The numbers are in for the first quarter of 2026 real estate market. Despite geopolitical uncertainty, the stock market has again reached new highs, helping to sustain strong buyer activity. This is expected to continue benefiting local markets. With spring breaks nearly over, noticeably more buyers are returning to the market. In a market where buyers are consistently drawn to new listings, conditions remain favorable for sellers. For the most part, inventory has been rising in our local areas, as is typical in the spring market. 

Having represented many sellers and buyers in area, we know exactly what it takes to get you the best results. Please contact us anytime to discuss your home, find a new one, or simply catch up on the market.

Portola Valley

12 homes closed escrow in the first quarter, compared to 13 during the same period last year. An additional 2 homes went into contract during the quarter and have not yet closed escrow. The average sale price in the first quarter reached a record $5,990,313 – a 7% increase over all of 2025. This was influenced in part by one high-end sale at $14.5 million. The median price rose even more sharply, reaching $4,816,875, up 13% from last year. 

In March, there were 4 sales – 1 at list price and 3 below list price. Inventory has been rising, as is typical in the spring market. There are currently 22 homes publicly for sale, along with 2 being privately marketed. 14 of these homes have been on the market for 30 days or more. 

Woodside

12 homes closed escrow in the first quarter, compared to 13 during the same period last year. An additional 2 homes went into contract during the quarter and have not yet closed escrow. 

The average sale price in the first quarter reached a record $3,812,899 – a 68% increase over all of 2025. This was influenced by 5 sales for more than $10 million and as high as $29.5 million. The median price was up 7% to $4,975,000. (Note that this data is based only on homes that were reported on the MLS.)

In March, there were just 3 sales – 2 for more than list price. Inventory has been rising, as is typical in the spring market. There are currently 33 homes publicly for sale, along with 6 being privately marketed. 23 of these homes have been on the market for 30 days or more. 

Atherton

12 homes closed escrow in the first quarter, compared to 15 during the same period last year. An additional 6 homes went into contract during the quarter and have not yet closed escrow.

The average sale price in the first quarter reached a record $16,630,612 – a 39% increase over all of 2025. This was influenced by 8 sales for more than $14 million and as high as $32.5 million. The median price was up 64% to $15,709,230. (Note that this data is based only on homes that were reported on the MLS.) 

In March, there were 7 sales – 4 for more than list price, including the most expensive sale. Inventory typically rises in the spring market; however, there are currently just 11 publicly for sale, along with 5 being privately marketed. 13 of these homes have been on the market for 30 days or more.

Menlo Park

59 single-family homes closed escrow in the first quarter, compared to 40 during the same period last year. An additional 12 homes went into contract during the quarter and have not yet closed escrow.

The average sale price in the first quarter reached a record $3,812,899 – a 3% increase over all of 2025. The median price, however, declined 6% to $3,100,000. 

In March, there were 26 sales – 20 for more than list price and 3 at list price. There are currently 25 single-family homes publicly for sale, along with 10 being privately marketed. 13 of these homes have been on the market for 30 days or more. 

Palo Alto

32 single-family homes closed escrow in the first quarter, compared to 40 during the same period last year. An additional 7 homes went into contract during the quarter and have not yet closed escrow.

The average sale price in the first quarter reached a record $5,048,393 – an 8% increase over all of 2025. The median price, however, declined 8% to $4,030,000. 

In March, there were 32 sales – 24 for more than list price and 2 at list price. There are currently 46 single-family homes publicly for sale, along with 11 being privately marketed. 16 of these homes have been on the market for 30 days or more.

Los Altos 

51 single-family Los Altos homes closed escrow in the first quarter, compared to 44 during the same period last year. The average sale price in Los Altos in the first quarter was $4,731,692 – a 7% decline compared to all of 2025. The median price, however, increased 5% to $5,068,000. 

There are currently 30 single-family homes publicly for sale in Los Altos, 12 of which have been on the market for 30 days or more.

Los Altos Hills

In Los Altos Hills, 17 homes closed escrow compared to 16 homes in the same period last year. The average price in the first quarter was $6,004,824, which was 5% lower than in 2025. The median price of $5,552,500 in the first quarter was 1% higher than in 2025.

There are currently 19 single-family homes for sale, 9 of which have been on the market for 30 days or more.