Recently, I met with a family that purchased a three-bedroom home near Belmont Heights in Long Beach five years ago and has held onto it since. Initially, their goal was stability for living rather than capital gains, but after reviewing their property tax bill, they reflected on their decision. Following such examples can help us understand why a long-term holding strategy remains effective in the Long Beach market.

According to Zillow, the typical home value (ZHVI) in Long Beach is around $788,693, having decreased by 1.3% over the past year (as of 2026). The prices, which surged after the pandemic, seem to be undergoing a correction.

The August 2026 market report from Beyond Real Estate indicates that Long Beach has about 4.6 months of inventory available, with an average of 45 days to sell, suggesting a balanced market that does not heavily favor buyers or sellers. However, inventory figures vary from one month to four months depending on the type of properties, such as single-family homes versus condos.

Nationally, existing homeowners who secured loans at ultra-low rates of 3-4% during 2020-2021 are experiencing a lock-in effect, delaying sales due to current rates around 6% (nar.realtor, fanniemae.com). Long Beach is not significantly different from this trend. The rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about $1,850 per month (Zumper, as of June 2026), which can serve as a benchmark when calculating the advantages of buying versus renting in the area.

Port of Long Beach is the second-busiest container port in the U.S., handling over $200 billion in trade annually and supporting 575,000 jobs in the region. However, the city's total population is approximately 446,971 as of 2026, showing a slight decrease compared to the 2020 census, and employment is expected to decline slightly between 2023 and 2024. While the port economy remains a local foundation, the lack of significant population and job growth is a point to consider for long-term price forecasts.

This family's case shows they secured a loan at a rate in the 3% range at the time of purchase, while current rates are in the high 6% range, meaning refinancing could lead to higher monthly payments. In such cases, it is often more advantageous to maintain the existing loan rather than refinance.

California law assesses property taxes based on the purchase price, limiting increases to around 2% annually. This structure means that the longer one holds a property, the lower the relative property tax burden remains. However, since this system varies by state, families moving from other states should not estimate property taxes based on their previous residence.

Investors opting for a long-term holding strategy should consider cash flow calculations that account for tenant management costs and vacancy periods. In areas like Long Beach, where rental prices consistently rise, initial yields may appear low, but profitability often improves when rental rates align with market values after a few years. However, this can vary based on local rent regulations, so prior verification is necessary.

For Korean families interested in school districts in Long Beach, it is advisable to refer to ratings from GreatSchools or Niche, but keep in mind that school boundaries frequently change, so it's best to verify the assigned school for a specific address before purchasing.

If the goal is investment, it may be worthwhile to calculate the cap rate alongside the 1% rule (biggerpockets.com). However, risks such as excessive leverage, interest rate fluctuations, property tax reassessments, and vacancies always accompany these investments (investopedia.com).

The strategy of holding onto properties for five or ten years, as illustrated by the family mentioned earlier, is particularly compelling in the current environment where the lock-in effect persists. However, this is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with real estate professionals and accountants before making any buying or refinancing decisions.