Real Estate Market Update: May 2026

The spring market is well underway across Northern California, but one thing remains clear: there is no single Bay Area housing market.

While some counties are seeing buyers gain more options and negotiating power, others continue to experience limited inventory, quick sales, and multiple-offer competition. Understanding these differences is important whether you're planning to buy, sell, invest, or simply keep track of your home's value.

Here's a closer look at what happened across the Bay Area in May 2026 and what these trends may mean moving forward.

The Big Picture

Inventory levels remain one of the most important indicators of market conditions.

Generally speaking:

• Less than 3 months of inventory favors sellers.
• Around 4 to 6 months of inventory creates a more balanced market.
• More than 6 months of inventory typically favors buyers.
  
  

Most Bay Area counties continue to operate with less than 3 months of inventory, although Napa County is beginning to offer more balance than many neighboring markets.

Napa County: More Choices for Buyers

Napa County recorded 97 new listings and 89 sold listings during May. The county currently sits at 5.2 months of inventory, making it one of the most balanced markets in the region.

The median sold price reached $929,000, while the average sold price exceeded $1.1 million.

For buyers, this means more opportunities, less urgency, and additional time to evaluate options. For sellers, presentation, pricing, and marketing matter more than they did during the highly competitive markets of previous years.

Homes are still selling, but buyers have become more selective.

Explore Napa County Homes for Sale

Sonoma County: A Healthy Spring Market

Sonoma County remains active, with 329 new listings and 337 closed sales during the month.

Inventory stands at 2.7 months, indicating demand continues to absorb available inventory at a steady pace. The median sold price reached $875,000, while the average sold price climbed to $1.13 million.

Well-prepared homes continue to attract strong interest, particularly in desirable communities throughout Sonoma County.

Explore Sonoma County Homes for Sale

Solano County: Value Continues to Drive Demand

Solano County remains attractive for buyers seeking affordability while maintaining access to major employment centers throughout the Bay Area.

May brought 342 new listings and 297 sales, with inventory sitting at 2.4 months. The median sold price was $595,000.

Compared with neighboring counties, Solano continues to offer attractive entry points for first-time buyers, move-up buyers, and investors.

Explore Solano County Homes for Sale

Marin County: Competition Remains Strong

Marin County continues to experience one of the tightest housing markets in Northern California.

With only 1.5 months of inventory, demand remains significantly higher than available supply. The median sold price reached $1.813 million, while the average sold price exceeded $2.5 million.

Perhaps most notable, homes sold for an average of 103% of their original list price, indicating that many properties are still receiving competing offers.

For sellers, market conditions remain favorable. Buyers should be prepared to move quickly when the right property becomes available.

Explore Marin County Homes for Sale

Contra Costa County: Strong Demand Across the Board

Contra Costa County recorded more than 1,000 new listings during May and continues to attract strong buyer activity.

Inventory remains low at 1.8 months, while homes are averaging just 24 days on market.

The median sold price reached $920,000, reflecting continued demand across a wide range of price points and communities throughout the county.

Explore Contra Costa Homes for Sale

San Francisco County: Multiple Offers Are Back

San Francisco posted some of the strongest numbers in the region.

The county reported only 0.9 months of inventory, making it one of the most competitive housing markets in Northern California. The median sold price reached $2.175 million, and homes sold for an average of 121% of their original list price.

Those numbers indicate that many buyers are once again competing aggressively for available inventory.

The condominium market is also showing renewed strength. Condos sold at an average of 109% of original list price, suggesting growing confidence in San Francisco's urban housing market.

Explore San Francisco Homes for Sale

Alameda County: Inventory Remains Tight

Alameda County continues to see strong buyer demand, supported by limited inventory and steady job growth throughout the East Bay.

Inventory remains at just 1.5 months, while homes are selling for approximately 109% of their original list price.

The median sold price climbed to $1.39 million, reinforcing Alameda County's position as one of the Bay Area's most competitive housing markets.

Explore Alameda County Homes for Sale

Yolo County: Steady and Balanced

Yolo County remains relatively stable compared to some neighboring markets.

The county reported 2.1 months of inventory, a median sold price of $685,000, and an average sold price of $779,000.

While buyers still face competition, the pace is not as intense as what we're seeing in Marin, Alameda, or San Francisco Counties.

Sacramento County: Affordability Continues to Attract Buyers

Sacramento County remains one of the most active housing markets in Northern California.

More than 1,300 new listings entered the market during May, while 965 homes sold. The median sold price reached $560,000, offering considerably more affordability than many Bay Area counties.

For buyers looking to maximize purchasing power, Sacramento continues to attract attention from both local residents and Bay Area transplants.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

The May numbers highlight a market that varies significantly from county to county.

Buyers may find more negotiating opportunities in areas such as Napa County, while markets like Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Francisco continue to favor sellers due to limited inventory and strong demand.

For sellers, pricing remains important. Today's buyers are informed, selective, and willing to wait for the right home. Properties that are priced correctly and marketed effectively continue to achieve strong results.

Real Estate Is Local

County-wide statistics provide a useful overview, but they only tell part of the story.

The conditions in your neighborhood may look very different from the county average. School districts, price ranges, property types, and local inventory can all influence market performance.

If you're curious about what's happening in your city, neighborhood, or even your specific subdivision, we'd be happy to prepare a personalized market report tailored to your area.

Contact EO&A today to learn what today's market means for your next move.

Your Trusted Real Estate Advisors across Northern California

Whether you’re planning to sell in San Francisco, Marin, Napa, Sonoma, Solano, Yolo, Sacramento, Contra Costa, or Alameda County, our team has local experts ready to help you navigate your next move with confidence and strategy.


EO&A Team



Elizabeth, Anne, Ian, Ksenia, Cliff, Annie, Mike, Nina, Sidra, Karen, Annie, Elizabeth, Steven, Gladys, Venus, and Najat


707.312.0819 • hello@eoanda.com • www.eoanda.com
DRE# 01388551 • GUIDE Real Estate DRE# 01976964