Marin County End of Spring Market Update – June 2026

As we wrap up the spring market in Marin County, one thing is clear: buyer demand remains remarkably strong despite higher interest rates and ongoing economic uncertainty.

The 2026 spring market delivered a competitive environment defined by low inventory, rising prices, and steady buyer activity across many of Marin’s most desirable neighborhoods. While the frenzy of 2021 may be behind us, well-positioned homes are still moving quickly — and often above asking price.

Inventory Improves, But Supply Remains Tight

One of the biggest stories this spring was the gradual return of inventory. Marin County finished May with 501 active listings, up 6.6% from April. However, inventory is still down 21.6% compared to May of last year.

This increase in listings gave buyers more options than earlier this year, but supply still remains historically constrained. Months of inventory ended May at just 1.9 months — firmly in seller’s market territory.

In practical terms, demand continues to outpace supply for desirable homes, especially turnkey properties in strong school districts and walkable neighborhoods.

Buyer Demand Continues to Accelerate

Pending sales and closed transactions both saw strong year-over-year growth this spring.

• Closed sales increased 11.9% year-over-year in May
• Pending sales jumped 13.1% compared to May 2025

These numbers suggest buyers are adapting to current mortgage rates and re-entering the market with greater confidence. Many buyers who paused over the past two years are realizing that waiting indefinitely for significantly lower rates may not be realistic — especially as home prices continue to climb.

Prices Reach New Highs

Pricing strength remained one of the defining themes of the spring market.

The average sold price in Marin County climbed to $2.256 million in May, up 5% year-over-year.

Price per square foot also surged to $1,000 per square foot — a 5.3% increase from last year.

Perhaps most notably, homes continued selling above original asking price on average, with the sold-to-original-list-price ratio finishing at 102%.

This tells us buyers are still willing to compete aggressively for homes that are:

• Properly priced
• Well presented
• Move-in ready
• Located in highly desirable micro-neighborhoods

Market Conditions Becoming More Balanced

Although pricing remains strong, the market is becoming more nuanced than the ultra-competitive pandemic years.

Average days on market rose to 32 days, up from 26 days a year ago.

This shift indicates buyers are becoming more selective and price sensitive — especially for homes that need work, are priced aggressively, or face location challenges.

The market today rewards strategic pricing and thoughtful preparation more than ever.

What This Means for Sellers

For sellers, conditions remain favorable heading into summer.

Inventory is still relatively low, buyer activity remains healthy, and premium homes continue attracting strong competition. However, buyers are more educated and selective than they were a few years ago.

The homes generating the best results today tend to share several characteristics:

• Strong presentation and staging
• Strategic pricing
• Thorough pre-sale preparation
• High-quality marketing exposure

The days of simply “putting a home on the market and waiting” are largely behind us.

What This Means for Buyers

For buyers, the market remains competitive — but opportunities are improving.

The increase in inventory compared to earlier this year provides more choices and slightly less pressure than the ultra-tight conditions we experienced in early 2024 and 2025.

Buyers who are financially prepared and decisive still have opportunities to secure excellent properties, particularly if they focus on:

• Long-term lifestyle fit
• Neighborhood quality
• School districts
• Property fundamentals over short-term rate fluctuations

Looking Ahead

As we move into summer, the Marin market appears poised to remain active but increasingly balanced.

If inventory continues rising while buyer demand stays steady, we may see slightly more negotiating flexibility emerge later in the year. However, given the persistent housing shortage across Marin County, significant price declines still appear unlikely in most neighborhoods.

The fundamentals supporting Marin real estate — limited supply, exceptional lifestyle, strong schools, and proximity to San Francisco — remain firmly intact.

If you’re considering buying or selling in Marin County and would like a more detailed analysis specific to your neighborhood, feel free to reach out anytime.