While Mortgage Rates Fall, California Home Values Keep Rising
Thanks to ultra-low mortgage rates, it's an excellent time to buy or sell a home across the U.S. But what about in California?
Is the state's housing market too pricey for buyers? Not-so-great if you've got a home you want to sell? Or just right — for everybody?
Home values provide some answers. They indicate that the market in California is cooling off, according to Zillow, though you might find vast differences from one city or one corner of the state to the next.
Current home values in California
Home values have been rising throughout California and are up 0.96% from a year ago.
Statewide, the median value for a single-family home — meaning half are worth more, half are worth less — is currently $548,700 , Zillow says.
Could you afford that? Let's say you want to buy that mid-priced home using a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at this week's average interest rate, which is a low 3.69%, says mortgage company Freddie Mac.
With the 30-year mortgage rate at 3.69% and the median home price for California at $548,700 , a representative monthly mortgage payment would be $2,522.47.
How the California housing market stacks up
A view of the Los Angeles, California skyline at sunset
Property values in California are high by historical standards and are higher than what the typical house is worth nationwide.
The median home value throughout the U.S. is $229,600, which is up 4.88% from a year ago.
Zillow predicts U.S. home values will rise 2.2% over the next year, while in California, they're expected to rise 1.91%.
Homes are going on the market in California at a median price of $356 per square foot, versus $155 per square foot nationwide.
Are you looking to buy? Take a look at today's best mortgage rates where you live.
California home prices over the last 10 years
Year | Avg. Price |
|---|---|
2019* | $558,813 |
2018 | $548,617 |
2017 | $513,217 |
2016 | $474,117 |
2015 | $441,625 |
2014 | $414,158 |
2013 | $370,483 |
2012 | $316,817 |
2011 | $315,475 |
2010 | $336,742 |
2009 | $346,542 |
*2019 price average through August 2019.
How much for an average-sized home?
Here's what a 2,500-square-foot home in California is worth now, and how that's changed over the last decade, based on the Zillow Home Value Index.
Year | Avg. Price |
|---|---|
2019* | $890,000 |
2018 | $880,000 |
2017 | $832,500 |
2016 | $767,500 |
2015 | $717,500 |
2014 | $667,500 |
2013 | $612,500 |
2012 | $507,500 |
2011 | $497,500 |
2010 | $535,000 |
2009 | $537,500 |
*2019 price average through August 2019.
