Buyer’s Market? Seller’s Market?

By August 28, 2025

Every West Los Angeles homeowner and buyer is asking: what’s happening in the market, and has it shifted to a buyer’s market? The answer is more nuanced than media soundbites suggest. Market conditions vary by neighborhood and property type – what holds in Santa Monica may look different in Venice, or between a condo and a single-family home.

Market Trends: Inventory Up, Pace Slower

  • Inventory Surge: Active listings in Los Angeles have jumped, roughly 30% higher in July 2025 compared to July 20241. Buyers now have more choices, easing the fierce competition of previous years.

  • Longer Time on Market: Homes aren’t selling overnight anymore. The average days on market has climbed from ~28 days last summer to about 36 days now2. This gives buyers more breathing room, while sellers must adjust expectations.

  • Varied by Type: Shifts aren’t uniform. Condo inventory grew ~31% year-over-year, outpacing the ~25% rise for single-family homes3.

What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

It’s not the frenzied seller’s market of the post-COVID boom, when nearly every listing sparked multiple offers. Today feels more balanced. Buyers have leverage and time to negotiate. Sellers can still succeed, but strategy is everything. With more competition, a home must be priced right, staged, and marketed effectively to stand out. Even in a cooler market, well-positioned homes still attract strong interest4.

Bottom line: West LA real estate hasn’t swung entirely to a buyer’s market, but it’s no longer a runaway seller’s market either. Conditions differ by area and property, so local insight is crucial. If you’re curious about your specific home or neighborhood, reach out—I’d love to talk about what today’s market means for you.

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About the Author
Collin Ellingson
Collin Ellingson
Born and raised in the Pacific Palisades enclave of Rustic Canyon and now a longtime resident of Marina del Rey, Collin brings a true insider’s perspective to the coastal neighborhoods of West L.A.

With 25+ years in real estate, he has successfully guided buyers, sellers, builders, and asset managers through hundreds of transactions—from luxury homes and ocean-view condominiums to architecturally significant townhomes and new development communities.

Collin’s reputation is built on three core values: integrity, communication, and precision. His clients know that from the first conversation to the final signature, every detail is handled with care, transparency, and intention.

Buyers appreciate his calm, knowledgeable guidance and sharp negotiation skills. Sellers trust his ability to position a property strategically—especially in complex or shifting markets—to maximize value and achieve exceptional results.

A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Collin is deeply connected to the community and supports organizations including the Los Angeles LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce (LAGLCC), Sierra Club, and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

Outside of real estate, Collin is a lifelong musician and budding jazz vocalist. He’s also a devoted classic car enthusiast, always looking for that next perfect ride.