South Bay Home Sales Drop 15% Since 2020 | Market Trends

Home sales across the Beach Cities have cooled significantly since 2020. While 2021 brought a temporary surge, the overall...

Darren Pujalet

November 7th, 2025

3 min read

Home sales across the Beach Cities have cooled significantly since 2020. While 2021 brought a temporary surge, the overall trend since the pandemic began is one of steady decline. If you're buying or selling in cities like Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, or El Segundo, these numbers give you valuable insight into how the market is truly performing.

The Numbers: Before vs. After 2020

To understand what's happening now, we first looked at total home sales (single-family, condo, and townhome combined) across the four main Beach Cities—Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and El Segundo.

Average Annual Sales: 2016-2019

• 2016: 1,689

• 2017: 1,691

• 2018: 1,513

• 2019: 1,593

• Average: 1,622 sales/year

Average Annual Sales: 2020-2021 (COVID Period)

• 2020: 1,573

• 2021: 1,893 (COVID boom)

• Average: 1,733 sales/year

Average Annual Sales: 2022-2024 (Post Interest Rate Hike)

• 2022: 1,255

• 2023: 1,024

• 2024: 1,115

• Average: 1,131 sales/year

That’s a 15.4% drop in average yearly sales compared to the pre-COVID market. For 2025, we are on pace to a similar total number of sales as 2024.

What This Means for the Beach Cities Market

The 2021 Spike Was the Exception, Not the Rule

The pandemic created a short-lived frenzy in 2021 as buyers raced to lock in low interest rates and more space. But that surge masked a longer-term cooldown in activity that's persisted ever since.

Inventory Has Been Tight, But So Has Demand

In cities like Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach, limited inventory has kept prices relatively stable. But the declining number of transactions suggests that many buyers and sellers are still sitting on the sidelines—waiting for clarity on rates, pricing, and economic outlook.

It's a More Strategic Market Now

Lower volume means every listing, offer, and negotiation carries more weight. Whether you're buying or selling, understanding the broader sales trend can help you set realistic expectations and strategies.

Why Local Data Matters More Than Ever

The South Bay market isn’t crashing—it’s correcting. Compared to the pre-COVID norm, total annual sales across the Beach Cities are down by over 15%. That means fewer opportunities, tighter competition, and a greater need for local expertise.

Want to keep up with the latest trends in your specific city? Request your customized monthly market report from Pujalet Real Estate. We’ll send you up-to-date stats, insights, and what it all means for your next move.

About the author

Darren Pujalet

(310) 613-1690

Darren Pujalet is a top 1% REALTOR® serving Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach with over 18 years of full-time experience and more than $500 million in career sales. Based in the South Bay and licensed through CRMLS, Darren brings a rare blend of local insight and strategic market knowledge to every transaction. He has closed over 250 homes to date, averaging double-digit high-value sales per year across both on- and off-market listings. His specialties include luxury homes, builder tear-down acquisitions, investment properties, and first-time buyer strategy. A consistent Top Producer, Darren has received multiple sales awards from Estate Properties, and has been featured in South Bay Magazine, DIGS, the Beach Reporter, and Executive Agent. His clients benefit from hands-on, boutique service backed by a trusted support team and over 100 public reviews—primarily on Zillow, Google, and Yelp. Known for offering whisper listings and handling sales discreetly, Darren's approach centers on protecting client interests while maximizing value. Whether advising on a $10M beachfront listing or securing a private off-market deal, Darren blends negotiation skill with deep-rooted community knowledge to deliver exceptional outcomes across all price points.