By Suzanne Dyer | Strand Hill | Forbes Global Properties
Top Realtor in Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, and Luxury Coastal Markets

Rancho Palos Verdes continues to be one of Southern California’s most sought-after coastal communities. With its dramatic oceanfront bluffs, larger homesites, diverse housing stock, and access to award-winning schools, the 90275 ZIP code consistently attracts buyers seeking a combination of coastal living, space, and value compared to many other Los Angeles luxury markets.

This week’s Altos Research report for 90275 paints a fascinating picture: a market in stasis on the surface, yet quietly strengthening underneath. With inventory tightening, buyer demand holding steady, and the Market Action Index sitting firmly in seller-advantage territory, Rancho Palos Verdes is positioned for stability heading into 2026 even as other markets waver.

Below is your deep, analytical, SEO-ready breakdown of the numbers and the story behind them.

1. Market Action Index Steady at 37: Rancho Palos Verdes Remains a Slight Seller’s Market

This week, the Market Action Index (MAI) for Rancho Palos Verdes is 37, exactly the same as last month. 

The MAI is one of the most important indicators in real estate analytics because it measures the balance between supply and demand. Anything above 30 is considered a seller’s market.

What a Stable MAI Means for 90275

• Buyer demand is strong enough to keep the market from softening.

• Inventory, while higher than in Palos Verdes Estates, is still not high enough to tip toward a buyer’s market.

• Prices are holding firm and not declining.

• Sellers have an advantage if they price appropriately.

• Buyers are active, but selective and cautious.

This “steady at 37” dynamic is actually a positive sign: it shows that even with broader economic fluctuations, Rancho Palos Verdes is holding strong. This is a testament to the area’s desirability, its price-to-value ratio, and the strength of local buyer demand.

The MAI’s stability also suggests that if inventory continues to decline, as it did this week, prices could begin trending upward again in the near future.

2. Median List Price: $2,299,500 — Strong, Stable, and Supported by Demand

The median list price in Rancho Palos Verdes this week is $2,299,500. 

This price point reflects a market that is:

• Price-sensitive, but not price-weak.

• Supported by a strong middle and upper-middle buyer pool.

• Attractive to families upgrading from Torrance, Redondo, or coastal condos.

• Comparatively affordable to entry-level luxury markets such as Manhattan Beach or Pacific Palisades.

Why This Median Price Is Significant

• Two years ago, RPV routinely sat around $1.7M–$1.9M.

• Today’s $2.3M median confirms long-term appreciation is holding.

• This number is consistent with strong buyer activity at the $1.8M–$2.6M level.

This is where the bulk of Rancho Palos Verdes inventory exists, and where buyers, particularly families, are most active. The market has shifted from the rapid acceleration of 2021–2022 to a more stable, measured pace, and this week’s numbers confirm that stability continues.

3. Median Price of New Listings: $2,399,000 — Sellers Are Confident

New listings coming on the market this week show a median price of $2,399,000, slightly higher than the overall median. 

This is an important detail because it tells us:

• Sellers believe the market will support higher pricing.

• The strongest buyer activity remains between $2M and $2.6M.

• New homes entering the market may offer more updates, views, or larger lots.

When new listings come in higher than the overall median, it indicates a “top-down” confidence from the seller side. In other words: sellers in the mid-range and upper-middle range see a strong buyer pool and are pricing accordingly.

4. Per Square Foot Pricing at $838 — Excellent Value for a Coastal Luxury Market

The per-square-foot price this week is $838. 

This is an extremely important figure when comparing RPV to competing coastal markets.

For context:

• Manhattan Beach often exceeds $1,700/sq ft

• South Redondo averages $1,100–$1,200/sq ft

• Hermosa Beach averages $1,300–$1,600/sq ft

• Coastal Orange County can range $1,200–$2,200+/sq ft

At $838/sq ft, Rancho Palos Verdes remains one of the best-value luxury coastal markets in California.

This price point is especially compelling for buyers seeking:

• Larger homes

• Larger lots

• Ocean views

• Quiet neighborhoods

• Strong schools

• Proximity to Los Angeles and the South Bay

This value proposition is a major reason demand continues to hold strong, buyers simply get more house and more land for their money in 90275.

5. Days on Market: 138 Average, 98 Median — A Market With Range

This week’s average days on market (DOM) is 138 days, and the median DOM is 98 days. 

This tells us several things:

A. Rancho Palos Verdes Has a Wide Variety of Listings

RPV includes:

• entry-level coastal homes,

• mid-range view properties,

• upper-end estates,

• older ranch-style homes,

• renovated modern homes,

• and large multi-level properties.

This variety broadens the DOM range significantly.

B. The Upper Tier Moves Slower

Homes priced above $4M typically take longer to find the right buyer.

C. Lower-Priced Homes Move Quickly

Homes priced between $1.5M and $2M with updates or views can move within days or weeks.

D. Seasonality Matters

Fall and winter naturally bring longer market times, especially for the $3M+ segment.

6. Price Reductions: 47% — A Sign of Selective Buyers, Not Market Weakness

The report shows that 47% of homes in Rancho Palos Verdes have taken a price reduction. 

This number may seem high, but here's the deeper truth:

Buyers are selective, informed, and careful.

They are willing to pay for:

• views

• updates

• space

• privacy

• flat lots

• location

But they are not willing to overpay simply because a home is in RPV.

This price-reduction rate also reflects another important factor:

Many sellers are anchoring their expectations to 2022 pricing.

However, the market now rewards:

• appropriate pricing

• cosmetic upgrades

• strong condition

• accurate valuations from day one

Price reductions are not a sign of collapse, they are a sign that buyers want fair value.

7. Price Increases: 1% — The Market Is Realistic and Properly Calibrated

Only 1% of sellers have increased their price this week. 

This is typical for a balanced-to-slight-seller’s market. Unlike the frenzy of 2021:

• Sellers today price with more precision.

• Buyers will not chase inflated prices.

• Appraisers are more conservative.

• Homes must justify their price through updates and location.

This number is normal and indicates that both sides—buyers and sellers—have realistic expectations.

8. Relisted Homes: 12% — A Healthy Number for a Diverse Market

This week, 12% of listings have been relisted. 

Relists occur for reasons such as:

• Refreshing photos and marketing

• Seasonal strategy shifts

• Expired listings with previous agents

• Price repositioning

• Temporary market withdrawal during renovations

In a large market like RPV with 86 active listings, a 12% relist rate is perfectly normal.

9. Inventory Drops to 86 Homes — A Key Shift Heading Into Winter

This week’s inventory count is 86 homes on the market in Rancho Palos Verdes. 

Inventory has been dropping steadily, and this downward trend is one of the most important data points in the report.

What Low Inventory Means for Sellers

• Less competition

• Greater leverage

• Stronger offer quality

• More buyer urgency

• Higher chances of receiving full-price offers

What Low Inventory Means for Buyers

• Desirable homes move quickly

• Pre-approval and readiness matter

• Off-market opportunities become critical

• Price expectations must align with comps

As inventory continues tightening, the MAI could increase—pushing the market into a stronger seller advantage.

10. Median Rent: $6,250 — Strong Demand for Lease Properties

The median rent in Rancho Palos Verdes is $6,250 this week. 

Why This Matters:

• Many relocating families rent before buying.

• High rents support long-term home values.

• Short supply of quality rental homes keeps demand strong.

• Some buyers choose to rent while waiting for the right home to hit the market.

The rental market is often overlooked, but it’s a significant driver of long-term value, and right now, it reinforces the strength of the RPV segment.

11. Market Narrative: A Market in Stasis—But Ready to Move

Altos Research describes 90275 as being in:

“relative stasis in terms of sales to inventory.”
“Prices have not been moving higher for several weeks.”
“However, inventory is sufficiently low to keep us in the Seller’s Market zone.”
“If the market heats up persistently, prices are likely to resume an upward climb.”

This narrative is critical because it tells us that:

• The market is not cooling.

• It is stabilizing at a higher price point.

• Inventory levels are key to future price growth.

If demand strengthens in early 2026—as it typically does—prices may begin to climb again.

12. Understanding the Market by Quartile: A Detailed Breakdown

Altos divides the market into four price segments. Here’s what each segment reveals:

Top Quartile ($5,400,000 median)

• 4,981 sq ft

• 5 beds / 4.5 baths

• 33 years old

• 0.25–0.5 acre lots

• 126 DOM

• 2 new listings

• 4 absorbed (sold)

This segment includes oceanfront homes, luxury modern builds, large estates, and highly upgraded view homes. These properties attract high-net-worth buyers who often shop off-market and respond to high-quality marketing.

Upper-Middle Quartile ($2,500,000 median)

• 3,191 sq ft

• 4 beds / 3 baths

• 49 years old

• 84 DOM

This is one of the hottest segments because it combines size, views, updates, and family-friendly floor plans. Homes here appeal to buyers upgrading from Redondo, Torrance, Westchester, and the Westside.

Lower-Middle Quartile ($1,996,500 median)

• 2,477 sq ft

• 4 beds / 2.5 baths

• 60 years old

• 98 DOM

This represents classic RPV homes, often original owners, mid-century layouts, and large lots. When updated, these sell quickly. When dated, buyers need price flexibility.

Entry Level ($1,588,000 median)

• 2,160 sq ft

• 4 beds / 2 baths

• 61 years old

• 91 DOM

This segment is extremely attractive to young families entering the PV school system. Updated homes can move very quickly. Original-condition homes still sell well when priced realistically.

13. What This Means for Sellers in 90275

Right now is a strong selling environment—especially for:

• Updated homes between $1.8M–$2.6M

• Homes with ocean or Catalina views

• Large, flat-lot ranch homes

• Turnkey mid-century homes

• Homes in quiet cul-de-sacs

• Properties near parks and schools

Sellers benefit from:

• Lower inventory

• Strong buyer demand

• Stable pricing

• Increasing relocation activity

With professional staging, premium photography, Forbes Global Properties international exposure, and targeted digital marketing, sellers can still achieve excellent results in this stable market.

14. What This Means for Buyers in Rancho Palos Verdes

Buyers need a strategy because:

• The best homes sell quickly

• Inventory is tightening

• Prices are holding firm

• Off-market listings matter more than ever

As a top agent, I maintain access to:

• pre-market opportunities

• coming-soon listings

• quiet/off-market homes

• seller networks

• agent-to-agent exclusives

For buyers, being proactive is the key to securing the right home in this competitive environment.

15. Looking Ahead: What to Expect in Early 2026

Based on current data, we project:

1. Prices will remain stable

Inventory is too low to push prices down.

2. The market may heat up after the holiday season

Traditionally, February–June is the strongest period.

3. Inventory may shrink further

Many sellers list during spring or early summer.

4. Demand from families entering PV schools will remain strong

90275 is one of the top school districts in the state.

5. High-end buyers will stay active

Particularly in the $2M–$3M upgraded segment.

16. Final Summary: Rancho Palos Verdes Is One of California’s Most Stable, High-Demand Coastal Markets

This week’s Altos Research data confirms that Rancho Palos Verdes is a market defined by stability, desirability, and value. With:

• A median price of $2.299M

• New listings around $2.399M

• An MAI of 37

• Inventory dropping to 86 homes

• Strong value at $838/sq ft

• High rental demand

• A balanced spread across four distinct price segments

Rancho Palos Verdes stands out as a market where buyers remain engaged, sellers retain leverage, and long-term appreciation continues to hold.

Whether you're buying or selling, expert guidance, sophisticated marketing, and hyperlocal expertise are the keys to success in this nuanced and diverse coastal market.