Palm Desert Fall 2025 Market Update: Buyers Are Back, Prices Are Smarter

Andrew Shouse October 29, 2025

If you’ve been wondering what’s going on in the Palm Desert real estate scene this fall, here’s the quick version:
💬 Buyers are back, sellers are getting realistic, and balance is the word of the season.

The Big Picture

After two years of wild swings, the market is finally starting to feel... normal. The latest CDAR report shows:

Contracts are up more than 50% from last year — a clear sign that buyers are stepping back in.
Median prices have adjusted — down roughly 10–20% depending on property type — and that’s a healthy correction after some overheated pricing.
Days on Market (DOM) are steady at about 70 for homes and 80 for condos, proving that well-presented, well-priced properties still move.

So what we’re seeing is a smarter market, not a softer one. Sellers who align with today’s value trend are getting deals done.

What It Means for You

Sellers: This is your cue to price where buyers are searching — in $25,000 increments. A home listed at $800,000 will show up in far more searches than one at $799,000. With more buyers active, strategic pricing can mean the difference between listed and sold before Thanksgiving.

Buyers: You’ve got options again. Inventory has crept up, and sellers are open to crediting a portion of your closing costs or a small rate buydown. Don’t wait for January—competition tends to heat back up when the snowbirds arrive.

Investors: Condos are quietly offering value. Prices have pulled back, but demand for seasonal and long-term rentals remains strong. Just double-check HOA rules if you’re thinking STR potential.

Around Town

Sun City Palm Desert: Great visibility right now; buyers love the variety of price points and floor plans.
Indian Ridge CC: Turn-key homes with outdoor upgrades are commanding attention — this community is still a steady performer.
Palm Desert Resort CC: Condos under $500K are back in play for part-time residents and snowbirds.

Bottom Line

Palm Desert is in that sweet spot — not too hot, not too cold. The numbers tell us the market’s balanced, but on the ground, it just feels better: buyers have choice, sellers have willing buyers, and everyone’s negotiating in good faith again.

If you’ve been waiting for the “right moment,” this fall might be it.