2025 Wrap-Up: San Mateo County Housing Market Report

By Burt Tsuei

A Realtor with 20+ Years of proven track record of high quality service in the San Mateo County/Bay Area. A lifelong Bay Area resident, Burt works with buyers and sellers from Pacifica to South San Francisco to Redwood City and beyond.

If you’ve been following San Mateo County real estate lately, it probably feels confusing. One headline says the market is cooling. The next says buyers are back everywhere. That kind of back-and-forth has left many buyers and sellers unsure about what to do next. The reality is more straightforward than the headlines suggest. As we wrap up 2025, the market is still moving, just more slowly.

Why the San Mateo County market is still active. In the most recent full month, 316 single-family homes sold across San Mateo County. That number is up about 6% compared to the same time last year. Even with price adjustments, activity has not stalled. Most homes are still going pending in under 30 days, which tells us buyers are active when the right property comes along.

What recent pricing actually shows. The typical single-family home is selling around $1.9 million, which is about 5% lower than in 2024. This has created a market where buyers feel less rushed, but sellers who price correctly are still seeing strong results. Some neighborhoods feel quieter, while others remain competitive. Homes priced realistically and that show well are still receiving multiple offers.

What this means if you are buying. This is no longer the chaos of 2021 or 2022, but competition has not disappeared. Buyers who are winning right now tend to have three things in place. They know their budget, they have their loan ready, and they are prepared to move quickly when the right home hits the market. Waiting for a major crash or a large rate drop often leads to missing the homes that actually fit your needs.

What this means if you are selling. Inventory remains tight at roughly two months of supply. That is why well-prepared homes continue to sell quickly. Sellers who price realistically from day one and make their homes easy to show are seeing strong outcomes. The homes that struggle are often the ones priced based on last year’s conditions rather than today’s.

What to expect heading into 2026. Most of the experts I follow expect more inventory to come on the market in the spring. That could give buyers more choices and take some pressure off prices. However, with jobs remaining strong in the Bay Area, demand is unlikely to go away. This points to a market that rewards preparation rather than perfect timing.

Whether you are buying or selling, the people who do best right now are the ones who get clear on their plan and understand the local numbers. If you want a simple, no-pressure update on what is happening in your specific neighborhood and how it affects your move, reach out anytime.

You can call or text 650-274-3598, email Burt@RealEstateBurt.com, or visit RealEstateBurt.com. I am always happy to grab a coffee or hop on a quick call and walk you through it.