Santa Monica Real Estate

With its quintessential California lifestyle, Santa Monica offers more than stunning beaches and picturesque sunsets. Located in one of the most sought-after areas in Los Angeles, Santa Monica boasts a unique combination of natural beauty, urban amenities, and a thriving business hub. Whether you’re considering buying a home or a condo, Santa Monica offers a range of options to suit different lifestyles and budgets. Let’s look closer at why Santa Monica is such an ideal place to live and remains one of the best investments in Los Angeles real estate.

Prime Location

Location plays a crucial role when purchasing real estate. Its proximity to upscale neighborhoods like Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood allows residents to enjoy the best Los Angeles, from scenic coastal views to vibrant city life. With such a desirable location, Santa Monica provides a peaceful retreat and easy access to the city's finest amenities and attractions.

Santa Monica also boasts unmatched convenience, with easy access to world-class shopping, trendy restaurants, farmers’ markets, and a vibrant arts scene. The city’s proximity to essential services like the World’s Largest V3 Tesla Supercharging Station, UCLA Health Center, St John’s Hospital, and major employers, including Hulu, Amazon, and Sony, further elevates its appeal. With a thriving tech and creative industry hub nearby, demand for housing remains high, attracting residents and investors to this prime location.

How Expensive is It to Buy a Home in Santa Monica?

Santa Monica offers a diverse range of homes across five zip codes, each with a unique charm and price range. Whether you're seeking a luxury condo, a single-family home, multi-units for investment, or a quiet, prestigious neighborhood to retire in, there’s something for every budget. The city’s top-rated schools make it desirable for families, with many choosing to live within specific school zones. Whether your priority is proximity to work, educational opportunities, or a peaceful, upscale neighborhood, Santa Monica provides options that cater to every lifestyle and need.

Below is a breakdown of the median list prices for condos and homes by ZIP codes in Santa Monica:

Santa Monica-90401

• Condo: $1.97 million

• Single-family home (SFR): $3.8 million

Santa Monica’s 90401 zip code showcases diverse architectural styles that blend trendy urban living with quick access to the beach and 3rd Street Promenade. The iconic Art Deco Clock Tower Building stands out with its white terra cotta exterior. Spanish Colonial Revival homes blend Mission Revival and Baroque influences, while Craftsman-style homes reflect early 1900s Southern California charm with wood details and low-pitched roofs. Beaux-Arts architecture is visible in public buildings, incorporating classical columns and arches. The blend of these styles gives 90401 its unique, vibrant character.

Santa Monica-90402

• Condo: $1.675 million

• Single-family home (SFR): $5.395 million

The 90402 zip code in Santa Monica is known for its prestigious and upscale homes, offering a range of architectural styles that reflect the area’s refined charm. Traditional homes, mainly north of Montana Avenue, dominate the landscape, with classic designs and elegant details. Modern homes also make their presence known, featuring sleek lines and contemporary aesthetics. Spanish Colonial Revival homes add a touch of warmth and history, while Craftsman-style residences maintain a cozy, timeless appeal. The blend of luxurious properties and diverse architectural styles makes 90402 one of Santa Monica’s most sought-after neighborhoods.

Santa Monica-90403

• Condo: $1.4 million

• Single-family home (SFR): $3.9 million

The 90403 zip code in Santa Monica offers a blend of residential and commercial properties, ideal for young professionals and families seeking urban living with a touch of suburban tranquility. With tree-lined streets, proximity to Santa Monica College, and easy access to major roads, this area perfectly balances convenience and charm. The architecture in 90403 is diverse, featuring Spanish Colonial Revival, Craftsman homes with low-pitched roofs and woodwork, sleek modern designs, and Mediterranean influences that highlight the coastal aesthetic. Art Deco and Beaux-Arts elements can also be found, adding to the area’s rich architectural heritage and eclectic urban vibe.

Santa Monica-90404

• Condo: $1.05 million

• Single-family home (SFR): $1.697 million

The 90404—Santa Monica is located near the 10 Freeway and convenient Metro stations, offering exceptional accessibility. A high concentration of apartment buildings, condos, and industrial spaces provides a balance of residential and commercial opportunities. Its abundance of commercial space sets it apart from other neighborhoods, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a more urban lifestyle. Whether you prefer public transportation or need quick access to major roadways, this area makes getting around effortless and efficient.

Santa monica-90405

• Condo: $1.5 million

• Single-family home (SFR): $3.42 million

The 90405 zip code in Santa Monica offers a blend of historic charm and contemporary design, focusing on innovative architecture, as seen in projects like the Santa Monica High School Discovery Building. While still close to the beach, it has a high concentration of historic homes, contributing to the area’s rich architectural heritage. The area features a mix of architectural styles, including Craftsman homes, popular in Southern California in the early 1900s, and Spanish Colonial Revival homes. More recent developments showcase modern designs, offering diverse housing options in a desirable location.

Top Reasons to Invest in Multifamily-Income Properties in Santa Monica

Investing in income properties in Santa Monica offers numerous advantages, making it an attractive option for long-term growth. The city’s prime location and lifestyle drive high rental demand, ensuring consistent occupancy and premium rental rates, with the average apartment rent approaching $3,560. Santa Monica’s real estate market is resilient and protected from economic downturns by high property values and steady demand; with 31 tech companies boosting commercial and residential property values, the tech industry's influence further fuels this growth. Additionally, the city offers diverse investment opportunities, from luxury beachfront properties to inland homes and a strong economy that supports commercial real estate, including office spaces for startups. Tourism also opens up short-term rental possibilities for additional income. Santa Monica’s consistent demand, potential for property appreciation, and tax benefits, including depreciation deductions and 1031 exchange opportunities, make it an ideal market for investors seeking stable cash flow and long-term value.

Why Consider Santa Monica for Your Next Property Purchase?

Santa Monica is a thriving, forward-thinking city with strong economic growth. Its proximity to the tech sector, creative industries, and major entertainment companies makes it a hub for professionals, creatives, and investors. The city's ongoing development projects and its role as a regional tech center ensure continued demand for housing.

Additionally, Santa Monica offers excellent schools, clean streets, and a well-maintained environment, providing a safe, family-friendly atmosphere.

Why Hire Us?

Whether buying or selling in Santa Monica, partnering with a knowledgeable local agent can make the process more efficient and stress-free. We’re here to assist you in navigating Santa Monica’s real estate market and ensuring a successful transaction.

These are just a few of the important factors we cover, but the process is much more thorough and involved. With ever-changing disclosures and ordinances, it is crucial to work with someone who is up-to-date on the latest regulations. Different types of transactions, such as Trust sales, probate, or bank-owned properties, have unique disclosures and nuances that require careful attention. Each has its own set of rules, and understanding the details can make a big difference in your investment decision.

Navigating the complexities of real estate—evaluating a condo’s reserves, checking for pending assessments, or ensuring retrofit compliance in multi-units—requires an experienced agent who knows exactly what to ask and where to look. With so many variables, from property types to city regulations, having someone who understands the intricacies of each transaction is essential to avoid future surprises and ensure a smooth process. Contact me for a complimentary consultation—let me guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions every step of the way.