How Competitive Is the East Bay Housing Market Right Now?

Robert Jones • February 19, 2026

How Competitive Is the East Bay Housing Market Right Now?

If you’re watching the East Bay housing market — encompassing Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Contra Costa County and beyond — you’ve likely noticed some big shifts over the past year. After years of intense competition and bidding wars, 2025 has gradually steered the region toward a more balanced, yet still dynamic market. So how competitive is it right now? Let’s break it down with the latest trends and data.

1. Inventory Is Rising — But Competition Persists
One of the most significant changes in 2025 has been the rise in housing inventory. Across the East Bay, active listings have increased by 30–40% year-over-year, offering buyers more choices than they’ve had in recent years. 

That might sound like good news for buyers — and in many ways, it is — but competition hasn’t disappeared entirely. In desirable neighborhoods and price ranges (especially under roughly $1.5 million), homes are still selling relatively quickly compared to broader historical norms. 

2. Market Balance vs. Seller’s Advantage
The trend toward balance is noticeable. Mortgage rates in the mid-to-high 6% range have kept some buyers cautious, slowing overall sales velocity even as inventory grows. connectcahomes.com That’s created an environment where neither buyers nor sellers completely dominate — though sellers of well-priced, well-presented homes still hold an edge.

Metrics like Months of Supply Inventory (MSI) illustrate this well:
  • Single-family homes in the East Bay still lean toward a seller’s market, with MSI levels typically under ~3 months. 
  • Condos, however, are shifting more toward a buyer’s market, particularly in areas with MSI above ~4 months. 

What this means: if you’re selling a detached home in a strong school district or close-in neighborhood, you can often expect competitive interest. But buyers looking at condos and certain market segments may have more negotiating room than they did a couple of years ago.

3. Pricing Trends Reflect Nuanced Competition
Median home prices across the East Bay have softened slightly in many areas, but not precipitously — an indication of demand holding firm among qualified buyers. For example, some reports show modest year-over-year price declines in Alameda and Contra Costa counties for single-family homes, while condos have experienced slightly larger downturns.

At the same time, inventory rises haven’t triggered steep price drops — yet. That’s partly because buyers and sellers alike are adjusting expectations. Sellers are pricing more aggressively up front, and buyers are responding more selectively, creating a tactical, thoughtful competitive environment.

4. Speed and Strategy Still Matter
Even with more listings available, prepared and motivated buyers often win out. Homes that are priced right with strong marketing still tend to move faster and draw multiple offers — particularly in areas with good schools, transit access, and neighborhood appeal. 

Conversely, overpriced or poorly staged homes may sit longer as buyers exercise greater patience and comparison shopping becomes easier with increased inventory.

5. What It All Means for You
For Buyers:
  • You have more options than earlier in the decade, and potential bargaining power — especially for condos and homes priced above the median.
  • But don’t assume anything: desirable, well-priced homes still attract competition.
For Sellers:
  • Homes that are priced appropriately and presented well remain competitive.
  • Expect less frenzy than the 2020–2024 peak, but still strong interest if conditions are right.
For Everyone:
  • The market is not monolithic — competitiveness varies by neighborhood, price point, and property type.

In summary: 
The East Bay housing market in 2025 has been competitive in a revised way — less frenetic than the boom years, but still active and dynamic. Inventory growth and rate pressures have eased some competition, yet solid demand persists for the right homes. Working with an experienced local agent who understands neighborhood-level nuances has never been more important. If you’d like neighborhood-specific analysis, I can help tailor insights to your exact area.