It is that time of the year again, the beginning of a new one, and time to look back at how the Santa Monica real estate market fared in 2011.

Since Santa Monica is made up of diverse neighborhoods I have split the report into single family by price and condos.

What is Market Absorption?

Market absorption trends show the rate that properties are selling compared with inventory which enables us to see if it is a sellers’ or buyers’ market.

6 months worth of inventory is a balanced market. Under 6 months is a sellers’ market, and anything over 6 months is a buyers’ market.

So how is the Santa Monica real estate market doing?

Surprisingly, the under $2M Santa Monica single family home market showing a bigger drop than the higher end homes, although both are showing a larger decrease over 2011. The median price is down at the lower end, but the sales vs list price is slightly up, indicating that homes priced well are selling close to asking. Also, with inventory at around 2 months, Santa Monica home sellers should consider this a good time to put their homes on the market.

The higher end market is a buyers’ market

Santa Monica condos are also showing a decrease across the board, number of sales, median price, and sales to list price, but the inventory is low, so if you are thinking of selling a Santa Monica condo now would be a good time.

Previous Santa Monica Housing Market Reports

Santa Monica Market Report September 2011

Real Estate in Santa Monica Half Yearly Market Report

Santa Monica Real Estate First Quarter 2011 Market Report