The median home price in Anaheim was $980,000 based on September transactions. According to data compiled by Houzeo from CRMLS, this is a 9.01% increase compared to a year ago.

Official statistics for transactions completed in October are typically released in mid-November. Therefore, this summary is based on the most recent figures available up to the end of October to analyze the market.

According to the same data, there were 300 listings in September, which is a 12.78% increase from a year ago. The median selling period was 48 days, which is actually 9.43% shorter.

It is noteworthy that while the number of listings has increased, the speed of sales has also picked up. This suggests that there are still buyers actively looking.

Zillow's home value index was around $946,000 at the end of August, with a year-over-year increase of 2.7%. The difference between actual transaction prices and the median is due to different calculation methods.

The median transaction price fluctuates based on which homes sold that month. In contrast, the index reflects the estimated values of all homes in the neighborhood, showing much smoother movements.

I look at both numbers together. The transaction price has jumped over 9%, while the index has increased around 3%, so the actual perceived increase is likely somewhere in between.

When compared to the overall Orange County market, Anaheim's position becomes clearer. According to data released by the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) on October 19, the median price for single-family homes in the county was $1.48 million.

The county median has risen 5.6% from a year ago and is 1.9% higher than in August. This means Anaheim's prices are nearly $500,000 lower than the county average.

In the same report, the statewide median was $899,720, which saw a modest increase of 1.7%. The total transaction volume statewide has decreased by 6.5% compared to a year ago.

In summary, Anaheim is slightly more expensive than the state average but definitely cheaper than the county average. This is why those looking to move into Orange County but find Irvine or coastal cities too expensive are considering Anaheim.

However, there are significant differences between neighborhoods within Anaheim. Anaheim Hills had a median price of $1.1 million over the three months leading up to June, while the Highlands area, according to Redfin, had a median of $776,000 over the same period until September.

Relying solely on the city average can lead to unrealistic expectations. I recommend checking the recent three-month transactions for the specific zip codes you are interested in.

Interest rates remain the biggest variable. According to Freddie Mac's announcement on October 29, the average for a 30-year fixed mortgage was 7.24%, down slightly from 7.32% the previous week.

A year ago at this time, it was 6.17%. With an increase of over 1 percentage point, the monthly payments for the same home have significantly increased.

The 15-year fixed rate was at 6.60%. Those looking to shorten their loan term as they approach retirement should also consider this number.

Nonetheless, home prices are rising primarily because inventory has been historically low. Even with the increase to 300 listings, this is not a sufficient supply considering the size of the city.

Now, let's look at rents. According to updated data from RentCafe on October 30, the average rent for an apartment in Anaheim was $2,512 per month.

This is a 1.55% increase from $2,473 a year ago. Compared to the rise in home prices, rents have remained relatively stagnant.

By unit type, studios averaged $1,921, one-bedroom units $2,269, two-bedroom units $2,786, and three-bedroom units $3,347. The average size was reported at 837 square feet.

By neighborhood, the Platinum Triangle was the most expensive at $3,082, followed by Anaheim Hills at $2,970. Northwest Anaheim was the lowest at $2,342.

This data only includes large apartment complexes with over 50 units. Rentals for condos or single-family homes may be higher or lower than this.

If you are a tenant, you should also be aware of the rent increase limits. State law AB 1482 caps annual increases at the lower of 5% plus the local inflation rate or 10%.

According to industry data, an 8.7% cap will apply to increases in the LA and Orange County areas after August 1, 2026, based on a calculation using the April local inflation rate of 3.7%.

Single-family homes or buildings less than 15 years old may be exempt. To determine if your home qualifies, it is best to check with the state Department of Justice tenant guide or your city housing department.

From an investment perspective, the calculations are tight. Home prices are rising, but rents are only increasing in the 1% range, and interest rates are in the 7% range, making it challenging to buy and rent out properties to maintain cash flow.

Currently, investing in Anaheim leans more towards long-term capital gains rather than rental income. This market suits those who have the financial capacity to make a substantial down payment.

If you are looking to buy for personal residence, the situation is a bit different. With increasing inventory and slightly declining interest rates at the end of the year, there may be room for negotiation.

If I were searching for a home now, I would start by looking at properties that have been on the market for over 60 days. The longer a home has been listed, the easier it is to request price adjustments or closing cost assistance.

Once the October closing statistics are released, I will check to see if this trend continues. Since the criteria and sources for each figure vary, be sure to compare with the latest data before making any major decisions.