Santa Cruz Housing Market Report – April 2026
Here's a look at how the Santa Cruz, CA real estate market performed in April 2026, based on actual sold data from the MLS.
Market Snapshot
- Homes Sold: 52
- Median Sale Price: $1,313,500
- Average Sale Price: $1,533,475
- Average Price Per Sq Ft: $930
- Average Days on Market: 70
- Sale-to-List Price Ratio: 100.6%
Month-Over-Month Trends
Compared to March, the median sale price in Santa Cruz moved 3.0% up (from $1,275,000 to $1,313,500). The number of homes sold was 8.3% up compared to the prior month (48 vs. 52). Average days on market shifted 2.9% up (68 days to 70 days).
Year-Over-Year Comparison
Compared to April 2025, the median sale price is 5.3% down (from $1,387,500 to $1,313,500). Sales volume is 21.2% down year-over-year.
What This Means
Santa Cruz's housing market is showing modest spring momentum, but it's not quite the recovery story you'd hope for. April brought 52 sales and a median price of $1.3 million—up slightly month-over-month—which suggests the typical seasonal uptick as buyers emerge after winter. However, the year-over-year numbers tell a different story: median prices are down 5.3% and sales volume has dropped 21.2% compared to April 2025. This points to a market that's still struggling with affordability and buyer hesitation, likely tied to persistent higher interest rates that keep monthly payments elevated.
What's interesting is that homes are selling at 100.6% of list price, meaning sellers are getting their asking—a sign of balanced negotiating power rather than distressed conditions. Yet properties are sitting on the market for 70 days on average, up from 68 last month. That creeping DOM suggests buyers are taking their time and comparison shopping rather than jumping at opportunities.
The inventory situation, with 206 active listings, appears adequate relative to monthly sales velocity. The market isn't starved for options, which is actually healthy. Overall, Santa Cruz feels like a buyer's market slowly shifting to equilibrium—spring activity is picking up, but last year's enthusiasm hasn't returned. Expect this cautious pace to continue through summer unless interest rates finally move in a more favorable direction.
Santa Cruz Sales by Zip Code
| Zip Code | Homes Sold | Median Price | Avg $/SqFt | Avg DOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95060 | 31 | $1,350,000 | $931 | 73 |
| 95062 | 19 | $1,300,000 | $959 | 72 |
| 95065 | 2 | $1,042,000 | $636 | 24 |
Sales by Property Type
| Property Type | Homes Sold | Median Price | Avg $/SqFt |
|---|---|---|---|
| SINGLE_FAMILY | 34 | $1,555,000 | $1,119 |
| MOBILE | 9 | $345,000 | $363 |
| CONDOS | 5 | $817,500 | $753 |
| TOWNHOMES | 3 | $1,005,000 | $782 |
| LAND | 1 | $360,000 | N/A |
Sales by Price Range
| Price Range | Homes Sold |
|---|---|
| Under $100K | 1 |
| $200K - $299K | 2 |
| $300K - $399K | 4 |
| $400K - $499K | 2 |
| $500K - $749K | 2 |
| $750K+ | 41 |
Current Active Listings
As of this report, there are 206 active listings in Santa Cruz with a median asking price of $1,312,500 and an average of 91 days on market.
Thinking About Selling Your Santa Cruz Home?
If you're a homeowner in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz and throughout Santa Cruz County — get a no-obligation cash offer today.