The Los Angeles real estate market is one of the most compétitive in the country, with a median home price above $850,000 across the métro. Supply consistently falls short of demand, which has kept appreciation steady even through national slowdowns. Buyers can choose from single-family homes in the San Fernando Valley, condos and townhouses in West LA and Santa Monica, and multifamily investment properties throughout East LA and the South Bay.
Neighborhoods, property types, and what to expect at each price point
Entry-level single-family homes in neighborhoods like Sylmar, Pacoima, and Wilmington start around $550,000-$650,000. Mid-range buyers targeting areas like Silver Lake, Eagle Rock, and Mar Vista should budget $950,000-$1.4 million. Jumbo loans are the standard financing vehicle in most of LA County, with lenders typically requiring 20% down and strong debt-to-income ratios. VA loans remain an option for qualifying military buyers and can be used on higher-priced properties with a suitable down payment.
HOA fees in condo and townhouse communities across Los Angeles typically range from $300 to $700 per month, covering amenities and exterior maintenance. For investors, cap rates in LA generally run 3-4.5% on multifamily properties, with higher yields available in transitional neighborhoods east of the 110 freeway. Rental vacancy rates remain low across the métro, supported by a renter-majority population and strict rent control ordinances in the city of Los Angeles.
