Market Update Andrew Shouse November 10, 2025
After three years of pandemic whiplash, the desert’s housing market is settling into a steady rhythm — and that’s good news for both buyers and sellers.
(Source: GPSR Desert Housing Report, released Nov 4, 2025)
Detached median: $625,000 (–1.6% YoY | –11.7% from 2022 high)
Attached median: $420,000 (–2.2% YoY | –13.9% from 2022 high)
Sales (3-month avg): 543 units (+11.1% YoY)
Dollar volume: $432 million (+18.7% YoY)
Inventory: 3,233 homes (+14.5% YoY)
Months of Sales: 5.2 months (vs 4.6 last year) — edging toward balance
Median Days on Market (DOM): 59 days (+13 days YoY)
% of homes selling > list: 12.3% (vs 14.5% last year)
The post-COVID premium is fading, but not crashing. With detached prices only 11–12% off 2022 peaks, the Valley remains one of the most resilient resort markets in California.
Homes priced correctly — in clean $25K bands — are still moving in under 60 days.
Overpricing is punished: listings sitting 75+ days are typically 3–5% over market.
Expect appraisers and buyers to anchor offers to 2022 highs minus 10–15%.
Inventory is up, competition is down, and discounts have returned.
The average home now sells 2–4% below list, giving buyers room to negotiate.
With MoS above 5 months, buyers can shop without pressure — a rare treat in the desert.
For second-home buyers and investors, this is a window of relative affordability before the winter influx.
| City | Avg. Home Price (Detached) | YoY Change | % from 2022 High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cathedral City | $566,199 | +2.2% | –8.1% |
| Palm Desert | $712,381 | +1.6% | –11.7% |
| Rancho Mirage | $1,359,157 | –0.9% | –7.1% |
| Indio | $612,946 | –1.8% | –7.3% |
| Coachella | $472,575 | –2.3% | –4.4% |
| La Quinta | $794,026 | –3.4% | –13.0% |
| Desert Hot Springs | $410,656 | –3.5% | –3.5% |
| Palm Springs | $1,081,342 | –4.0% | –23.7% |
| Bermuda Dunes | $659,528 | –8.0% | –20.3% |
| Indian Wells | $1,756,944 | –16.5% | –13.9% |
💡 Prices remain within 10–15% of 2022 highs in most cities, signaling stability after a healthy correction.
For Sellers:
Price to the current comp — not the memory of 2022.
Use round numbers: e.g., $775K or $800K (never $799K).
Refresh listing photos; fall light makes desert homes glow.
Offer small credits (closing costs, rate buy-downs) to stand out.
Expect 60 days to sell if priced right.
For Buyers:
Use the 5.2 MoS metric as leverage — it’s a balanced market, not a seller’s one.
Lock rate, then negotiate for credits or furniture.
Focus on quality: La Quinta and Palm Desert now offer mid-range luxury at 2021 prices.
Palm Springs: Still leads in dollar volume ($94 M/mo), but down ~24% from 2022 highs.
La Quinta: Down 13% from 2022 highs — strong golf-season bounce expected.
Cathedral City: The quiet winner — +2.2% YoY with fastest DOM (47 days).
Because that’s when the market topped. Comparing to that benchmark gives a realistic sense of “giveback” after pandemic peaks. Most desert cities have adjusted 10–15%, aligning prices with long-term affordability and steady demand.
Ready to see how your home’s value stacks up in the post-pandemic market?
👉 Request a Free Micro-CMA
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