal homesin Laguna Beach, Dana Point, or San Clemente, this means more options, more leverage, and more opportunity.
Mortgage rates are also tilting the market in buyers’ favor. The 30-year fixed rate recently dropped to 6.26%—the lowest level in nearly a year. While higher than pandemic lows, that decline still trims hundreds from monthly payments. If rates dip below 6%, experts expect more buyers to return quickly. When that happens, competition for Newport Beach luxury homes, Irvine estates, and Newport Coast properties could intensify.
For now, though, buyers hold the upper hand. In Costa Mesa, San Clemente, and throughout Orange County, homes that aren’t perfectly priced are sitting longer. Sellers are more open to concessions and creative terms. Local buyers can finally upgrade into larger spaces or prime neighborhoods. National and international clients have a rare chance to secure Orange County luxury real estate before the balance shifts again.
But this moment isn’t just about numbers—it’s about lifestyle. Imagine ocean views in Laguna Beach, the boating culture of Newport Harbor, bluff-top retreats in Dana Point, or family-friendly neighborhoods in Irvine. Orange County blends sophistication with the coastal ease that defines Southern California living. When market conditions align with lifestyle goals, it’s time to act.
✨ Don’t wait for the crowd to return! If you’re ready to explore Orange County luxury homes and estates, connect with your Surterre Properties specialists today at SurterreProperties.com. You can also explore our exclusive listings now!
Source: Redfin.com
Orange County Buyer’s Market FAQ – 2025
1. Is 2025 really a buyer’s market in Orange County?
Yes. Summer 2025 produced the strongest buyer’s conditions in over a decade, with sellers outnumbering buyers nationally. In Orange County, that translates to more choice, firmer negotiation power, and better terms across Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Clemente, Costa Mesa, Irvine, and Newport Coast.
2. How do current mortgage rates affect my purchase timing?
Rates recently hovered near annual lows, improving affordability. If rates dip further, more buyers will return and competition may rise. Buying now can secure favorable terms before demand rebounds in high-end segments like ocean-view homes and gated luxury estates.
3. Where are the best opportunities for luxury estates and high-end properties?
Newport Beach and Newport Coast for harbor and coastline living, Laguna Beach for art-district and view estates, Dana Point for bluff-top and resort enclaves, San Clemente for beach-town charm, Irvine for master-planned convenience, and Costa Mesa for design-forward neighborhoods.
4. What leverage do buyers have right now?
Listings that aren’t perfectly priced are sitting longer. Many sellers are open to concessions, credits, rate buydowns, and flexible timelines. This creates room to negotiate on inspection items, closing costs, or upgrades—especially on premium listings.
5. I’m a local buyer—how should my strategy differ from national or international buyers?
Local buyers can preview quickly and act decisively. National buyers should get pre-underwritten and plan efficient tour trips. International buyers can leverage remote tours, concierge previews, and currency strategy for high-value transactions in OC luxury real estate.
6. What features hold value best in OC luxury homes?
Ocean and canyon views, outdoor living spaces, wellness amenities, EV-ready garages, quality renovations, walkability to beaches and dining, proximity to marinas in Newport Harbor, and top schools in Irvine and surrounding areas.
7. Should I wait for rates to fall below 6%?
Possibly, but waiting can invite more competition and higher prices. Model scenarios with your lender: a slightly higher rate today on a negotiated price may beat a lower rate later on a bidding-war price.
8. How can I keep monthly payments manageable if prices rise?
Explore 2-1 or 3-2-1 buydowns, permanent rate buydowns, seller credits, longer rate locks, and loan options like 7/1 or 10/1 ARMs. Target homes with strong rental or resale profiles in demand-heavy ZIP codes.
9. What due diligence helps me avoid overpaying?
Use hyper-local comps, days-on-market trends, price-reduction history, and pending-sale velocity. Pursue off-market and early-access opportunities, and negotiate for repairs or credits after inspections.
10. Who can guide me to the right neighborhood and deal structure?
Work with Surterre Properties for neighborhood-by-neighborhood strategy, private previews, and data-driven pricing across Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Clemente, Costa Mesa, Irvine, and Newport Coast. Start at
SurterreProperties.com.
Discover Orange County’s strongest buyer’s market in over a decade with insights from top Surterre Properties agents and teams. Take advantage of lower mortgage rates, motivated sellers, and rare opportunities across Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Anaheim, San Clemente, and Newport Coast. Explore high-end properties, ocean-view estates, gated communities, and luxury homes while buyer leverage remains strong.— Jim Kline: Orange County luxury real estate agent specializing in Newport Beach homes, waterfront properties, and premium listings.
— Alexei Sarna: Laguna Beach specialist with expertise in luxury estates, art-district residences, and ocean-view investments.
— Katie Bethel Drown: Trusted advisor in Costa Mesa and Irvine for modern luxury homes, relocation, and move-in ready listings.
— Kline Sarna Group: Elite team representing gated communities, coastal estates, and off-market luxury opportunities across prime OC neighborhoods.
— Corey Anthony: Newport Harbor and Corona del Mar expert for boating lifestyle properties and dock-access estates.
— Corey Anthony Group: Data-driven strategies for high-end buyers and sellers navigating today’s shifting market.
— Karen Betson: Local expert for turnkey family estates and school-focused neighborhoods in South Orange County.
— Anne Hoover: Trusted guide for seaside homes, second residences, and downsizing in Laguna Beach and Dana Point.
— Chris Moreno: Skilled negotiator for premium listings, new construction, and value-add coastal opportunities.
— Cassie Hammond: Lifestyle-focused specialist for lock-and-leave condos and design-forward homes in OC.
— Hammond Moreno Associates: Power team for pricing, staging, and targeted marketing of OC luxury listings.
— Briana Harper: Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Irvine expert for modern builds and elevated suburban living.
— Eliisa Stowell: Huntington Beach and Newport Coast authority for ocean-close homes and community amenities.
— Stowell & Associates: Proven results in waterfront estates, view lots, and exclusive OC enclaves.
— Kevin Kanda: Mission Viejo and South County advisor for cul-de-sac estates, pool homes, and privacy-driven properties.
— Rebecca Anderson: Anaheim Hills and North OC expert for panoramic-view estates and commuter-friendly luxury.
— Lara Langford: Curated representation for Laguna Beach art-district homes and boutique condos.
— Langford Group: Full-service team for estate sales, buyer representation, and off-market discovery.
— JP Ballantyne: Dana Point bluff-top and lantern district specialist for vacation-ready and coastal estates.
— Sara Legrand: Corona del Mar and Newport Heights expert for elevated cottages and designer listings.
— Legrand Ballantyne Group: White-glove service for OC luxury sellers—global reach, local expertise, and discreet transactions.
— Bill Fallon: Senior advisor for golf-course estates, gated communities, and legacy properties in Orange County.
— Kathy Fallon: Concierge preparation—repairs, staging, and marketing—to maximize seller ROI.
— Taylor Fallon: Next-gen marketing specialist for social, video, and lifestyle storytelling.
— Brian Thomas: Irvine Spectrum and Turtle Ridge guidance for executive estates and amenity-rich neighborhoods.
— Jennifer Thomas: Family-focused representation for homes in top school districts and community-centric living.
— The Thomas Group: Comprehensive OC team offering valuation, negotiation, and seamless closings for high-end buyers and sellers.Find your perfect Orange County neighborhood—whether Newport Beach waterfronts, Laguna Beach view homes, Dana Point bluffs, Costa Mesa cultural hubs, or Irvine’s master-planned communities. For expert guidance on today’s buyer-friendly market and Orange County luxury real estate, connect with Surterre Properties specialists at SurterreProperties.com.
