As we close out 2025, December’s numbers provide a clear snapshot of where the Placer County housing market stands heading into the new year. While activity slowed seasonally—as it typically does during the holidays—the market remained firmly tilted toward sellers, supported by limited inventory and steady demand.
Below is a breakdown of what stood out last month and what these trends suggest as we move into 2026.
Inventory & Sales Activity
December continued to reflect a seller’s market, even with fewer listings coming to market late in the year.
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For-sale inventory: Up 13.3% year-over-year, giving buyers more options than last December
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Month-over-month inventory: Down 23.2%, reflecting the typical holiday slowdown
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Closed sales: 366 homes, up 1.9% YoY and 8% higher than November
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Pending sales: Down 13.9% MoM, but up 13% YoY, showing underlying demand remains healthy
Even with fewer new listings entering the market, buyer activity held up well in December—especially compared to the same time last year.
Pricing & Value Trends
Price movement was mixed but generally stable, with different metrics telling slightly different stories.
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Average sold price: $777,000, up 1.6% month-over-month and 2.8% year-over-year
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Median sold price: $646,000, down 2.9% from November, but still up 1.6% YoY
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Average price per square foot: $342, up 2.1% MoM and 1.8% YoY
This divergence suggests that while some higher-end or mixed-price sales influenced month-to-month medians, overall home values—especially on a price-per-square-foot basis—remain stable.
Days on Market & Seller Flexibility
Homes are still selling, but buyers are taking more time to decide.
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Average Days on Market: 57 days, up 7.5% from November and 11.8% YoY
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Sold-to-original list price ratio: 95%, unchanged from both last month and last year
This reinforces a trend seen throughout 2025: buyers remain engaged, but negotiations and thoughtful decision-making are now a normal part of the process.
Months of Inventory & Absorption
Inventory levels remained firmly in seller-favor territory.
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Months of inventory (closed sales): 1.9 months, up 11.6% YoY but down 29.8% MoM
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Months of inventory (pending sales): 2.4 months, unchanged YoY and down 10.9% MoM
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Absorption rate (closed sales): 52.4%, up sharply from November
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Absorption rate (pending sales): 40.9%, holding steady year-over-year
These numbers confirm that while activity slowed seasonally, demand relative to supply remains strong as we head into the new year.
What This Means Heading Into 2026
For Sellers:
Well-prepared, correctly priced homes continue to perform—even during slower months. Presentation, pricing strategy, and flexibility remain key.
For Buyers:
You’ll find more opportunities than during peak years. Longer days on market and stable pricing are creating room for thoughtful negotiation.
For Anyone Planning Ahead:
December closed out the year with a steady, predictable market. That stability provides a solid foundation as we move into 2026.
If you’d like a personalized breakdown for your neighborhood—or want to talk through buying or selling plans for the year ahead—I’m always happy to help.
Patrick Hake
Broker Associate, eXp Realty of California
License #01349088
(916) 316-5626
https://www.ownplacer.com/patrick-hake.php
Placer County This Weekend (January 8–11, 2026)
Looking for something fun to do around Placer County this weekend? Here are a few standout events happening across the region:
Pancakes with Bluey
Painkillers Pub & Grub, Rocklin
Saturday, January 10, 2026 • 11:30 AM
A fun, family-friendly brunch featuring pancakes and a special visit from Bluey. Advance registration is required.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1382550843366847
Country Swing Dance Meetup with North Forty
High Hand Nursery & Brewery, Loomis
Saturday, January 10, 2026 • 5:30 PM
A lively country swing dance meetup with live music, great community vibes, and open dancing for all experience levels.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1360539488793871
Sacramento Kings vs. Houston Rockets
Golden 1 Center, Sacramento
Sunday, January 11, 2026 • 6:00 PM
Catch the Kings in action just a short drive from Placer County for a high-energy NBA matchup.
https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C0062FE7DFC1EBA
Posted by Patrick Hake on
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