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Riverside County Home Prices Hold Steady at $640,000 Heading Into Summer

RIVERSIDE, California — Riverside County home prices are holding steady as the local housing market transitions into the busy summer season, according to the latest monthly report from the California Association of Realtors. New data reveals that the median price of an existing single-family home in the county stood at $640,000 in May, remaining entirely unchanged from April's figures and up only a fraction of a percent from the same period last year.

While home prices in the region leveled off, overall sales activity saw a minor shift. Closed escrow sales in Riverside County ticked up just 0.2 percent from April, though overall volume remained down 2.2 percent compared to May of last year. Local real estate experts note that the sluggish sales pace highlights a persistent inventory squeeze, as many current homeowners choose to stay put rather than give up their existing lower mortgage rates, intensifying competition for the few properties available.

The flat pricing trend across Riverside County stands in sharp contrast to the broader California market. Statewide, intense competition for limited housing stock pushed the California median home price to a historic record high of $930,260 last month, representing a 2.3 percent increase from April and a 3.1 percent jump from May 2025. The data also showed that higher-priced luxury markets continue to outperform the rest of the state, with sales of homes priced above $1 million seeing a significant year-over-year increase.

Looking ahead, industry analysts express cautious optimism for both buyers and sellers as the third quarter approaches. While ongoing economic uncertainty and low consumer confidence continue to weigh heavily on homebuying sentiment, a recent easing in mortgage rates could provide much-needed relief. Representatives from the California Association of Realtors indicate that if interest rates continue their gradual downward trajectory, more inventory and active buyers are expected to re-enter the market in the coming months.

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By: NBC Palm Springs

June 18, 2026

Riverside County housing marketCalifornia Association of Realtorsmedian home price May 2026Inland Empire real estatemortgage rates housing demandJune 2026
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