December 2025 Tulare County Residential Housing Statistics

As we close the books on 2025, the Tulare County housing market delivered a strong and somewhat surprising finish. While some headline numbers may appear contradictory at first glance, the underlying data tells a clear story: buyer activity rebounded, prices held firm, and the market remains competitive heading into 2026.

Let’s break down what actually happened in December—and what it means if you’re buying or selling in the coming months.

Home Prices Continue to Rise

The median sales price in Tulare County increased 4% year-over-year to $395,250, reinforcing that home values have remained resilient despite affordability pressures and elevated interest rates.

This price growth suggests that demand for well-priced homes remains solid, particularly in the mid-price ranges that dominate much of the local market. While the rapid appreciation seen in prior years has moderated, prices are clearly not collapsing—buyers are still willing to pay for value.

Sales Activity Picks Up Significantly

December saw a notable rebound in buyer activity:

• Closed sales rose 8.5% year-over-year to 242 homes

• Average days on market dropped by 13 days to 63

This combination—more homes selling and faster timelines—indicates that motivated buyers stepped back into the market to close out the year. Properly priced homes, especially those in good condition, moved efficiently.

Why Did Sales Dollar Volume Decline?

One stat that often raises eyebrows is total sales dollar volume, which fell 7.5% year-over-year to $101.4 million. At first glance, this seems contradictory given higher prices and more closed sales.

The explanation is straightforward: there were fewer high-end transactions compared to last December.

In other words, more homes sold—but a larger share of those sales occurred in the mid-price range rather than the luxury segment. This shift pulled total dollar volume down even as the broader market strengthened. It’s a change in composition, not a sign of weakening demand.

Inventory Remains Tight but Is Gradually Growing

Supply conditions continue to favor sellers, though buyers are gaining slightly more options:

• Months of inventory increased marginally to 2.76 months

• Active listings rose 13.3% to 654 homes

• New listings increased 7.3% year-over-year

This gradual inventory growth is healthy. It reduces pressure without flooding the market, helping stabilize pricing while allowing buyers more choice than they had earlier in the year.

Pending Sales and Seasonality

Pending sales declined 15% year-over-year, landing at 34 homes under contract. This dip is largely seasonal—December typically sees fewer new escrows due to holidays, travel, and year-end schedules.

Importantly, this slowdown does not appear to be demand-driven. Closed sales and faster days on market suggest buyer interest remains intact as we move into January.

Negotiation Trends: Still Competitive, Still Balanced

The average close-to-list price ratio increased to 80%, up from 79.2% in December 2024. This tells us two things:

1. Buyers still have room to negotiate.

2. Sellers who price accurately are holding value.

The days of throwing out lowball offers with no consequences are gone—but this is also not a frenzy market. Strategy matters on both sides.

What This Means for Sellers

Sellers entering the market in early 2026 should feel encouraged—but disciplined.

• Price correctly from day one: Homes that miss the mark tend to sit.

• Condition and presentation matter more as inventory grows.

• Selling before spring can reduce competition and improve leverage.

Well-prepared listings continue to attract strong buyer interest.

What This Means for Buyers

Buyers have more breathing room than in recent years—but hesitation can still be costly.

• Be ready to act on homes that check your boxes.

• Negotiate thoughtfully, not aggressively.

• Winter listings often mean motivated sellers, which can create opportunity.

Preparation and timing remain key advantages as the market transitions into 2026.

Bottom Line

Tulare County closed 2025 with rising prices, increased sales activity, faster market times, and manageable inventory growth. While total sales volume softened due to fewer luxury transactions, the core housing market remains healthy and active.

As we move into the new year, success—whether buying or selling—will depend on accurate pricing, smart negotiation, and a clear understanding of local market dynamics.

If you’re considering making a move in 2026, staying informed and working with a local expert can make all the difference.