South Huntington Beach, a vibrant coastal community in Southern California, is renowned for its laid-back beach lifestyle, proximity to the Pacific Ocean, and thriving real estate market. Often referred to as part of “Surf City USA,” this area attracts homebuyers, investors, and those seeking a quintessential beachside experience. In 2025, the South Huntington Beach real estate market continues to reflect the broader trends of Huntington Beach, characterized by high demand, limited inventory, and a competitive landscape. This blog post dives into the latest data on average home prices in South Huntington Beach, explores key market trends, and provides insights for buyers, sellers, and investors looking to navigate this dynamic market.
Overview of the South Huntington Beach Real Estate Market
South Huntington Beach, encompassing neighborhoods like those in the 92646 zip code, is known for its family-friendly communities, excellent schools, and proximity to beaches, parks, and recreational amenities. The area features a mix of single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and occasional waterfront properties, catering to a diverse range of buyers. Its appeal lies in its walkability to the beach, vibrant community atmosphere, and access to local hotspots like Pacific City and downtown Huntington Beach.
The real estate market in South Huntington Beach is part of the broader Huntington Beach market, which has seen significant price appreciation in recent years. According to recent data, the median home sale price in Huntington Beach was approximately $1.3 million in June 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 5.6% to 12.5%, depending on the source. While specific data for South Huntington Beach is less granular, the 92646 zip code, which covers much of this area, provides a reliable proxy. In this zip code, the median home value for recently sold homes is around $1.38 million, with 587 transactions recorded in the past year.
Current Average Home Prices in South Huntington Beach
As of mid-2025, the average home price in South Huntington Beach aligns closely with Huntington Beach’s overall median of $1.3 million to $1.416 million, depending on the data source. Here’s a breakdown by property type based on available market trends:
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Single-Family Homes: The median sale price for single-family homes in South Huntington Beach is approximately $1.35 million to $1.5 million. Three-bedroom homes, which are highly sought after, have seen a significant price increase of 10.5%, with a median price of $1.5 million. Four-bedroom homes are priced around $1.7 million, up 8.1% year-over-year.
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Condos and Townhomes: Condominiums and townhomes in South Huntington Beach typically have a median price of $1.3 million for one-bedroom units (up 3.1%) and $1.4 million for two-bedroom units (up 2%). These properties are popular among first-time buyers and retirees looking for low-maintenance coastal living.
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Price per Square Foot: The median sale price per square foot in South Huntington Beach is around $766 to $788, reflecting a 1.7% to 11.5% increase from the previous year. This metric highlights the rising value of properties in the area, driven by high demand and limited inventory.
The market in South Huntington Beach is somewhat competitive, with a Redfin Compete Score of 62 out of 100. Homes typically receive three offers and sell in about 31 to 56 days, compared to 28 days last year, indicating a slight slowdown in sales pace. However, “hot” homes—those in prime locations or with desirable features like ocean proximity or modern upgrades—can sell in as little as 25 days, often at or above the list price.
Factors Driving Home Prices in South Huntington Beach
Several factors contribute to the robust home prices in South Huntington Beach:
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Limited Inventory: With only 398 to 540 active listings in Huntington Beach as of July 2025, inventory remains tight. South Huntington Beach, particularly in desirable neighborhoods like Deane Gardens or Bolsa Park, sees high demand for its limited supply of homes, pushing prices upward.
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Proximity to the Beach: South Huntington Beach’s location within two miles of the coast is a significant draw. Properties closer to the beach, such as those near “Mother’s Beach” or Pacific City, command premium prices due to their water-oriented lifestyle appeal.
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Strong Demand: The area attracts a mix of buyers, including families, retirees, and investors, due to its excellent schools (e.g., John H. Eader Elementary with a 7/10 GreatSchools rating), recreational opportunities, and vibrant community. This demand fuels competition, with 38% of homes selling above asking price in June 2025.
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Economic Factors: Despite rising interest rates, Huntington Beach’s real estate market remains resilient. The area’s strong economy, driven by tourism, retail, and proximity to Orange County’s job centers, supports buyer confidence.
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Appreciation Trends: Over the past year, home values in Huntington Beach have risen by 2.3% to 12.5%, with South Huntington Beach following a similar trajectory. NeighborhoodScout reports an annual appreciation rate of 8.45% for Huntington Beach, higher than 80% of California cities, suggesting strong long-term investment potential.
Neighborhood Spotlight: South Huntington Beach
South Huntington Beach includes several notable neighborhoods, each with unique characteristics:
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Deane Gardens: Known for its single-story homes and tropical, private settings, Deane Gardens offers a median price around $1.3 million. These properties are highly coveted for their proximity to the beach and serene cul-de-sac locations.
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Bolsa Landmark: This neighborhood features a mix of single-family homes and townhomes, with prices ranging from $1.2 million to $1.5 million. Its family-friendly vibe and access to parks make it popular among younger buyers.
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Huntington Landmark (55+ Community): This guard-gated community caters to retirees, offering remodeled condos with median prices around $1.3 million. Recent listings highlight modern upgrades like stainless steel appliances and freshly painted interiors.
These neighborhoods benefit from South Huntington Beach’s proximity to recreational amenities, including beaches, greenbelts, and the vibrant downtown scene, which is just 2.5 blocks away for some properties. The area’s walkability and access to paddleboarding, kayaking, and surfing add to its allure.
Market Trends and Future Projections
Looking ahead, the South Huntington Beach real estate market is expected to remain competitive, though price growth may moderate due to economic factors like interest rates and inventory constraints. Here are key trends and projections for 2025 and beyond:
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Price Growth: While home prices are projected to continue rising, the pace may slow compared to the 11.5% increase seen in 2024. WalletInvestor predicts a modest 2.51% increase in median home prices for Huntington Beach by mid-2026, reaching approximately $1.015 million, though South Huntington Beach’s premium location may push prices higher.
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Inventory Dynamics: With 540 active listings and 41 new listings in July 2025, inventory remains constrained. Buyers may find opportunities to negotiate, as 51% of homes sold below asking price in June 2025, but premium properties will likely sell quickly.
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Buyer Selectivity: The market shows signs of buyer selectivity, with average homes selling 0.5% to 4% below list price. Sellers must price competitively and highlight unique features, such as proximity to the beach or modern upgrades, to attract offers.
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Investment Potential: South Huntington Beach remains a strong investment option due to its high appreciation rates (8.45% annually) and demand for rental properties, driven by tourism and the area’s coastal lifestyle. Investors should focus on neighborhoods like Bolsa Landmark, where steady price growth is expected.
Tips for Buyers and Sellers in South Huntington Beach
For Buyers:
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Act Quickly: With homes selling in 31 to 56 days, prepare to move fast, especially for “hot” properties near the beach. Pre-approval for a mortgage can give you an edge in a competitive market.
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Work with a Local Agent: A real estate agent familiar with South Huntington Beach, like those from The Bowen Team or Coldwell Banker, can provide insights into neighborhood trends and help you navigate multiple-offer situations.
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Consider Negotiation: With 51% of homes selling below asking price, there’s room to negotiate, particularly for properties that linger on the market.
For Sellers:
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Price Competitively: Overpricing can deter buyers in a market where selectivity is increasing. Work with an agent to set a realistic price based on recent comps.
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Highlight Coastal Appeal: Emphasize proximity to the beach, modern upgrades, or community amenities like greenbelts or gated security to attract buyers.
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Stage Effectively: Staging, as seen in recent listings like those on Aquarius or Griffith Circle, can make your home stand out in a competitive market.
Conclusion
The South Huntington Beach real estate market in 2025 remains a dynamic and competitive landscape, with average home prices ranging from $1.3 million to $1.5 million for single-family homes and condos. Driven by limited inventory, strong demand, and the area’s unparalleled coastal lifestyle, prices are expected to continue their upward trajectory, albeit at a potentially slower pace. Whether you’re a buyer seeking a beachside retreat, a seller looking to capitalize on high demand, or an investor eyeing long-term appreciation, South Huntington Beach offers ample opportunities. By staying informed about market trends and working with a knowledgeable local agent, you can navigate this vibrant market with confidence.
For the latest listings and personalized guidance, explore resources like Redfin, Zillow, or local experts like Suzanna Pondoff-Haughey from JC Real Estate Incorporated. Stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions in one of Southern California’s most desirable coastal communities.
