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Santa Ana is one of California's most established real estate markets with median home prices around $850,000 to $895,000 as of September 2025.
The Santa Ana housing market offers diverse options from entry-level condos starting at $450,000 to luxury single-family homes exceeding $1 million. Property costs vary significantly by neighborhood, with Downtown Santa Ana averaging $450 per square foot while premium areas command $617 per square foot or more.
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.
Single-family homes in Santa Ana average $850,000-$895,000, while condos typically sell for around $450,000.
The median price per square foot is $597, with annual property taxes averaging 1.20% of assessed value.
| Property Type | Average Price | Price per Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level homes (1-2 bedrooms) | $405,000 - $504,000 | $450 - $500 |
| Single-family homes (3 bedrooms) | $907,500 | $597 |
| Single-family homes (4+ bedrooms) | $1.2M - $2M | $617+ |
| Condos/Townhomes | $450,000 | $400 - $500 |
| Luxury condos | $700,000 | $500 - $600 |
| Premium school districts | $835,000 - $838,000 | $620+ |
| Downtown Santa Ana | $600,000 - $750,000 | $450 |
What's the average price of a single-family home in Santa Ana right now?
Single-family homes in Santa Ana currently average between $850,000 and $895,000 as of September 2025.
This price range represents the typical market for most single-family properties in the city. Larger homes or those in premium neighborhoods often exceed $1 million, while smaller or older properties can be found in the $600,000 to $800,000 range.
The variation in pricing depends heavily on factors like home size, age, location within Santa Ana, and proximity to top-rated schools. Homes in established neighborhoods with mature trees and larger lots tend to command higher prices than properties in newer developments or areas with smaller parcels.
Market conditions have shown some cooling compared to peak pricing earlier in 2025, but prices remain elevated compared to historical averages. The current range reflects both the desirability of Santa Ana's location in Orange County and the ongoing housing supply constraints affecting Southern California.
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What's the typical cost per square foot for homes in Santa Ana?
The median price per square foot in Santa Ana is approximately $597 as of September 2025, representing an 8.3% increase year-over-year.
Price per square foot varies significantly by neighborhood within Santa Ana. Downtown Santa Ana averages around $450 per square foot, making it one of the more affordable areas. In contrast, premium neighborhoods and areas near top schools can command $617 per square foot or higher.
Listing prices across the city typically range from $578 to $617 per square foot, with actual sale prices sometimes settling slightly below listing prices depending on market conditions and property condition. Newer construction and recently renovated homes generally achieve the higher end of this range.
The per-square-foot metric provides a useful comparison tool when evaluating different properties, but buyers should also consider lot size, neighborhood amenities, and school quality when making purchasing decisions.
How much do condos or townhomes usually sell for compared to houses?
Condos and townhomes in Santa Ana have a median price of approximately $450,000 as of September 2025, making them roughly half the cost of single-family homes.
This price differential reflects the smaller living space and shared ownership structure of condominiums and townhomes. Entry-level condos can be found starting around $350,000, while luxury condos in newer developments can reach $700,000 or more.
Townhomes typically fall in the middle of this range, often priced between $450,000 and $600,000 depending on size and amenities. These properties offer a compromise between condo affordability and single-family home features like attached garages and small yards.
Buyers should factor in monthly HOA fees when comparing condos and townhomes to single-family homes. These fees typically range from $300 to $600 per month for condos and townhomes, compared to $100 to $300 per month for single-family homes in planned communities.
What's the median home price in Santa Ana over the last 12 months?
The median home price in Santa Ana has fluctuated between $825,000 and $895,000 over the past 12 months, reflecting both seasonal variations and changing market conditions.
The market experienced peak pricing in early 2025, with median prices reaching $895,000 during the spring selling season. Summer months saw some moderation, with prices settling closer to $850,000 before recent stabilization around $825,000 to $870,000.
Year-over-year changes have varied throughout the period, with growth rates ranging from 7.8% increases in mid-2025 to more recent 4.2% decreases as market conditions cooled. This volatility reflects broader economic factors including interest rate changes and inventory fluctuations.
The 12-month average provides a more stable reference point than any single month's data, helping buyers and sellers understand underlying market trends rather than temporary fluctuations.
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How do prices differ between entry-level homes and higher-end properties?
Entry-level homes in Santa Ana typically range from $405,000 to $504,000 for 1-2 bedroom properties, while higher-end homes can reach $2 million or more.
| Property Category | Bedroom Count | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | 1-2 bedrooms | $405,000 - $504,000 |
| Move-up homes | 3 bedrooms | $907,500 |
| Executive homes | 4 bedrooms | $1.2 million |
| Luxury properties | 5+ bedrooms | $2+ million |
| Premium locations | 3-4 bedrooms | $1.1 - $1.5 million |
What are the average property tax rates, and how much would that add per year?
Santa Ana's effective property tax rate is approximately 1.20% of assessed value, resulting in annual taxes of about $10,200 for an $850,000 home.
Property tax bills in Santa Ana typically range from $3,409 in the lowest-cost zip codes to $6,803 in higher-value areas, with most homeowners paying around $4,058 for lower-valued properties. The variation depends on the assessed value of the property and any additional local assessments or bonds.
California's Proposition 13 limits annual increases in assessed value to 2% per year, providing predictability for long-term homeowners. However, new purchases are assessed at current market value, meaning recent buyers pay taxes based on their purchase price rather than historical assessments.
Buyers should budget for property taxes as part of their monthly housing costs, typically adding $850 to $1,000 per month to mortgage payments for homes in the median price range.
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What's the average monthly mortgage payment for a median-priced home with 20% down?
For a median-priced home in Santa Ana ($825,000 to $895,000) with 20% down, monthly mortgage payments range from $4,200 to $4,600 for principal and interest only.
The down payment would be $165,000 to $179,000, leaving a loan amount of $660,000 to $716,000. At current interest rates around 6.5% for a 30-year fixed mortgage, the principal and interest payment falls within the stated range.
Total monthly housing costs including property taxes and insurance typically add another $850 to $1,000 per month. This brings the complete monthly payment to approximately $5,050 to $5,600, not including HOA fees if applicable.
Buyers should also budget for private mortgage insurance (PMI) if putting down less than 20%, which can add $200 to $400 per month depending on the loan amount and credit score.
How much more do buyers usually pay for a home in the best school districts?
Homes in Santa Ana's top school districts command premiums of 5% to 11% above the citywide average, with median prices in these zones reaching $835,000 to $838,000.
Neighborhoods near Foothill High School and Greenville Fundamental High School represent some of the most desirable school zones in Santa Ana. These areas not only command higher prices but also tend to sell faster and appreciate more rapidly than properties in less desirable districts.
The premium for school quality reflects both immediate resale value and long-term investment potential. Families prioritizing education are often willing to pay extra for access to higher-performing schools, creating sustained demand in these neighborhoods.
Beyond purchase price premiums, homes in top school districts tend to maintain their value better during market downturns and typically experience shorter days on market when listed for sale.
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What are the typical homeowners association (HOA) fees in the area?
HOA fees in Santa Ana vary significantly by property type, with single-family homes in planned communities averaging $100 to $300 per month.
Condominiums and townhomes typically have higher HOA fees ranging from $300 to $600 per month, with luxury buildings sometimes exceeding $500 monthly. These fees cover common area maintenance, amenities like pools or fitness centers, and exterior building maintenance.
Single-family home HOA fees in master-planned communities usually cover landscaping of common areas, community amenities, and sometimes utilities for shared spaces. Older neighborhoods without formal HOAs may have minimal or no monthly fees.
Buyers should carefully review HOA budgets and reserve funds before purchasing, as special assessments for major repairs can result in additional costs beyond regular monthly fees.
How much do utilities, insurance, and maintenance usually cost monthly for a home here?
Monthly utilities for Santa Ana homes typically range from $150 to $400 depending on home size, energy efficiency, and seasonal usage patterns.
Homeowners insurance averages $125 to $200 per month for properties valued between $800,000 and $900,000. California's wildfire risk and earthquake exposure influence insurance costs, with some areas requiring additional coverage that can increase premiums.
Maintenance costs average $300 to $600 per month for older homes, though this can vary significantly based on property age and condition. Newer homes typically require less maintenance, while older properties may need more frequent repairs and updates.
Condo owners generally have lower maintenance costs since exterior maintenance and landscaping are covered by HOA fees. However, they still need to budget for interior maintenance, utilities, and potential special assessments.
It's something we develop in our Costa Rica property pack.
How have prices in Santa Ana changed year-over-year in percentage terms?
Santa Ana home prices have experienced volatile year-over-year changes, ranging from 7.8% increases in mid-2025 to more recent 4.2% decreases as market conditions moderated.
The price volatility reflects broader economic factors including Federal Reserve interest rate policies, employment trends, and housing inventory levels. Early 2025 saw continued appreciation following pandemic-era gains, while later months showed cooling as affordability constraints impacted buyer demand.
Per-square-foot prices have shown more consistent growth, increasing approximately 8% to 10% year-over-year despite overall price moderation. This suggests that newer, higher-quality properties continue to command premium pricing.
The recent price decreases represent market normalization rather than a crash, with current levels still significantly above pre-2020 pricing. Long-term trends continue to favor appreciation due to Southern California's supply constraints and demographic growth.
How do Santa Ana's home prices compare to nearby cities like Irvine or Anaheim?
Santa Ana's median home prices of $825,000 to $895,000 position it between more affordable Anaheim ($900,000) and premium Irvine (exceeding $1.2 million).
| City | Median Home Price | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Ana | $825,000 - $895,000 | -2.1% to +7.8% |
| Irvine | $1.2+ million | +11% |
| Anaheim | $900,000 | -2.23% |
| Costa Mesa | $950,000 | +3.5% |
| Tustin | $1.1 million | +6.2% |
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 offers diverse housing options from affordable condos around $450,000 to luxury single-family homes exceeding $1 million.
With median prices of $850,000 to $895,000 and ongoing market volatility, potential buyers should carefully evaluate timing and financing options.
Sources
- Zillow - Santa Ana Home Values
- Rocket Homes - Santa Ana Market Report
- Malakai Sparks - Santa Ana Real Estate Comparison
- Redfin - Santa Ana Housing Market
- Steadily - Santa Ana Real Estate Market
- OwnWell - Santa Ana Property Trends
- Malakai Sparks - Santa Ana HOA Fees
- Malakai Sparks - Santa Ana Schools Impact