Beach Cities Market Report – May 2025: What’s Really Happening in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach

If you’re a homeowner in the Beach Cities—or even just thinking about selling—you’ve probably heard a dozen different takes on what the market is doing. But here’s the truth: you can’t rely on general headlines, because Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach are moving in their own unique ways. Today, we’ll break down what’s actually happening and what it means if you’re planning a move in 2025.

Manhattan Beach: Still the Pace Setter in the Beach Cities

Manhattan Beach is still setting the tone for the rest of the South Bay. Inventory is down, competition is up, and homes that are priced correctly aren’t sitting long. That said, we’re seeing a subtle shift in how buyers are approaching the market. They’re not just reacting emotionally anymore—they’re responding to precision.

In other words, the homes that are dialed in—strategically priced, thoughtfully presented, and clearly marketed—are the ones that are moving fast. Everyone else is being left behind.

📊 Price and Inventory Trends

The chart below shows the big picture: median list price in Manhattan Beach remains elevated, while inventory has tightened even further. It’s not just about demand—it’s about scarcity. And in a place like Manhattan Beach, scarcity is always the wildcard.

Altos Research – Manhattan Beach Median List Price and Inventory, May 2025

📈 Understanding the Market Action Index

The Market Action Index (MAI) is one of the key tools I rely on to assess the balance between supply and demand. It’s a forward-looking indicator that helps me gauge how competitive the market is—and how much leverage sellers may realistically have. A value above 30 typically signals a seller’s market.

In Manhattan Beach, the MAI remains elevated—well into seller territory. But that doesn’t mean all homes are flying off the market. It means the right homes are.

Altos Research – Manhattan Beach Market Action Index, May 2025

Buyers are still stepping up in this market—but they’re also selective. The gap between homes that are sold and homes that sit is widening. And for sellers, this is where insight becomes impact.

Hermosa Beach: A Seller’s Market with Less Margin for Error

Hermosa Beach is often seen as a middle ground—smaller footprint than Redondo, less expensive than Manhattan—but it’s not a market that tolerates laziness. Inventory is even tighter than it was a month ago, and pricing remains strong, but buyers are more cautious than they were last year.

The homes that are moving are the ones that are buttoned up: good condition, strategic staging, and accurate pricing. That’s what today’s Hermosa buyer is rewarding.

📊 Price and Inventory Trends

This chart reflects exactly what we’re seeing in real time—limited supply and upward pressure on pricing. If you’re selling in Hermosa, you don’t need perfection, but you do need a plan.

Altos Research – Hermosa Beach Median List Price and Inventory, May 2025

📈 Market Action Index

The MAI in Hermosa is another tool I rely on to evaluate how tight the market really is. It's currently well above 30, confirming strong seller advantage—but only for homes that are positioned thoughtfully. The homes that shine are the ones that sell.

Altos Research – Hermosa Beach Market Action Index, May 2025

Redondo Beach: A Wider Mix of Buyers and a Bigger Spread of Outcomes

Redondo Beach continues to offer the most diversity in both buyers and inventory. From ocean-view properties in the Avenues to entry-level homes inland, it’s a larger, more dynamic market—but also more sensitive to strategy.

The good news? If you’re prepared, you’ll stand out. The bad news? If you’re not, you’ll sit.

📊 Price and Inventory Trends

The chart below shows a market with opportunity—but also risk. Pricing remains solid, but the variation in property types means buyer expectations vary too.

Altos Research – Redondo Beach Median List Price and Inventory, May 2025

📈 Market Action Index

Redondo’s MAI reinforces what we’re seeing on the ground: strong buyer activity, but very little patience for homes that don’t hit the mark. It’s one of the most telling tools I use to help sellers understand where they stand—and how to improve their odds.

Altos Research – Redondo Beach Market Action Index, May 2025

Final Thought

If you’re selling in the Beach Cities right now, data is your friend—but strategy is your edge. Knowing what buyers want, how inventory is shifting, and what the market will tolerate isn’t just helpful—it’s the difference between being listed and being sold.

If you’d like a deeper breakdown for your neighborhood, I can help you evaluate how your home fits into today’s market and what it will take to stand out. Reach out anytime.