Santa Clara County Summer Housing Market Update: Spring 2026 Home Prices, Sales Trends & Buyer Insights

What Buyers and Sellers Should Know This Summer in the Santa Clara County Housing Market

This Santa Clara County summer housing market update shows one of the busiest spring seasons we've seen in recent years, with buyer demand remaining strong across Silicon Valley. Spring 2026 was one of the busiest quarters we've seen in recent years across Santa Clara County. From April through June, 1,833 single-family homes with 3+ bedrooms and at least 1,500 square feet sold, compared to just 1,034 sales in Q1 2026—a 77% increase in transaction activity as buyers returned to the market.

Despite higher mortgage rates than many homeowners became accustomed to during the pandemic, demand remained remarkably strong. The median home sold for $2.4 million, spent just 10 days on market, and achieved a median $1,083 per square foot.

The story across Santa Clara County remains the same: well-priced homes in desirable neighborhoods continue to attract multiple offers, while buyers remain selective about condition, location, and long-term value.

Santa Clara County Summer Housing Market Update: Spring 2026 Market Snapshot

Area	Sales	Median Sale Price	Median $/Sq Ft	Median DOM
Campbell	74	$2,260,000	$1,102	10
Cupertino	94	$3,291,000	$1,559	8
Los Gatos / Monte Sereno	97	$3,749,000	$1,364	11
Morgan Hill / Gilroy	210	$1,362,500	$596	12
Milpitas	34	$1,862,750	$879	11
Sunnyvale	123	$2,918,000	$1,470	8
Santa Clara	87	$2,150,000	$1,130	12
Willow Glen	130	$2,495,000	$1,134	9
Cambrian	97	$2,120,000	$1,090	13
Almaden Valley	96	$2,430,000	$1,036	9
Blossom Valley	115	$1,600,000	$824	11
Berryessa	75	$1,750,000	$829	13
Evergreen	81	$2,227,000	$988	10
Central San Jose	55	$1,670,000	$824	15

Source: MLS data for single-family homes with 3+ bedrooms and 1,500+ square feet sold April–June 2026 in Santa Clara County.

Market Highlights

Cupertino and Sunnyvale Continue to Command Premium Prices

School districts remain one of the strongest drivers of buyer demand. Cupertino posted a median sale price of $3.29 million while Sunnyvale reached $2.92 million, both averaging only 8 days on market. Homes in top-performing school districts continue to attract multiple offers even when properties aren't fully remodeled.

Luxury Markets Remain Resilient

Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Saratoga, Los Altos, Palo Alto, and Los Altos Hills all experienced healthy activity despite higher price points. Buyers in these markets remain focused on location, privacy, lot size, and long-term desirability rather than simply searching for the newest finishes.

Affordability Still Drives Demand in Southern Santa Clara County

Morgan Hill and Gilroy saw the highest transaction volume among the major market areas with 210 sales. With a median sale price of approximately $1.36 million, these communities continue attracting buyers seeking more space and larger lots while remaining within commuting distance of Silicon Valley employers.

Case Study #1: Willow Glen's Premium Location Still Wins

1086 Camino Ricardo, San Jose

• Listed: $2,888,000

• Sold: $3,150,000

• 4 Beds | 3 Baths

• 2,490 Sq Ft

• 6,426 Sq Ft Lot

• 8 Days on Market

Located in downtown Willow Glen, this home demonstrates one of the oldest truths in real estate: location still matters most.

The property featured thoughtful renovations, high-end finishes, a bright open floor plan, and an impressive great room with 12-foot stacking pocket doors opening to a resort-style backyard. A main-floor bedroom and full bath added flexibility for multigenerational living and guests.

The upgrades certainly helped, but buyers were ultimately competing for one of Silicon Valley's most desirable neighborhoods. Walkability, community character, and proximity to downtown Willow Glen continue to command a premium.

Takeaway: Exceptional locations can generate strong competition even in a market where buyers are becoming increasingly selective.

Case Study #2: School Districts and Good Maintenance Matter

486 Peralta Avenue, Sunnyvale

• Listed: $2,499,000

• Sold: $2,556,000

• 1,600 Sq Ft

• 5,500 Sq Ft Lot

• 7 Days on Market

This home wasn't the most updated property available in Sunnyvale.

However, it offered something many buyers prioritize even more: a desirable school district and a well-maintained home.

The property featured mature landscaping with fig, apricot, fuyu persimmon, and mandarin trees, along with a dedicated vegetable garden area. It was also a single-story home, which appeals to buyers planning for long-term living and aging in place.

Takeaway: Sellers don't always need a complete renovation to achieve strong results. Consistent maintenance, good presentation, and a desirable location often matter more than chasing every design trend.

Case Study #3: Los Altos Buyers Pay for Lifestyle and Privacy

277 Alta Vista Avenue, Los Altos

• Listed: $3,398,000

• Sold: $3,400,000

• 1,619 Sq Ft

• 7,795 Sq Ft Lot

• 7 Days on Market

This North Los Altos home wasn't the largest property available, but it offered what many luxury buyers value most: privacy, charm, and indoor-outdoor living.

Set behind a gated courtyard and mature landscaping, the home featured bright living spaces, updated bathrooms, a skylit kitchen, multiple outdoor entertaining areas, and a detached oversized garage with potential for a workshop, office, or future studio.

The property sold quickly because it delivered a lifestyle buyers wanted rather than simply maximizing square footage.

Takeaway: In premium markets such as Los Altos, buyers often prioritize location, privacy, lot quality, and usability over sheer size.

What This Means for Buyers

Competition Remains Strong

With the countywide median home selling in just 10 days, buyers should expect desirable homes to move quickly. Waiting too long to view a property or submit an offer can mean missing opportunities.

Focus on Long-Term Value

The strongest-performing homes this spring shared common characteristics:

• Desirable neighborhoods

• Strong school districts

• Functional floor plans

• Good maintenance

• Privacy and usable outdoor space

Rather than focusing solely on cosmetic upgrades, buyers should evaluate the factors that tend to hold value over time.

Be Ready Before the Right Home Appears

Many successful buyers this quarter were already fully pre-approved and prepared to act when the right property became available. In competitive Silicon Valley markets, preparation often matters as much as price.

What This Means for Sellers

Proper Pricing Still Creates Competition

Many of the strongest sales this quarter were not necessarily the newest or most luxurious homes. They were properties that entered the market at a compelling price and generated buyer interest immediately.

Maintenance Matters More Than Perfection

Buyers continue rewarding homes that have been well cared for, even if they haven't undergone extensive renovations. Deferred maintenance remains one of the biggest factors that can reduce buyer confidence and negotiating power.

Location Continues to Drive Results

Whether it's Willow Glen, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Los Altos, or Saratoga, homes in desirable neighborhoods continue attracting strong buyer demand. Sellers who understand how their specific location fits into current buyer preferences are best positioned to maximize value.

Bottom Line

Santa Clara County's spring market demonstrated that demand remains healthy across nearly every price point. While buyers have become more discerning, well-priced homes in desirable locations continue to sell quickly and often attract multiple offers.

For buyers, preparation and decisiveness remain critical. For sellers, strategic pricing, thoughtful preparation, and understanding what today's buyers value most continue to be the keys to a successful sale.