Smith & Berg Property Group presents the latest trends, numbers, and neighborhood highlights shaping the LA market in Q3 2025.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Click any of the sections below to jump straight to that part of the blog.
REAL TALK WITH SMITH & BERG
Insights straight from F. Ron & David on the latest market trends & happenings.
THE SBP SCORECARD
The team's key stats, numbers, and metrics from Q3.
HOT & HAPPENING NEIGHBORHOOD HEADLINES
What’s moving, shaking, and selling across your favorite neighborhoods.
WINS WORTH SHARING
Highlights of the team’s top achievements and standout successes.
TOP HITS ON TACOS & TEQUILA
Our most read posts, team picks, and local faves.
Real Talk with Smith & Berg:
“How’s the Market?”
Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply staying in the know, we sat down with Founding Partners F. Ron Smith and David Berg to get you insider insights into the current market landscape.
What are the biggest shifts you’ve seen in the Westside market this quarter?
The biggest shift we’ve seen this quarter is that listings are staying on the market longer. We’re having conversations with sellers about the importance of being thoughtful about pricing strategy, and we’re now seeing a more regulated market. Over-pricing can be a critical misstep during this moment.
How have interest rates shaped buyer and seller behavior this quarter?
As rates begin to trend down from record highs, we’ve seen increased buyer curiosity. Those who have been waiting on the sidelines are ready to jump in with momentum. With the support of an experienced agent, today’s sellers could be at a significant advantage in this market due to limited inventory.
Are you seeing more multiple-offer situations, or has competition cooled in certain price points?
Generally, competition amongst buyers has cooled this quarter compared to earlier in the year. Properties are seeing extended days on market and overpriced listings are seeing reductions.
Two key factors that can insulate a seller in a cooler market are location and pricing strategy. Accessible neighborhoods with proximity to great restaurants, shops, and top-rated schools will always be a popular choice amongst buyers. Add that to an informed pricing strategy and you increase your chances of a bidding war in any market.
Take our recent sale of 1730 Georgina Avenue — we worked with the seller to ensure the home was primed and guided them through a pricing strategy that we’ve honed through decades of industry experience. This powerhouse combination achieved 18 offers in less than a week on the market, with the closing reaching a phenomenal $1,255,000 over-asking. No one is timid about paying a premium when other people in the room are willing to do the same.
What’s the story with inventory — are we still seeing low supply, or are more listings hitting the market?
When seeking quality, inventory will always appear low. Working with an agent who can find or create what you’re looking for — even when it feels like you’ve seen everything available — is what sets top producers apart from the everyday agent.
What trends should buyers and sellers watch as we head into the final quarter of 2025?
As we head into the final quarter of 2025, sellers should be aware that buyers are more sophisticated than ever. They have data at their fingertips and a greater understanding of value overall. Sellers who thoughtfully prepare their home for market and work with trusted representation will see the most successful outcomes.
Buyers should know that competition will increase as interest rates decline. Making an offer before they're ready — in terms of their financials, insurance, etc. — will not find themselves in a favorable position. Always come prepared.
Which neighborhood was a standout this quarter?
The standout Westside neighborhood this year is Santa Monica — and it's all because of proximity. Proximity to the Palisades (Santa Monica received the largest influx of displaced homeowners) and popular hotspots (Montana Avenue & the beach) are huge reasons why.
We’ve represented numerous Santa Monica sellers this year who have seen extraordinary outcomes with multiple offers and over-asking closings, plus we hold the record for the highest sale in Santa Monica of 2025 thus far. Our team helped the seller achieve an astounding more than $2M over-asking and a final closing price of $14.5M.
Compass has been making headlines — do you see their rapid growth and disruption as a positive or negative for today’s buyers and sellers?
Compass’ bold presence and willingness to confront industry standards is what we love most about working with them. First and foremost, their goal is to take the power away from third-party interests and give it back to sellers and buyers.
Companies like Zillow are only looking to make a dime off the process instead of facilitating what’s in the best interest of the communities we serve. Simply put, they’re not operating from a place of integrity.
The SBP Scoreboard
Hot & Happening Neighborhood Headlines
Brentwood: Sales Surge 82% and Prices Climb 15% Year Over Year
With an average home price of $6.3M and price per square foot up 17%, Brentwood continues to set the pace for Westside growth.
Pacific Palisades: Signs of Strength as Sales Rebound Post-Fire
Single-family and land markets showed a 56% quarter-over-quarter increase in total sales, reflecting steady recovery and renewed buyer interest across the neighborhood.
Malibu: Sales Surge 67% as Price Per Square Foot Nears $3,000
Despite a dip in average sale price, Malibu’s market roared this quarter with a record $80M transaction and nearly 50% jump in price per square foot.
Santa Monica: Prices Up 18% with Growth Across Every Metric
A standout performer this quarter, Santa Monica saw across-the-board increases in price, sales volume, and price per square foot.
Venice: Price Per Square Foot Soars 30% Since Last Quarter
Creative energy meets serious appreciation, with the average price per square foot topping $2,000 for the first time this year.
Mar Vista: Sales Spike 84% as Demand Shifts Westside-Wide
Once a hidden gem, Mar Vista’s central location and value are driving a wave of activity and upward price movement.
Beverly Hills: Average Sale Price Jumps 25% to $6.5M
Luxury buyers are back in force, pushing Beverly Hills to new highs with strong Q3 sales and elevated price points.
Westwood: Home Sales More Than Double Year Over Year — Up 135%
Westwood’s charm and proximity to key hubs are fueling rapid turnover and rising price per square foot.
Cheviot Hills: Highest Sale Doubles Year Over Year — Up 105%
With top sales reaching $7.6M and steady price gains per square foot, Cheviot Hills is quietly breaking records.
Sherman Oaks: Market Holds Strong with Modest Gains in Q3
The Valley favorite remains consistent, posting subtle increases in both pricing and total transactions this quarter.
