LA buyers are gearing up for 2026
The LA market has been brutal. High prices, stubborn interest rates, and not enough inventory have kept a lot of buyers on the sidelines. But here's the thing: new research from RE/MAX shows 88% of prospective buyers still plan to purchase in 2026.
They haven't given up. They're just waiting for the right moment and getting strategic about where to buy.
What the data tells us:
How this plays out in LA
LA proper is still expensive and competitive. But more than half of buyers are now looking beyond the urban core. Places like Pasadena, Torrance, Burbank, and the San Gabriel Valley are getting more attention. Even areas farther out (Simi Valley, Valencia, parts of the Inland Empire) are on buyers' radars as they chase space, value, and lifestyle over proximity to downtown.
What LA buyers actually care about
Safety: Nearly 80% rank this as a top concern. In LA, where neighborhoods can change block by block, this matters.
Walkable amenities: Grocery stores, cafes, restaurants within reach. With LA traffic, nearby conveniences save hours every week.
Parks and outdoor spaces: Year-round weather makes outdoor living part of the lifestyle here. Green spaces rank high.
Reasonable commutes: 58% prioritize proximity to work. In LA, that means finding the sweet spot between affordability and commute tolerance.
Community connection is the new priority
Here's something interesting: 71% of buyers would pay extra for a neighborhood with engaged, friendly residents. Not for bigger square footage or fancier finishes. For connection. According to the survey, this sense of community has become a major deciding factor.
In a sprawling metro like LA where isolation is common despite living near millions of people, this makes sense. Younger buyers especially (Gen Z and Millennials at 78% and 74% respectively) are willing to pay significantly more for neighborhoods that feel like actual communities.
Think: active community centers, local events, farmers markets, established social scenes. Areas like Eagle Rock, Atwater Village, and El Segundo have built strong reputations for exactly this.
The lifestyle premium
76% of buyers say they'd pay at least 5% more for a home in a neighborhood with community amenities (shared pools, fitness centers, gathering spaces). On an $800K LA home, that's $40,000+ buyers are willing to invest for lifestyle benefits.
My take
If you're planning to buy in LA this year, here's what's working:
Expand your search. The best value neighborhoods aren't always the ones you started with. Be open to areas that meet your lifestyle needs even if they're farther from your original target.
Prioritize fundamentals. Safety, schools (if relevant), and commute come first. Everything else is negotiable.
Think long-term. More than half of buyers care about future development. New retail, transit, or housing projects signal a neighborhood on the rise.
Stay ready. When conditions improve even slightly, competition will heat up fast. Get pre-approved now so you're positioned to act.
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Let's talk about which LA neighborhoods align with your budget, lifestyle, and timeline. The market is shifting. Let's make sure you're positioned to take advantage.
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