San Mateo County Real Estate Market Update

As we step into 2025, San Mateo County’s real estate market remains strong, competitive, and highly active. With low inventory and rising home prices, the market continues to favor sellers, while buyers must act quickly to secure their dream homes. In this comprehensive market update, we break down the latest real estate trends in San Mateo County and what they mean for homebuyers, sellers, and investors.

Key Market Trends in January 2025

Months supply of inventory: 0.86 – Homes are selling fast, with limited availability.

12-Month change in inventory: -26.5% – Inventory is down significantly, making it a competitive market.

Median days on market: 14 days – Properties are selling faster than ever.

Sold to list price: 103.3% – Homes are selling above asking price due to multiple offers.

Median sold price: $1,797,500 – Home values remain strong and continue to appreciate.

These figures reflect a highly competitive seller’s market, where demand remains strong, inventory is tight, and buyers must act quickly and make competitive offers to secure a home.

What’s Driving the San Mateo Market?

1. Low Inventory, High Demand

San Mateo County continues to experience historically low housing inventory, with only 0.86 months of supply available. A healthy market typically has 4-6 months of inventory, meaning we are still in a strong seller’s market.With fewer homes available and high demand from buyers, competition is fierce, often leading to multiple offers and sales above the listing price.

2. Rising Home Prices

The median sold price for homes in San Mateo County is now $1,797,500, showing continued appreciation. Homes are not just selling quickly—they are selling for more than the asking price.

The sold-to-list price ratio of 103.3% indicates that bidding wars are common, and buyers are paying premiums to secure properties in this desirable market

3. Homes Are Selling Faster Than Ever

With homes spending a median of just 14 days on the market, buyers have less time to deliberate. Well-priced and move-in-ready homes often receive multiple offers within days of listing.
Buyers must be prepared to act quickly, while sellers can benefit from strong demand and quick sales at top dollar.

What This Means for Buyers & Sellers

For Sellers: Now Is the Time to List!

If you’ve been considering selling your home, this is a prime opportunity to capitalize on strong market conditions.

Low inventory, high demand, and rising prices put sellers in an excellent position to:

Receive multiple offers
Sell for above asking price
Close quickly with favorable terms

To maximize your sale price, consider:

Professional photography & marketing – Showcasing your home’s best features attracts more buyers.

Home staging & minor upgrades – Move-in-ready homes tend to sell faster and for more money.

Pricing strategically – Competitive pricing can spark bidding wars, driving up your final sale price.

At Rise Homes, we specialize in expert marketing, professional negotiations, and seamless transactions to help sellers achieve the best possible outcome.

For Buyers: Be Ready to Move Fast

If you’re planning to buy in San Mateo County, preparation is key. Given the competitive nature of the market, here’s what you need to do:

Get pre-approved – A pre-approval letter strengthens your offer and helps you act quickly.

Work with a knowledgeable real estate agent – Navigating a fast-moving market requires an expert guide.

Be prepared for bidding wars – Competitive offers with strong terms and minimal contingencies can make all the difference.

Consider condos or townhomes – With single-family homes in high demand, alternative options can offer more affordability.

At Rise Homes, we help buyers navigate the market with confidence, ensuring they secure their dream home at the best possible price.

San Mateo County’s Most Competitive Neighborhoods

Certain areas within San Mateo County are seeing exceptionally high demand due to their location, schools, and overall quality of life.

Top Trending Neighborhoods:

Burlingame – Luxury homes, walkable streets, and proximity to San Francisco.

San Carlos – Known for its small-town charm, great schools, and thriving downtown.

Menlo Park – A tech hub with high-end homes and excellent investment potential.

Redwood City – A growing hotspot with a vibrant downtown and new developments.

Foster City – Waterfront living with great schools and parks.If you’re looking to buy or sell in these areas, now is the time to act!

What to Expect in the 2025 San Mateo Market

Home prices will likely continue rising – While price growth may slow slightly, demand remains strong.

Inventory is expected to remain tight – More buyers than available homes means competition will persist.

Mortgage rates may impact affordability – If interest rates adjust, it could influence buyer activity.

Sellers will continue to hold strong negotiating power – With limited supply, sellers will remain in control.Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or invest, staying informed on market trends is key to making smart real estate decisions.

Thinking About Buying or Selling in San Mateo?

Let’s Talk! At Rise Homes, we provide expert guidance, strategic marketing, and personalized service to help our clients achieve exceptional results in the San Mateo County real estate market.