Berkeley Housing Market Report – May 2026
Here's a look at how the Berkeley, CA real estate market performed in May 2026, based on actual sold data from the MLS.
Market Snapshot
- Homes Sold: 81
- Median Sale Price: $1,500,000
- Average Sale Price: $1,637,338
- Average Price Per Sq Ft: $938
- Average Days on Market: 46
- Sale-to-List Price Ratio: 125.7%
Month-Over-Month Trends
Compared to April, the median sale price in Berkeley moved 2.8% down (from $1,544,000 to $1,500,000). The number of homes sold was 12.5% up compared to the prior month (72 vs. 81). Average days on market shifted 31.4% up (35 days to 46 days).
Year-Over-Year Comparison
Compared to May 2025, the median sale price is 4.7% down (from $1,574,500 to $1,500,000). Sales volume is 11.0% down year-over-year.
What This Means
Berkeley's housing market is showing mixed signals heading into summer. The median price dipped 2.8% month-over-month to $1.5 million, continuing a modest downward trend that's now 4.7% below last year. That said, homes are still commanding a hefty 125.7% sale-to-list ratio, meaning buyers remain willing to pay well above asking. The real story is in the timing: homes are lingering 46 days on the market, up significantly from 35 days last month. This suggests the initial spring rush is cooling, which is somewhat expected as we move past peak season, though it's worth noting for sellers.
The inventory situation remains tight with only 174 active listings, though those homes are taking considerably longer to sell than recent months. The gap between listed prices (median $999,000) and actual sales prices ($1.5 million) points to persistent overpricing by sellers, a hangover from years of appreciation that's slowly correcting. Single-family homes dominate the market, accounting for 79% of sales, reinforcing Berkeley's character as a residential community.
Overall, this is a stabilizing market rather than a declining one. Prices are softening gradually while buyer interest persists, creating modest negotiating room for purchasers who've been shut out in recent years.
Berkeley Sales by Zip Code
| Zip Code | Homes Sold | Median Price | Avg $/SqFt | Avg DOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94705 | 17 | $2,100,000 | $957 | 52 |
| 94708 | 14 | $1,850,000 | $872 | 35 |
| 94702 | 13 | $1,340,000 | $959 | 71 |
| 94703 | 9 | $1,200,000 | $804 | 40 |
| 94707 | 9 | $1,735,500 | $983 | 36 |
| 94709 | 8 | $1,730,000 | $1,081 | 36 |
| 94710 | 5 | $1,280,000 | $777 | 52 |
| 94704 | 5 | $898,000 | $878 | 49 |
| 94706 | 1 | $2,600,000 | $1,793 | 24 |
Sales by Property Type
| Property Type | Homes Sold | Median Price | Avg $/SqFt |
|---|---|---|---|
| SINGLE_FAMILY | 64 | $1,632,500 | $987 |
| CONDOS | 7 | $685,000 | $864 |
| MULTI_FAMILY | 6 | $1,125,000 | $491 |
| LAND | 4 | $584,000 | N/A |
Sales by Price Range
| Price Range | Homes Sold |
|---|---|
| $300K - $399K | 2 |
| $500K - $749K | 6 |
| $750K+ | 73 |
Current Active Listings
As of this report, there are 174 active listings in Berkeley with a median asking price of $999,000 and an average of 86 days on market.
Thinking About Selling Your Berkeley Home?
If you're a homeowner in Berkeley considering selling, you have options. While the traditional market is one route, selling directly for cash can save you time, commissions, and the hassle of repairs and showings. We buy houses in Berkeley and throughout Alameda County — get a no-obligation cash offer today.