Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach Are Entering a More Selective — and Interesting — Market

October has a different rhythm in South Bay real estate.

The urgency of the spring market is behind us. Summer vacations are over. Buyers who remain active tend to be more intentional, while sellers begin deciding whether to make a move before year-end or wait until spring.

And in 2026, another important factor is affordability.

Mortgage rates moved sharply higher entering October, which means buyers financing a purchase are paying even closer attention to price and value.

But the South Bay is never just one market.

Manhattan Beach Is Still Showing Strength

Recent data puts Manhattan Beach’s median sale price at approximately $3.49 million for the three months ending in August, up 2.7% from the same period last year.

Homes averaged about 40 days on the market, and the average sale was very close to the asking price.

But those averages don’t tell the entire story.

Some September properties sold above asking while others closed noticeably below their original list prices.

That’s important.

It tells us buyers haven’t disappeared. They’re differentiating between homes they perceive as special and homes they believe are overpriced.

Let’s not forget the recent highest-sold listing at $25,600,000 after two offers.

It’s quite unpredictable nowadays. 

Hermosa Beach Remains an Inventory Story

Hermosa remains a small, supply-constrained market.

When only a limited number of homes are available, particularly in desirable locations, scarcity can continue to support value even when the broader market becomes more cautious. 

Of course, there are off-market sales. For those, please reach out so you do not miss out.

What This Means for Sellers

This isn’t the market to “test” an aspirational price simply because a neighboring property achieved a strong number six months ago.

Today’s buyers have access to enormous amounts of information.

They recognize a well-positioned property quickly.

Preparation, presentation, and pricing are becoming increasingly important.

What This Means for Buyers

A more selective market can create opportunity.

A home that has been sitting for 30, 60, or 90 days deserves a second look, not necessarily because something is wrong with it, but because the relationship between price and buyer expectations may finally be changing.

October can therefore be an interesting month for buyers willing to look beyond the newest listing.

South Bay Real Estate Is Hyper-Local

The Sand Section isn’t the Tree Section.

A Hermosa walkstreet property doesn’t behave like a home farther from the ocean.

North Redondo offers a completely different value proposition than the Redondo waterfront.

That’s why national housing headlines rarely tell you what you actually need to know about buying or selling here.

Considering a South Bay move before year-end? Let’s look at your specific neighborhood, price point, and goals rather than relying on the headlines. Contact Karina Pacific for a confidential market conversation.