Why the Bay Area Housing Market Is Defying National Trends in 2025
Don’t Let National Headlines Fool You—The Bay Area Market Is Telling a Different Story
If you’ve been following national housing market news, you’ve probably heard the doom and gloom: according to the Wall Street Journal, U.S. home sales fell again in March 2025, and elevated mortgage rates are keeping many buyers on the sidelines.
But here in the San Francisco Bay Area—and especially in Marin County—the real estate market is showing a very different picture.
Bay Area Home Sales Are Rising
Despite high interest rates, sales activity across the Bay Area is trending upward. In Q1 2025:
7,375 homes sold, up 2.4% year-over-year
Marin County saw a 20.5% increase in home sales compared to Q1 2024
Luxury segments (over $3.5M) surged 13%, showing strong high-end buyer confidence
Competitive Offers Are Back
Bidding wars and multiple offers are making a comeback, especially for well-priced homes in desirable locations:
60% of homes sold above asking price
In San Francisco County, that number jumped to 78%, with sellers receiving 20% over asking, on average
Even with rates hovering near 7%, buyers aren’t hesitating on homes that are well-located, well-priced, and move-in ready.
Inventory Is Finally Rebounding
One of the biggest shifts? More homes are hitting the market. Across the Bay Area:
Active listings increased by 3,000 homes compared to last year
Marin, Santa Clara, and Alameda counties all saw major inventory gains
This gives buyers more options and reduces pressure to overpay in a frenzied market
In Marin specifically, the median price held steady at $1.7M, showing price stability even with more inventory.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers in Marin
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Marin County or the surrounding Bay Area, here’s the key takeaway:
The Bay Area is not the national market.
We’re influenced by different drivers—tech jobs, transit-accessible neighborhoods, limited land, and strong lifestyle demand. Local real estate continues to show resilience, competition, and opportunity, especially in 2025.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're planning to buy your first home, move up, or downsize, it's crucial to work with someone who knows the local trends and can help you navigate a market that doesn’t follow national headlines.
If you're curious what this all means for your situation, I’d love to connect and share what’s happening in your specific neighborhood.
