Irvine

CAOrange County, CA

Real Estate Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$1,614,607 (March 2025)
Median Home Price
~310,000
Population
~$114,000 (recent estimates; 2025 data not specified)
Median Income
Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) consistently rated 9-10/10 (GreatSchools)
School District Rating

Market Overview

Property Values

$1,614,607 (March 2025)
Median Home Price
$943 (June 2025, 92618 ZIP)
Price per Sq Ft
+13.6% (March 2024–March 2025)
YoY Change

Market Performance

Days on Market18 median days to pending (March 2025); 25 average (early 2024); 56 median/72 average in 92618 (June 2025)
Market TypeSlight seller's advantage; competitive, fast-paced market
Months of SupplyData not explicitly stated; inventory up 8.1% YoY as of Feb 2024, 108 homes in 92618 as of June 2025

Sales Activity

Sales Volume156 homes sold in Feb 2024 (+YoY); 528 for-sale inventory (March 2025)
Metro AreaOrange County, CA
Population~310,000

Economic Indicators

Employment & Growth

Unemployment RateNot specified for 2025; Orange County typically below US average
Job Growth RateNot specified; historically strong, driven by tech, education, healthcare
Median Household Income~$114,000 (recent estimates; 2025 data not specified)

Major Employers

  • University of California, Irvine
  • Edwards Lifesciences
  • Blizzard Entertainment
  • Broadcom
  • Irvine Company

Demographics

~310,000
Population
~34 years
Median Age
Stable, moderate growth; Irvine among fastest-growing large US cities in past decade
Population Growth
Highly educated; over 65% with bachelor’s degree or higher
Education Level

Family Composition

Family-oriented; high proportion of families with children

Key Industries

TechnologyEducationHealthcareFinanceReal Estate

Education

School District

Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) consistently rated 9-10/10 (GreatSchools)
District Rating

Top Schools

  • University High School
  • Northwood High School
  • Irvine High School
  • Sierra Vista Middle School

Higher Education

  • University of California, Irvine (UCI)
  • Concordia University Irvine

Infrastructure & Development

Major Projects

  • Great Park Neighborhoods expansion
  • Irvine Spectrum Center upgrades

Transportation

  • OCTA bus system enhancements
  • Bike/pedestrian infrastructure expansion

Planned Developments

  • Mixed-use and master-planned communities (ongoing)

Lifestyle & Amenities

Recreation

  • Great Park
  • Mason Regional Park
  • Extensive trail systems

Dining & Entertainment

  • Irvine Spectrum Center
  • Diamond Jamboree
  • Numerous upscale restaurants

Cultural Attractions

  • Irvine Barclay Theatre
  • Pretend City Children’s Museum
  • UCI Claire Trevor School of the Arts

Investment Analysis

Investment Opportunities

  • Strong appreciation potential (+13.6% YoY)
  • High rental demand from professionals and students
  • Low vacancy rates

Growth Outlook

Continued moderate-to-strong growth expected due to job market and desirability

Market Risks

  • High entry price limits cash flow for some investors
  • Potential for price corrections if interest rates rise
  • Affordability constraints for buyers

Rental Market

Robust; high demand, especially for single-family and luxury rentals

Marketing Intelligence

Target Demographics

  • Young professionals
  • Families with children
  • International buyers (notably from Asia)
  • Investors seeking stable appreciation

Marketing Channels

  • Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com
  • Social media (Instagram, Facebook)
  • WeChat and international portals

Pricing Strategies

Price at or just below recent comps to drive competition; monitor weekly market shifts

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Prices are too high/affordability concerns

Response Strategy:

Emphasize long-term appreciation, strong job market, and rental potential

Objection: Homes sell too quickly; fear of missing out

Response Strategy:

Prepare buyers with pre-approval and fast decision-making; use escalation clauses

Objection: Interest rate uncertainty

Response Strategy:

Highlight potential for refinancing and current market stability

Objection: Competition from cash/investor buyers

Response Strategy:

Advise on strong offer terms, flexible closing, and personal letters

Professional Recommendations

1

Stay updated on weekly market shifts and pricing trends

2

Educate buyers on pre-approval and offer strategies

3

Highlight Irvine’s unique value: schools, safety, amenities

4

Leverage digital marketing and international channels

5

Advise sellers on staging and pricing for rapid sales

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • San Jose, CA
  • San Diego, CA
  • Los Angeles, CA (Westside)

Market Positioning

Premium, family-friendly, education-focused market with global appeal

Competitive Advantages

  • Top-rated schools
  • Master-planned communities
  • Safety and amenities

Price Comparison

Higher than most SoCal suburbs, but below San Francisco Bay Area

Investment Metrics

2.5%–3.5% (typical for Class A/B properties)
Cap Rates
~3% gross yield
Rental Yields
~27–30 (high; favors appreciation over cash flow)
Price-to-Rent
Positive for larger down payments or luxury rentals; limited for entry-level investors
Cash Flow
5–8% annualized over next 2–3 years (barring macroeconomic shocks)
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Face affordability challenges; benefit from down payment assistance and new construction options

Move-Up Buyers

Leverage equity gains; seek larger homes or better school zones

Downsizers

Target newer condos/townhomes with amenities; strong demand for low-maintenance living

Investors

Focus on long-term appreciation and stable rental demand; cash flow limited unless high down payment

Relocators

Attracted by job market, schools, and safety; often seek turnkey properties

This city analysis was generated using comprehensive market data and AI intelligence.

Market conditions change rapidly - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

Related Market Intelligence

Explore connected markets and opportunities