Setting the Record Straight on Ventura County Real Estate
If you’ve been following the headlines, you’ve probably seen phrases like “California housing is unaffordable” or “The market’s slowing down.” But here’s the truth — Ventura County’s housing market is not what the rumors suggest.
At Realty ONE Group Summit, we live and breathe this market daily, and we’re here to separate myth from reality so buyers, sellers, and investors can make informed decisions in 2025.
Myth #1: “Ventura County Is Too Expensive to Buy In”
Reality: While prices have risen since 2020, Ventura County remains one of the most affordable coastal regions in Southern California.
According to Redfin, the median home price in Ventura County sits around $881,000 — nearly 40% lower than Los Angeles County’s average and significantly below Santa Barbara’s $1.65M.
Neighborhoods like Camarillo, Oxnard, and Port Hueneme continue to offer attainable homeownership options — especially compared to markets where the median starter home tops $1 million.
👉 Explore Ventura County homes for sale.
Myth #2: “The Market Is Crashing”
Reality: It’s cooling — not crashing.
Homes in Ventura County are spending more time on the market (an average of 56 days, up from 39 a year ago), but prices remain steady. That’s not a crash — it’s a normalization.
A slight increase in days on market often means better opportunities for buyers — room to negotiate, make thoughtful offers, and avoid bidding wars. Sellers who price strategically still see multiple offers, especially in desirable areas like Midtown Ventura and Thousand Oaks.
Myth #3: “Interest Rates Have Killed Buyer Demand”
Reality: Demand has shifted, not disappeared.
Even with interest rates hovering around 6.5–7%, buyers continue to enter the market — particularly those relocating from Los Angeles in search of space, community, and coastal proximity.
In fact, migration data from the U.S. Census shows Ventura County gained residents while neighboring counties lost them. The appeal of remote work, outdoor living, and smaller communities keeps demand healthy, even as some buyers adjust expectations.
Myth #4: “You Can’t Find New Homes in Ventura County”
Reality: They’re limited — but they exist.
While Ventura County is largely built out, there are select new developments in Camarillo, Moorpark, and East Ventura. Builders are focusing on energy-efficient homes, modern floorplans, and ADU-friendly lots to attract today’s lifestyle-focused buyers.
👉 Check out our new construction listings in Ventura County.
If you’re open to remodeled mid-century homes or ADU potential, older neighborhoods offer even better value.
Myth #5: “Ventura County Is Only for Retirees”
Reality: The demographics are changing — fast.
Younger buyers, families, and remote professionals are transforming Ventura County. Areas like Ventura’s Downtown District, Oxnard’s Harbor communities, and Camarillo’s Mission Oaks attract professionals in their 30s and 40s who want to live by the coast without L.A.’s chaos.
With top-rated schools, parks, and a thriving cultural scene, the county has become a magnet for the next generation of homeowners.
Myth #6: “There’s No ROI in Ventura County Real Estate”
Reality: Long-term investors know better.
While Ventura County may not offer quick flips, it’s one of California’s strongest long-term holds. Limited land supply, strict coastal zoning, and high quality of life ensure continued appreciation.
According to Zillow, home values in Ventura County have increased 44% over the past five years, outperforming many inland SoCal markets. Investors seeking stable growth and rental potential are targeting Oxnard, Port Hueneme, and Ventura’s East End.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
For Buyers:
Now is the time to get strategic. With less competition and slightly more inventory, you can negotiate stronger deals — especially if you’re flexible on timing or location.
For Sellers:
Buyers are out there — but pricing and presentation matter more than ever. Homes staged and marketed with lifestyle appeal (outdoor space, office potential, proximity to coast) continue to sell quickly and close strong.
The Bottom Line
The Ventura County housing market isn’t broken — it’s balanced. While the headlines talk about “slowing demand,” the reality is that Ventura’s market has stabilized into something healthier, more sustainable, and filled with opportunity.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seller ready to move up, or an investor seeking long-term stability, Ventura County remains one of the most desirable — and underrated — regions in California.
At Realty ONE Group Summit, we help clients uncover what’s real about real estate — guiding every transaction with data, expertise, and local insight.
👉 Contact us today to explore Ventura County’s true market potential.
