Santa Barbara Market Update | 2022 Year in Review

Locally, here on the Central Coast (spanning Goleta to Carpinteria), the steep price appreciation was leveled by the end of 2022. Total sales were behind 35%, and we had one-third of our 2021 listing inventory. The highest-selling property was at 2781 Padaro Lane: a multiple parcel, bluff-front property in Carpinteria, which sold for $69,947,000. The inventory shortage has kept the market slightly tilted in the seller’s favor, further proven by the median sales price, which rose 12% year-to-date. Despite higher interest rates, there is still strong appeal for luxury properties in our area. Even with 18% fewer luxury sales (that’s properties over $10M), the average price of those sales rose 8%. Although 2022 was a shifting market that faced us with several uncertainties, homeowners continued to buy and sell – and that activity kept prices stabilized on the Central Coast.

The Montecito and Hope Ranch markets experienced a significant decline in both inventory and sales but with moderate price appreciation. Though sales were cut in half from 2021 to 2022, we saw the same number of transactions in 2019. The 4th quarter of last year was uncharacteristically quiet in Hope Ranch, with only 1 sale during the entire period. Overall, Montecito’s median price rose 11%, and Hope Ranch’s median price rose 17%, year-to-date.

+ Santa Barbara’s market is unique; we have a finite amount of inventory. That inventory was further reduced.

+ Mortgage rates began rising in May, significantly slowing the market.

+ Few properties were sold over the asking price, but we still saw multiple offers on several listings.

+ Buyers who are financially capable and well-qualified are still moving to our community at a record pace (50% of Montecito sales were all cash).

Limited supply and strong demand will continue to affect home prices. My opinion shows a return to the pre-pandemic, normalized market pace but at 2022 prices. If you’re thinking of selling, take advantage of the low inventory in the marketplace. If you’re a buyer, take advantage of the low competition. The landscape will pivot when interest rates begin to come down. The Central Coast offers the most sought-after climate, lifestyle, real estate, amenities, culture, and sense of community worldwide. Savvy, financially-qualified buyers are still desiring to land here – stay tuned for our next quarterly market update in the Spring, where we will digest Q1 statistics.