November 2026 | MX Associates Team | Seven Gables Real Estate
What is happening in the Orange County housing market in November 2026? According to the latest Orange County Housing Report by Steven Thomas of Reports On Housing, the local real estate market is entering the holiday season with declining inventory, falling buyer demand, and a longer timeline for selling homes.
As of November 9, 2026, Orange County had 4,845 active residential listings, 1,099 pending sales, and an Expected Market Time of 132 days. Buyer demand declined by 10% over the previous two weeks, while active inventory decreased by 2%.
These changes signal a slower housing market as Orange County approaches the holidays. For prospective buyers and sellers, understanding current inventory levels, buyer activity, and local market conditions can help inform real estate decisions.
Steven Thomas describes this seasonal slowdown as the "Holiday Slumber." Here's a closer look at the November 2026 Orange County housing market, what the latest statistics mean, and what buyers and sellers should understand heading into the end of the year.
Orange County Housing Market Statistics: November 9, 2026
The following figures come from the November 9, 2026, edition of The Orange County Housing Report, prepared by Steven Thomas of Reports On Housing.
Orange County housing statisticNovember 9, 2026Active homes for sale4,845Two-week inventory changeDown 103 homes (-2%)Pending sales (buyer demand)1,099Two-week demand changeDown 120 (-10%)Expected Market Time132 daysPrevious Expected Market Time122 daysMortgage rate reported7.18%
The mortgage rate of 7.18% was reported at the time of the November 9 analysis, according to Mortgage News Daily. It should not be interpreted as a live mortgage rate or a rate available to every borrower.
The most significant development is that buyer demand is declining faster than available inventory. This has contributed to an increase in Expected Market Time, indicating that Orange County homes are taking longer to sell at the current pace of buyer activity.
1. Is Orange County's Housing Inventory Increasing or Decreasing?
Orange County's active housing inventory decreased by 103 homes over the two weeks leading up to November 9, 2026, bringing the total number of available listings to 4,845. This represents a 2% decline.
Despite the recent decrease, inventory remains higher than it was one year ago.
On November 9, 2025, Orange County had 4,103 active listings. The current inventory is 742 homes higher.
The report identifies several factors affecting the number of homes entering the market. One is the continued tendency of homeowners to hold onto properties with low fixed mortgage rates rather than list their homes for sale.
Through October 2026, 25,926 homes had been listed in Orange County. That is 9,490 fewer listings than the average for the same period during 2017–2019, representing a 27% decline.
What does declining inventory mean for Orange County homebuyers and sellers?
For buyers, fewer new listings during the holiday season may mean fewer opportunities to find a property that meets their needs. For sellers, understanding the number of competing properties and how their home compares is especially important when determining an appropriate listing strategy.
2. Why Is Buyer Demand Falling in Orange County?
Buyer demand in Orange County declined by 10% over the two weeks leading up to November 9, 2026, marking the largest two-week drop of the year.
According to Steven Thomas, demand is measured by the number of pending sales over the prior month. It decreased from 1,219 to 1,099 pending sales, a reduction of 120.
This is also the lowest November demand reading since tracking began in 2004.
For comparison, Orange County had 1,487 pending sales at this time in 2025, approximately 35% more than the current reading.
Two important factors highlighted in the report are the arrival of the holiday season and mortgage rates remaining above 7% at the time of the analysis.
As buyers shift their attention toward holiday activities and fewer new listings enter the market, Steven Thomas expects demand to continue declining through the end of the year.
For anyone considering purchasing a home in Orange County, these numbers provide useful context about the current level of buyer activity. However, demand can vary by location, property type, and price range.
3. What Is Expected Market Time in Orange County Real Estate?
Expected Market Time is a real estate measurement that estimates how many days it would take to sell all currently available listings at the existing pace of buyer demand.
In simple terms, it helps illustrate how quickly or slowly the housing market is moving.
As of November 9, 2026, Orange County's Expected Market Time increased from 122 to 132 days over the previous two weeks.
This is the highest reading since January 2019 and the highest November reading since 2008.
Here is how the current figure compares with previous periods:
November 2025: 83 days.
November 2026: 132 days.
2017–2019 pre-pandemic average: 85 days.
The increase indicates that homes are taking longer to sell at the current pace of buyer demand compared with the same period last year.
Expected Market Time by Property Type
The November 9 report also breaks down Expected Market Time for detached homes and attached properties, including condominiums and townhomes.
Detached homes:
Current Expected Market Time: 123 days.
Previous reading: 115 days.
November 2025: 77 days.
Condominiums and townhomes:
Current Expected Market Time: 146 days.
Previous reading: 131 days.
November 2025: 92 days.
Detached homes are currently moving faster than attached properties based on these Expected Market Time figures.
For buyers and sellers, this distinction matters because the overall Orange County housing market statistics do not necessarily reflect conditions in every property category.
4. How Does the Holiday Season Affect the Orange County Housing Market?
The holiday season is traditionally the slowest period of the year for Orange County real estate. Both available inventory and buyer demand typically decline as homeowners and prospective buyers shift their attention toward family, travel, and seasonal activities.
According to Steven Thomas, the Holiday Market begins the week before Thanksgiving and continues through the first two weeks of January. The market transitions into the Winter Market during the third week of January.
Historical data from the November 9 report illustrates how significantly the market can change during this period.
During the 2025 holiday season:
Active inventory decreased from 4,103 to 2,703 homes, a 34% decline.
Buyer demand decreased from 1,487 to 951 pending sales, also a 34% decline.
Expected Market Time increased slightly from 83 to 85 days.
Because inventory and demand declined at similar rates, Expected Market Time remained relatively stable.
However, the 2026 holiday season is beginning from a slower market position.
With 4,845 active listings, 1,099 pending sales, and an Expected Market Time of 132 days, Orange County is entering the holidays with substantially slower market conditions than it experienced one year ago.
Steven Thomas anticipates that inventory and buyer demand will continue declining through the end of the year, while Expected Market Time remains elevated.
Is November a Good Time to Buy or Sell a Home in Orange County?
There is no single answer for every buyer or seller. The November housing market presents different considerations depending on individual goals, financing, property type, and location.
For buyers, declining demand may mean less competition in some segments of the market. However, fewer new listings during the holidays may also limit available choices.
For sellers, the longer Expected Market Time highlights the importance of understanding current competition, preparing a property thoughtfully, and pricing according to comparable homes and local market conditions.
The holiday season does not mean homes cannot sell. It does mean that buyers and sellers should understand the seasonal slowdown and plan accordingly.
5. What Is Happening in the Orange County Luxury Real Estate Market?
The Orange County luxury housing market also experienced a slowdown in the November 9, 2026, report.
Steven Thomas defines the luxury market in this analysis as homes priced above $2.5 million, representing the top 10% of the Orange County housing market.
Over the previous two weeks:
Luxury inventory decreased from 958 to 943 homes, down 2%.
Luxury buyer demand decreased from 150 to 123 pending sales, down 18%.
Luxury Expected Market Time increased from 192 to 230 days.
Because luxury buyer demand declined faster than inventory, homes in this segment are taking longer to sell at the current pace.
Orange County Luxury Market by Price Range
The report also identifies differences in Expected Market Time across luxury price categories:
Luxury home price rangeExpected Market Time$2.5 million–$4 million189 days$4 million–$6 million238 daysAbove $6 million327 days
The $2.5 million–$4 million category increased from 145 to 189 days, while the $4 million–$6 million category decreased from 260 to 238 days. Properties priced above $6 million increased from 253 to 327 days.
These differences demonstrate why buyers and sellers should evaluate their specific price range rather than relying exclusively on countywide housing statistics.
What Should Orange County Homebuyers and Sellers Know Before the End of 2026?
The November 2026 Orange County housing market reflects a seasonal slowdown combined with lower buyer demand and an elevated Expected Market Time.
For buyers, understanding current inventory, financing options, and the availability of properties in preferred neighborhoods can help establish realistic expectations.
For sellers, current competition, comparable sales, property presentation, and pricing are important considerations when preparing to list a home.
While countywide statistics provide a valuable overview, real estate conditions can differ significantly between communities, neighborhoods, and property types.
A home in Huntington Beach may experience different market conditions than a property in Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, or another Orange County community. Looking at local market data alongside countywide trends provides a more complete picture.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Orange County Housing Market
What is the current Orange County housing market like in November 2026?
According to the November 9, 2026, Orange County Housing Report, there are 4,845 active listings and 1,099 pending sales. Expected Market Time is 132 days, up from 122 days two weeks earlier. Inventory and buyer demand are both declining as the holiday season approaches.
How many homes are for sale in Orange County?
As of November 9, 2026, Orange County had 4,845 active residential listings. This was 103 fewer homes than two weeks earlier, representing a 2% decline.
Is buyer demand increasing or decreasing in Orange County?
Buyer demand is decreasing. Pending sales declined from 1,219 to 1,099 over the two weeks leading up to November 9, 2026. This represents a 10% decrease and the lowest November demand reading since tracking began in 2004, according to Steven Thomas.
How long does it take to sell a home in Orange County?
The Expected Market Time was 132 days as of November 9, 2026. This is a marketwide measurement based on available inventory and the current pace of buyer demand. Individual properties may sell faster or slower depending on their location, condition, price, and competition.
Are Orange County homes taking longer to sell than last year?
Yes. Expected Market Time increased from 83 days in November 2025 to 132 days in November 2026, indicating a slower overall market at the time of the report.
What happens to Orange County real estate during the holidays?
Historically, both active inventory and buyer demand decline during the holiday season. Steven Thomas identifies the Holiday Market as beginning the week before Thanksgiving and continuing through the first two weeks of January. The market transitions into the Winter Market during the third week of January.
Are luxury homes taking longer to sell in Orange County?
According to the November 9 report, luxury homes priced above $2.5 million had an Expected Market Time of 230 days, up from 192 days two weeks earlier. The luxury segment experienced an 18% decline in buyer demand during that period.
Should I buy or sell a home in Orange County before the end of 2026?
The right timing depends on your individual circumstances, financial goals, property needs, and local market conditions. The November report shows a slower market, but countywide statistics cannot determine whether a particular home or transaction is the right opportunity. Reviewing comparable properties and speaking with a local real estate professional can help you evaluate your options.
Looking for an Orange County Real Estate Team?
Whether you're buying your first home, selling a property, relocating, or exploring your options for the coming year, understanding the local housing market is an important first step.
The MX Associates Team at Seven Gables Real Estate helps buyers and sellers navigate real estate decisions throughout Orange County, including Huntington Beach and surrounding communities.
With an understanding of local market conditions and a relationship-focused approach, our team is here to help you evaluate your options, understand the process, and plan your next move.
Have questions about buying or selling a home in Orange County? We'd love to hear from you.
Connect with the MX Associates Team:
Maria Xanthakis | DRE #01322068
Sandee Pugmire | DRE #02000970
Lance Pugmire | DRE #02194357
MX Associates Team | Seven Gables Real Estate
Market Data Source & Attribution
Market statistics, historical comparisons, and market analysis in this article are credited to:
Steven Thomas, The Orange County Housing Report, November 9, 2026, Reports On Housing.
Copyright 2026 — Steven Thomas, Reports On Housing — All Rights Reserved.
This article summarizes and discusses the findings of the original report. The original report may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the author.
