As temperatures cool and seasonal residents begin to return, the Greater Palm Springs real estate market enters one of its most unique and telling phases of the year. November’s numbers reveal a steady, balanced market that is adjusting naturally to desert seasonality while preparing for the surge of activity that arrives each January.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the Coachella Valley, this month’s trends offer valuable insight into what to expect, and how to strategically position yourself moving into winter.
Market Overview for November 2025
The Coachella Valley recorded:
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484 total closings
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$428.9M in total sold volume
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Average sold price: $886,145
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Average sold-to-list ratio: 94.76%
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Average days on market: 68
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Active inventory: 3,453 homes
These metrics reflect a healthy, stable, and seasonally balanced desert market—neither overheated nor declining.
Notable Market Shifts in November
1. Inventory Has Increased, Creating a Balanced Market
With 3,453 homes available, inventory is slightly higher than earlier in the fall. This gives buyers more options without creating downward pressure on pricing. It’s a hallmark of a balanced, sustainable market.
2. Days on Market Rose Slightly to 68
Homes took just under 10 weeks to sell on average—up slightly from early fall. This is normal for the season and indicates a gentle deceleration as buyers slow down for holidays and travel plans.
3. Sales Activity Softened but Remains Consistent
The 484 closings in November show a predictable seasonal dip, but demand is far from disappearing. The valley’s core markets—Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and La Quinta—remain especially active.
4. Prices Remain Stable, Supported by Strong Sold/List Ratios
At 94.76%, sellers are still achieving close-to-asking results. This number has held steady for months, confirming strong pricing power for well-positioned homes.
5. Luxury Continues to Drive the Market
High-end communities like Indian Wells, La Quinta, and Rancho Mirage reported some of the highest average sale prices in the valley. Luxury buyers remain active even during seasonal slowdowns, capturing premium properties before January competition rises.
Seasonal Trends: What November Tells Us About the Months Ahead
The desert’s real estate cycle is distinctly seasonal—and November is when the transition becomes most noticeable.
Holiday Season Buyer Behavior
November and December attract highly motivated buyers:
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Relocating for the new year
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Searching for second homes
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Looking to secure a winter residence
Though overall buyer volume decreases temporarily, buyer quality increases.
January Brings the Largest Buyer Surge of the Year
Once the holidays end and winter visitors return, activity spikes dramatically.
Expect:
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Increased foot traffic
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More showing activity
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Faster days on market
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Stronger competition, especially in popular communities
Events like Modernism Week, BNP Paribas Open, golf tournaments, and snowbird travel patterns contribute to this surge.
Inventory Tightens as Demand Rises
The additional inventory that builds in late fall is often absorbed quickly once the season begins. Buyers waiting until February or March may find fewer options and more competition.
What Buyers Should Keep in Mind
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December offers one of the best windows of the year to buy due to reduced competition.
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Increased inventory gives you more choices and leverage.
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Sellers tend to be more flexible before year-end.
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Waiting until mid-January means entering a high-demand environment where desirable homes move quickly.
What Sellers Should Know Moving Forward
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Serious buyers remain active through the holidays, and homes priced correctly continue to sell.
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Inventory rises slightly, but nowhere near levels that impact pricing power.
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January–April is your highest-traffic selling window of the year—preparation now means maximum exposure when the market surges.
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Homes that show well (updated, staged, photographed professionally) outperform the market and command stronger offers.
Final Thoughts
November’s market performance demonstrates a desert real estate cycle that is steady, resilient, and seasonally predictable. We’re entering a period where strategic timing truly matters—whether you’re looking to purchase before competition rises or preparing to list your home for peak season.
The opportunities are strong on both sides of the market.
As we move into December and look ahead to January’s in-season surge, buyers and sellers who act with clear strategy and guidance will be positioned for the best outcomes.
