Marin County Real Estate Market Report
September 2025
Inventory Builds as Sales Pace Moderates
August brought another layer of complexity to the Marin County housing market, with inventory continuing to rise even as sales activity steadied. Active listings reached 486 homes, up nearly 24% year-over-year, while months of inventory climbed to 3.2, the highest reading since early 2023. At the same time, homes took longer to sell, averaging 50 days on market, essentially unchanged from last year but elevated compared to spring levels.
Pricing, however, showed resilience. The median sold price edged up 2% year-over-year to $1.395 million, while the average sold price jumped nearly 18%, reflecting strength at the upper end of the market. Buyers are still willing to pay for quality homes in prime neighborhoods, but with more options available, the pace of decision-making has slowed.
Pricing Trends: Holding Steady Amid More Choices
Despite the rise in supply, Marin home values have largely held firm. The median sold price in August reached $1.395 million, a modest 2% increase year-over-year. At the same time, the average sold price rose 17.8%, signaling that activity in the upper end of the market is helping to buoy countywide numbers.
On a per-square-foot basis, prices also showed stability, with the average closing at $855 per square foot, up 5% compared to last year. Sellers, on average, received 96% of original list price, unchanged year-over-year, underscoring that pricing power remains intact for well-positioned homes.
While buyers have more leverage in terms of time and selection, competitively priced homes in desirable neighborhoods continue to attract strong offers, mirroring the Bay Area’s broader trend where well-located properties near job centers and amenities are still drawing multiple bids.
Broader Context: Tech Capital and AI Momentum
While interest rates remain elevated — with the 30-year fixed hovering near 7% — local dynamics are increasingly shaped by the resurgence of the technology sector. The Bay Area added nearly 8,000 jobs this summer, and with venture capital once again flowing into artificial intelligence and related technologies, we are seeing renewed energy in both San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
I am already seeing this first-hand: one of my San Francisco listings recently attracted multiple offers and will close well over asking. With venture capital flowing back into AI and related fields, the ripple effects are reaching housing markets across the Bay Area. In Marin, this influx of tech-driven wealth may help sustain pricing power even as supply increases. Historically, tech wealth has been one of the strongest demand drivers in Marin, particularly for turnkey properties with quick access to San Francisco.
As this capital wave gains traction, I anticipate heightened competition in the fall market, especially in the $2–5M range that resonates with buyers connected to the tech ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
As we move into fall, the market will hinge on how quickly buyers absorb the additional inventory that has built over the summer. The post–Labor Day “mini season” is often a decisive period, and this year it coincides with renewed energy from the technology sector. With venture capital fueling new momentum in AI, and mortgage rate cuts on the horizon, Marin may experience a strong finish to 2025.
For sellers, this is an opportune moment to bring well-prepared homes to market while demand remains broad-based and competition is firm at the top end. Buyers, meanwhile, should be prepared to act quickly on quality listings, especially in Marin’s most desirable neighborhoods where inventory remains relatively tight.
Featured Listings & Recent Sales
114 Richardson Drive, Mill Valley — Sold Over Asking
This beautifully remodeled Mill Valley bungalow with Mt. Tamalpais views sold swiftly and over asking, reflecting continued buyer demand for move-in ready homes in prime Marin locations.
25 Maoli Drive, San Rafael — Sold in One Week
My Hamptons-inspired estate listing in Lucas Valley just sold for $6,850,000 within a week of hitting the market. With 4.2± acres, resort-style amenities, and nearly 6,800± sq ft of living, it drew strong interest from buyers seeking both privacy and luxury. It is the highest priced sale in San Rafael since 2021 and the 4rd highest sale in San Rafael ever.
102 Clorinda Avenue, San Rafael — Just Launched
A rare combination of light-filled single-level living and a private garden oasis, this newly launched listing in Gerstle Park offers a serene retreat just moments from downtown San Rafael.
739 10th Avenue, San Francisco — Multiple Offers & Pending
In the Inner Richmond, this stately 1913 Arts and Crafts residence attracted a remarkable level of attention. Multiple offers were received, and it is poised to sell well above asking — further evidence of renewed energy in San Francisco’s market, particularly for architecturally significant homes.
260 Clorinda Avenue, San Rafael — Just Launched
I just launched 260 Clorinda Avenue in San Rafael’s Gerstle Park neighborhood. With its character, location, and privacy, this home checks all the boxes of buyers looking for walk-to-everything in a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood.
1245 Sobre Vista Drive, Sonoma — $1 Million Price Reduction
This world-class Wine Country estate, featuring a resort-caliber pool, tennis court, and breathtaking views, has just been reduced by $1 million. This adjustment presents an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of Sonoma Valley’s most iconic properties at compelling value.
How Can I Help?
Marin County continues to offer a compelling mix of lifestyle, location, and long-term value, even as market dynamics evolve. Whether you’re considering a fall listing or are ready to take advantage of the increased inventory as a buyer, my expertise ensures you’re equipped to navigate the market with confidence.
I’m always happy to talk about the Marin County real estate market. Call or text me at 415-847-5584 for a personalized report for your home and neighborhood, or to discuss the best strategy for making your dream home a reality.
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From the Golden Gate Sotheby’s Bay Area Market Report…
COMPARATIVE GAINS
The regional housing market strengthened coming out of the mid-summer buying season, especially compared to the national housing market. The local economy stabilized following a modest decline in the previous year. The SF Bay Area added nearly 8,000 jobs this summer, an annualized growth rate of 2.2%. The unemployment rate was stable in the mid-4% range, still lower than the long-term average. If slower national economic conditions persist, the Federal Reserve is likely to reduce the benchmark interest rate. A reduction in interest rates could bolster the technology industry as well as equity markets, assuming the rate cuts do not front run a larger economic downturn. A continued focus by corporates on in-person workplaces continued to influence SF Bay Area housing dynamics as well. More than half of people were coming into the office in the SF Bay Area, and this figure is likely to increase significantly after Labor Day, which was an RTO deadline for many firms. This return to a more normalized in-office population helped spur stronger demand in the Inner SF Bay Area.
THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA HOUSING MARKET
Welcome to our August Market Report for the San Francisco Bay Area, presented in partnership with the Rosen Consulting Group (RCG). For our statistical report of the regional housing market, we take a close look at the ten counties associated with the SF Bay Area. This report focuses primarily on detached single family homes, with added coverage of the significant condominium market in San Francisco. We also examine the regional luxury market. All data is sourced from local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) organizations.
DEMAND EXCEEDS SUPPLY EVEN WITH MORE HOMES FOR SALE
Buyers still have a wide range of homes to choose from, with significantly more inventory available than last year. Despite this increase, the market remains relatively tight, especially near major employment clusters. There were nearly 8,300 homes on the market across the SF Bay Area in August, 27% more than last year. Inventory increased in nearly every SF Bay Area county, with the notable exception of San Francisco where inventory was flat. Nearly two-thirds of homes available for sale were in Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara and Sonoma counties. Despite greater inventory, demand generally outweighs supply in the SF Bay Area. This was reflected in the months of inventory remaining at nearly 2.5 months. For context, the national figure was more than four months. Inventory was even tighter near major job centers like San Francisco where months of inventory was less than 1.5. Months of inventory was also less than two in Alameda and Santa Clara counties.
SALES STRONG IN MID-TIER PRICE SEGMENT
Aggregate sales slowed slightly from last year as economic uncertainty and affordability challenges continued to weigh on some potential buyers. More than 3,400 single family homes sold across the SF Bay Area in August, more than one-third of which were in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Sonoma was the only county where sales surpassed the previous year, thanks to more sales in the $1.25 to $3.5 million price segment. Sales activity in this price segment was more stable across the rest of the SF Bay Area as well, especially on the Peninsula. Conversely, home sales of less than $1.25 million and more than $3.5 million decreased by 11% and 8%, respectively.
PRIME LOCATIONS STILL SELLING QUICKLY
Well-priced homes in prime neighborhoods sold quickly and for a significant premium to the list price, despite fewer total sales. Homes that sold in August spent an average of 36 days on the market, a week longer than last year. Meanwhile, homes sold in Inner SF Bay Area counties generally sold in one month or less. Homes sold in Santa Clara County in 26 days, on average. More than half of homes sold for over the asking price in Alameda and San Mateo counties, while nearly 70% of sales in San Francisco were for more than the list price. Homes that sold over asking in San Francisco also closed for 20% more than the list price, on average, the largest premium among SF Bay Area counties. In Napa and Santa Cruz counties, where second homes often account for a greater share of sales, days on market increased by more than two weeks to 77 and 48 days, respectively. The share of sales over asking was also lower in these counties.
SALES PRICE GAINS BEAT NATIONAL TRENDS
Further highlighting broader market resilience, the median sales price remained greater than last year compared with price declines in other parts of the nation. The SF Bay Area median sales price increased by nearly 4% to $1.30 million. Price growth was broad-based and exceeded 2% in six of the ten counties. Price growth was strongest in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties, as prices increased by 7.4% and 5.5%, respectively. The median sales price exceeded $1.25 million in six of the ten counties. The only county with a price decrease of more than 2% was Napa County, but the median price remained slightly greater than $1.0 million.
LOOKING AHEAD
As the market shifts into fall, a typically slower buying season, the deep pool of potential buyers has a number of homes to choose from overall but limited choices in the most desirable neighborhoods. Competition should remain especially strong for well-priced homes near job centers, where the return to office fuels greater buyer activity. Interest rate cuts may eventually translate to lower mortgage rates, which could bring additional buyers off the sidelines. Despite elevated macroeconomic uncertainty, potential for improving affordability and strong underlying demand for single family homes in the SF Bay Area should continue to exhibit the resilience of the market going forward.
What My Clients Are Saying…
Marin Real Estate Market Stats
Marin County Real Estate Market Report Charts
(click any slide to enlarge & launch slideshow)
“For Sale” vs. Sold Home Prices vs. Median Home Prices
Marin Home Prices List Price vs. Sold
Marin County Months of Inventory Based on Closed Sales
Average Price Per Square Foot
Marin County Number of Homes on the Market
I hope you have found my Marin County Real Estate Market Report informative. Please feel free to add your comments, questions or suggestions in the comments section below. If I may be of any assistance in helping you attain your real estate goals, please call or text me at 415-847-5584 and I will be in touch right away.
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Belvedere Real Estate Market Report
Corte Madera Real Estate Market Report
Fairfax Real Estate Market Report
Kentfield Real Estate Market Report
Larkspur Real Estate Market Report
Mill Valley Real Estate Market Report
Novato Real Estate Market Report
San Anselmo Real Estate Market Report
San Rafael Real Estate Market Report
Tiburon Real Estate Market Report
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About the Author
Thomas Henthorne is consistently top-ranked, award-winning real estate agent in Marin, helping people buy and sell homes for almost a decade. He writes the #1 real estate blog in Marin County and is a frequent speaker on panels at industry gatherings.
He may be reached at 415-847-5584.
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