Summer is one of the most exciting times of year on the Peninsula. The season truly showcases the exceptional lifestyle that makes this region such a sought-after place to call home.
The real estate market was very strong through the first half of 2026. Buyers and sellers remain thoughtful in their decision-making, yet the enduring appeal of our coastal communities, combined with limited inventory and strong long-term value, continues to support a healthy market. As always, Monterey Coast Realty remains committed to providing the local expertise and trusted guidance our clients rely on through every stage of the buying and selling process.
The second quarter performance was very strong overall with 317 properties being sold across the nine markets we track—a nearly 30% increase in the number of sales over the first quarter and a 14% gain compared to the same period last year. Sales dollar volume also climbed more than 34%, fueled by renewed strength in the luxury segment and a growing number of high-value transactions. Pebble Beach recorded its highest quarterly sales volume since early 2022, and the number of sales above $5 million has already matched the total for all of 2025. Carmel-by-the-Sea also posted its strongest quarter since 2023, with 35 closed sales and nearly $132 million in total sales volume.
The market benefited greatly from strong sales activity across several of the Monterey Peninsula’s fastest growing communities. Monterey, Pacific Grove, Seaside, and Marina all experienced quarterover-quarter growth, with some markets significantly outperforming the previous quarter. Pacific Grove, for example, recorded a remarkable 97% increase in sales volume compared to the previous quarter, while Monterey experienced a 65% increase over Q1. This sustained growth reflects the continued appeal of these vibrant coastal communities and the lifestyle they offer buyers.
Monterey Coast Realty continues to strengthen its position as the fastest growing brokerage and the Market Share leader across several of these markets, including the major residential developments of East Garrison, Sea Haven, the Dunes, and the new master-planned community of Marina Station.
Each of the markets we serve continues to balance changing inventory levels, buyer demand, and pricing trends, making knowledgeable local representation more valuable than ever. Whether you are considering buying, selling, or simply staying informed, our team is here to provide trusted guidance every step of the way.
We hope you enjoy this detailed analysis of the Monterey Peninsula real estate market and find it to be a valuable resource.
Carmel-by-the-Sea & Carmel Point
Carmel-by-the-Sea had an exceptionally strong second quarter, recording 35 sales—the highest quarterly total since Q3 2023 and a 75% increase over the previous quarter. While fewer luxury sales brought the average sales price down from Q1’s unusually high levels, it remained a healthy $3.7 million, and overall sales volume climbed to nearly $132 million, the highest since Q2 of 2024. Inventory also increased heading into Q3, with 36 active listings providing more opportunities for buyers compared to just 23 at the end of last quarter.
Monterey Coast Realty agents remained active throughout the quarter, representing buyers and sellers in several key transactions while continuing to provide clients with local market expertise in one of the Peninsula’s most competitive communities.
$3,768,554
$131,899,388
Q2 2026 Market Breakdown
Did You Know?
Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for attracting various celebrities and artists. Clint Eastwood served as mayor of the village from 1986-1988. Other notable celebrities, artists and writers who have called Carmel home include Doris Day, John Denver, Ansel Adams and Jack London.
“Monterey County Fun Facts”, Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2020
Greater Carmel
Areas outside of Carmel-by-the-Sea & Carmel Point
The Greater Carmel area experienced a steady second quarter with 23 sales, slightly below the previous quarter but generally consistent with recent market trends. Average sales price increased 7% as more activity shifted into the $1 million to $2 million range, although the market has yet to see a sale above $5 million this year. Inventory also improved, rising from 32 to 49 active listings, offering buyers more selection heading into the second half of 2026.
$44,077,000
$1,916,391 versus Q1 2026 versus Q1 2026 versus Q1 2026 versus Q1 2026 7.4% 1.2% 8.0% 21.3% versus Q2 2025 versus Q2 2025 versus Q2 2025 versus Q2 2025 6.5% 30.6% 25.8% 16.7%
23
Q2 2026 Market Breakdown
Did You Know?
Robert Louis Stevenson modeled Treasure Island’s Spyglass Hill after Point Lobos State Reserve near Carmel.
“Monterey County Fun Facts”, Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2020
Carmel Valley
Including the Santa Lucia Preserve
Carmel Valley showed improvement over the first quarter, with increases in sales, average sales price, and overall sales volume, although activity remained below the stronger quarters seen in 2025. After a slow start to the year, buyer activity accelerated in March and April before easing slightly in June. Homes also sold more quickly, with days on market falling to their lowest level since Q2 2024, while inventory increased modestly to 62 active listings. Monterey Coast Realty agents remained active throughout the Valley, representing buyers and sellers while continuing to expand the brokerage’s presence in this desirable market.
$2,184,345 versus Q1 2026 versus Q1 2026 versus Q1 2026 versus Q1 2026
Q2 2026 Market Breakdown
Monterey County has 349 vineyards, 82 bonded wineries and 65 tasting rooms. The wide range of climates allow Monterey County to grow over 30 different wine grape varietals.
Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach continued its impressive momentum during the second quarter, with higher sales volume and transaction activity than both last quarter and the same period last year. The average sales price of nearly $5M was down from last quarter when there were two sales over $20 million but was up over 43% from Q2 of 2025. Luxury demand remained strong, driving the highest quarterly sales volume since early 2022, with 16 properties selling above $5 million already this year—matching all of 2025.
Q2 2026 Market Breakdown
Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove enjoyed a strong second quarter, recording 45 sales—well above its typical quarterly pace. Increased buyer activity throughout May and June helped drive sales volume to nearly double that of Q1, while the average sales price rose more than 18% quarter over quarter. The luxury segment also strengthened, with five homes selling between $3 million and $5 million, and several high-end listings currently on the market. The quarter ended with 42 active listings in Pacific Grove, up from 33 last quarter and 31 this time last year.
46
Selling Price $1,692,000 versus Q1 2026 versus Q1 2026 versus Q1 2026 versus Q1 2026
versus Q2 2025 versus Q2 2025 versus Q2 2025 versus Q2 2025
45 Sales Volume $76,140,000
Q2 2026 Market Breakdown
Point Pinos Lighthouse in Pacific Grove is the oldest continually operating lighthouse on the West Coast. “Monterey County Fun Facts”, Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2020
Monterey & Del Rey Oaks
Monterey and Del Rey Oaks posted an outstanding second quarter with 72 sales, the strongest quarterly performance since Q2 2024. Sales volume increased more than 65% over the previous quarter as buyer demand remained strong, despite most transactions occurring below $1.2 million. Homes sold faster than they have in nearly two years, and inventory expanded to 75 active listings heading into summer. Monterey Coast Realty agents successfully represented buyers and sellers across the market, continuing to build momentum and serve clients throughout one of the Peninsula’s most active communities.
Q2 2025 versus Q2 2025
$1,273,032 versus Q1 2026 versus Q1 2026 versus Q1 2026 versus Q1 2026
Q2 2026 Market Breakdown
Nearly a quarter million tons of sardines were processed on Cannery Row in 1945, the year John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row was published. Cannery Row was previously named Ocean View Avenue but was renamed to honor John Steinbeck’s well-known novel.
Seaside & Sand City
Seaside delivered another consistent quarter, with 31 sales matching the previous quarter and remaining in line with last year’s activity. Average sales price held steady while homes sold significantly faster, reaching the lowest average days on market since Q3 2024. The upper end of the market also gained momentum, with seven homes selling above $1 million compared to just three in Q1. Monterey Coast Realty maintained a strong presence in Seaside with successful transactions and active listings, reflecting the brokerage’s continued commitment to serving this growing market.
$892,516 versus Q1 2026 versus Q1 2026 versus Q1 2026 versus Q1 2026
31
6.8% versus Q2 2025 versus Q2 2025 versus Q2 2025 versus Q2 2025
$27,668,000
Q2 2026 Market Breakdown
In 1910, as Monterey County Supervisor, Jon Roberts successfully lobbied President Theodore Roosevelt to locate the U.S. Army Base Fort Ord in Seaside. As many as 1.5 million American troops trained at Fort Ord between 1917-1994. “Monterey County Fun Facts”, Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2020
Marina & East Garrison
Marina continued its impressive growth during the second quarter, recording 49 sales—the highest quarterly total since 2021 and up significantly from both last quarter and a year ago. Average sales price surpassed $1 million for only the third time, while total sales volume reached its highest level since 2020, reflecting continued strength across the market. Inventory remains healthy as development continues, with 69 active listings at quarter’s end, including 16 represented by Monterey Coast Realty. The area’s steady growth positions Marina for one of its strongest years on record.
$1,040,247 versus Q1 2026 versus Q1 2026 versus Q1 2026 versus Q1 2026
versus Q2 2025 versus Q2 2025 versus Q2 2025 versus Q2 2025
$50,972,107
Q2 2026 Market Breakdown
Monterey Bay Football Club was founded on February 1, 2021 and played its inaugural season in the USL Championship in 2022. The club plays at Cardinale Stadium, a 6,000-seat soccer-specific venue located on the campus of California State University, Monterey Bay.
Carmel Highlands, Big Sur & South Coast
The Carmel Highlands and Big Sur market saw a typical number of transactions during the second quarter, but several high-end sales significantly boosted both average sales price and overall sales volume. The region recorded the highest individual sale of any market we track, exceeding $35 million, while three additional properties sold between $3 million and $5 million. The sales volume of almost $52 million was up 180% from last quarter and 63% from Q2 of last year, recording the highest sales volume since 2022.
$8,650,417 versus Q1 2026 versus Q1 2026 versus Q1 2026 versus Q1 2026 versus Q2 2025
6
Q2 2026 Market Breakdown
Did You Know?
Local settings from around the Monterey Peninsula have provided the backdrops for more than 180 films and television shows. You’ll recognize many scenes in HBO’s award winning mini-series Big Little Lies in Big Sur and the Carmel Highlands. “Monterey County Fun Facts”, Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2020
