🏡 May 2025 East Bay Real Estate Market Update
Featuring Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Piedmont & El Cerrito
As summer begins, the East Bay real estate market is heating up — and not just because of the weather. May through July is considered one of the best times to buy or sell a home, especially for families looking to move before the new school year starts. Longer days, school breaks, and flexible schedules make this season ideal for home transitions.
Whether you're considering upgrading your space, relocating to a new school district, or simply watching the market, here’s your localized breakdown of the May 2025 real estate activity across five key East Bay cities.
🌇 Oakland, CA
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Median Sales Price: $940,000 (↓ 10% year-over-year)
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Sold Listings: 167 (↓ 13% YoY)
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Days on Market: 16 (↑ 6.7% YoY)
Oakland remains one of the most diverse real estate markets in the region. While pricing has adjusted downward compared to last year, buyer activity remains steady, particularly in neighborhoods close to parks, schools, and public transit. Homes that are well-presented and competitively priced are still receiving strong attention.
🌿 Berkeley, CA
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Median Sales Price: $1.828M (↑ 22% YoY)
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Sold Listings: 60 (unchanged YoY)
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Days on Market: 15 (↑ 7.1% YoY)
Berkeley’s market continues to thrive, with high demand for updated homes in walkable neighborhoods. The 22% increase in median home price reflects strong competition and the area’s enduring appeal. Even with slightly longer days on market, homes are moving quickly.
🌳 El Cerrito, CA
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Median Sales Price: $1.225M (↑ 11% YoY)
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Sold Listings: 18 (↓ 25% YoY)
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Days on Market: 14 (unchanged)
El Cerrito is quietly becoming a top pick for buyers looking for value and convenience. Although the number of sold listings dropped, demand remains strong — especially for move-in-ready homes near BART and local parks. Inventory remains tight, which is keeping competition steady.
🌊 Alameda, CA
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Median Sales Price: $1.435M (↓ 1% year-over-year)
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Sold Listings: 35 (↑ 30% YoY)
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Days on Market: 13 (no change)
Alameda’s market remained steady in May with a slight dip in median sales price but a notable jump in closed sales. The 30% increase in sold listings shows strong buyer demand, particularly for well-located, move-in-ready homes. With days on market holding at just under two weeks, competition is still active, and summer could continue this momentum as more buyers look to make their move before fall.
🏘️ Piedmont, CA
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Median Sales Price: $2.17M (↓ 9.4% YoY)
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Sold Listings: 10 (↓ 17% YoY)
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Days on Market: 12 (↓ 7.7% YoY)
Piedmont’s high-end market is experiencing a shift, with fewer listings and sales this May. However, well-presented properties are still attracting strong offers. With homes spending less time on market, it’s clear that qualified buyers are acting quickly when the right home becomes available.
💬 Final Thoughts
The East Bay market continues to reflect broader trends — some areas are experiencing price growth, while others are adjusting and offering more opportunities for buyers. If you're looking to buy, the summer market could offer slightly more negotiating room in areas like Oakland and Piedmont. For sellers, pricing strategically and showcasing your home’s value is more important than ever.
Each city — and even each neighborhood — tells a different story. Staying informed about days on market, buyer demand, and pricing trends is the first step toward making confident real estate decisions.
📩 Want to know how your neighborhood is trending?
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