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Yes, the analysis of Santa Ana's property market is included in our pack
Santa Ana's property market is experiencing a significant shift in September 2025, with home values averaging $851,000 and showing mixed price trends that signal a transition from a seller's to a more balanced market.
The local housing market presents both opportunities and challenges for potential buyers, with elevated mortgage rates around 6.0-6.6% offsetting the benefits of increased inventory and stabilizing rental demand in this affluent Costa Rican suburb.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Costa Rica, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Santa Ana's property market in September 2025 shows average home values of $851,000 with mixed price trends and rising inventory, indicating a shift toward market balance.
While mortgage rates remain elevated at 6.0-6.6%, rental demand stays strong with median rents around $2,600-$2,715, and new infrastructure projects promise long-term value appreciation.
| Market Indicator | Current Status (Sept 2025) | Trend/Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Average Home Price | $851,000 | Mixed signals: some sources show 5.6% decline, others 7.3-7.8% growth |
| Mortgage Rates | 6.0-6.6% (30-year fixed) | Elevated but may ease if Fed policy changes |
| Days on Market | 42-44 days average | Longer selling times indicate cooling market |
| Inventory Levels | 400-406 homes for sale | Rising 4.6-5.5% month-over-month |
| Rental Market | $2,600-$2,715 median rent | Stabilized with slight -2% annual decline |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.2% effective rate | $9,600 annual tax on $800k home |
| Market Balance | Transitioning from seller's market | Moving toward balanced conditions |
What are current property prices like in Santa Ana?
Santa Ana's residential property market shows average home values of $851,000 as of September 2025, with median listing prices around $819,500.
Median sale prices fluctuate between $765,000 and $895,000 depending on the source and specific timing, reflecting natural market variability in this upscale Costa Rican suburb.
The price range varies significantly by property type and location within Santa Ana, with larger homes and premium neighborhoods commanding prices well above the median.
Properties in sought-after areas like Sandpointe and Wilshire Square typically sell for premium prices due to their excellent schools, low crime rates, and family-friendly amenities.
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How have prices been trending over the past year?
Santa Ana's property price trends show conflicting signals, with different data sources reporting opposite movements in the housing market.
Redfin data indicates a 5.6% annual decline to $765,000 as of July 2025, suggesting market softening in certain segments.
Conversely, Rocket reports a 7.3-7.8% year-over-year increase, with higher price points particularly evident for larger homes and premium properties.
This divergence likely reflects differences in data methodology, property types analyzed, and specific neighborhoods included in each report.
The overall trend suggests market stabilization rather than dramatic movement in either direction, typical of transitional periods in real estate cycles.
What are experts predicting for the local housing market in the coming months?
Real estate experts predict modest price growth and market stabilization for Santa Ana through late 2025 and early 2026.
The market is transitioning from a strong seller's market to a more balanced environment, with homes taking longer to sell and more listings experiencing price reductions.
Santa Ana is expected to benefit from sustained demand and potential appreciation if mortgage rates ease over the next few years, given its desirable location and infrastructure improvements.
Market analysts anticipate that buyers will gain more negotiating power as inventory continues to rise and selling times extend beyond the current 42-44 day average.
Long-term forecasts remain positive due to ongoing infrastructure projects and the area's reputation as a premium residential location in Costa Rica.
How high are mortgage interest rates right now?
As of September 2025, 30-year fixed mortgage rates in Costa Rica average between 6.00% and 6.66% for residential properties.
15-year mortgage rates are slightly lower, ranging from 5.98% to 6.00%, offering savings for borrowers who can afford higher monthly payments.
Multifamily and apartment loans start as low as 5.23% for large properties, with typical rates of 5.69-5.89% for smaller multifamily investments.
These elevated rates significantly impact affordability, increasing monthly payments by approximately $200-300 compared to the 3-4% rates available in previous years.
Rate trends depend heavily on central bank policy and economic conditions, with potential for gradual decreases if inflation concerns subside.
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Are rents in Santa Ana rising or stabilizing?
Santa Ana's rental market has stabilized in 2025, with median rents for all property types ranging from $2,600 to $2,715.
Rental prices are approximately 30% higher than the national Costa Rican average, reflecting the area's premium location and amenities.
Year-over-year data shows rents have slightly decreased by 2%, with month-over-month declines of 2.7%, indicating market cooling.
One-bedroom apartments average $2,182 monthly, while houses command significantly higher rents averaging $3,522.
Vacancy rates remain low despite rent stabilization, reflecting sustained rental demand especially in central and developing areas of Santa Ana.
What's the average time it takes for homes to sell in this area?
Homes in Santa Ana sell in an average of 42-44 days as of September 2025, indicating a moderately active market.
Hot properties in prime locations can go pending in just 27-29 days, particularly well-priced homes in desirable neighborhoods like Sandpointe.
Properties requiring price adjustments or located in less sought-after areas may take up to 51-52 days to find buyers.
The selling timeframe has extended compared to peak seller's market conditions, when homes often sold within weeks of listing.
This trend toward longer selling times reflects the market's transition to more balanced conditions favoring neither buyers nor sellers exclusively.
Are there many homes currently on the market, or is inventory low?
Santa Ana's housing inventory is rising, with approximately 400-406 homes for sale during the June-August 2025 period.
Inventory levels have increased 4.6-5.5% month-over-month, providing buyers with more choices than during tight market conditions.
This inventory growth represents a shift from previous years when limited supply created intense competition among buyers.
The increased selection allows buyers to be more selective and negotiate more effectively on price and terms.
Market experts expect inventory to continue growing moderately as the market transitions toward balanced conditions between supply and demand.
How strong is the local job market and economy?
Santa Ana's economy remains robust, with local businesses actively hiring and unemployment rates below national averages.
| Economic Indicator | Santa Ana/Metro Area | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 4.5% (Aug 2024) | Better than Costa Rica average of 5.9% |
| Job Growth Sectors | Technology, Finance, Tourism | Diversified economy reduces risk |
| Major Employers | Multinational corporations, Local businesses | Stable employment base |
| New Job Creation | 687 permanent jobs from South Coast Technology Center | Significant economic expansion |
| Economic Outlook | Positive growth trajectory | Infrastructure investments driving expansion |
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Are there any upcoming developments or infrastructure projects that could affect property values?
Several major infrastructure and development projects are underway in Santa Ana that could positively impact property values.
The Related Bristol Project represents a major mixed-use redevelopment including affordable housing and retail, with phase one beginning in late 2025/early 2026.
Infrastructure improvements include Warner Avenue completion, new bike lanes on Standard & McFadden, and Bristol Avenue widening projects enhancing connectivity.
At least 36 new townhomes at South Harbor, including affordable units for moderate-income households, will come online by late 2026.
The South Coast Technology Center alone is projected to add 687 permanent jobs, creating additional housing demand and supporting property values.
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What do property taxes and typical ownership costs look like in Santa Ana?
Santa Ana's median effective property tax rate is 1.2%, translating to approximately $9,600 annually on an $800,000 home including assessments.
Property taxes can range widely from $3,409 to $6,803 depending on neighborhood location, home value, and specific municipal assessments.
Additional ownership costs include homeowners insurance, maintenance, utilities, and potential homeowners association fees for certain communities.
Insurance costs vary based on home value and coverage level, typically ranging from $800-$2,000 annually for standard residential properties.
Maintenance and utility costs should be budgeted based on home size, age, and personal usage patterns, typically 1-3% of home value annually.
How safe and desirable are the neighborhoods you're considering?
Santa Ana's neighborhood safety and desirability vary significantly across different areas within the municipality.
1. **Sandpointe** - Top-ranked family neighborhood with low crime rates, excellent schools, high median income, and strong community engagement2. **Wilshire Square** - Known for family-friendliness, good amenities, and relative safety compared to other areas3. **Morning Sunwood** - Desirable area with good schools and community facilities4. **Central Santa Ana** - Mixed conditions with urban amenities but higher crime rates5. **Developing Areas** - Varying safety levels depending on specific location and ongoing improvementsCitywide crime statistics show rates above national averages, with chances of 1 in 181 for violent crime, 1 in 50 for property crime, and 1 in 245 for motor vehicle theft.
Prospective buyers should research specific neighborhoods thoroughly and consider factors like proximity to schools, shopping, and transportation when evaluating safety and desirability.
Does buying now fit your personal financial situation and long-term goals?
Whether buying property in Santa Ana makes sense depends on your financial health, job stability, available savings, and long-term residence plans.
The current market offers more negotiating power for buyers due to increased inventory and longer selling times, potentially benefiting well-prepared purchasers.
However, elevated mortgage rates around 6.0-6.6% significantly increase borrowing costs compared to recent years, requiring careful affordability analysis.
Consider your total monthly housing cost including mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance against your income and other financial obligations.
Evaluate whether you're prepared for ongoing homeownership expenses and have adequate emergency reserves beyond your down payment and closing costs.
It's something we develop in our Costa Rica property pack.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Santa Ana's property market in September 2025 presents a transitional period with both opportunities and challenges for potential buyers.
While elevated mortgage rates increase borrowing costs, rising inventory and market stabilization provide more negotiating power and choice for well-prepared buyers in this premium Costa Rican location.
Sources
- Zillow - Santa Ana Home Values
- Realtor.com - Santa Ana Market Overview
- Redfin - Santa Ana Housing Market
- Rocket Homes - Santa Ana Market Reports
- Malakai Sparks - Santa Ana Real Estate Forecast
- Bankrate - California Mortgage Rates
- Zumper - Santa Ana Rent Research
- Western City - Santa Ana Development Renaissance