Is Palm Desert a Buyer’s or Seller’s Market Right Now?
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the Palm Desert real estate market, you may be wondering: is it better for buyers or sellers right now? With shifting inventory levels, longer days on market, and prices adjusting in certain neighborhoods, this is one of the most common questions I get as a Palm Desert realtor.
Current Market Snapshot
As of mid-2025, Palm Desert real estate is leaning toward a buyer’s market.
The median home price sits around $548,000–$554,000, which is down 2–6% year-over-year (Redfin, Zillow).
Homes are taking longer to sell, with 69–84 days on market being the new normal (Realtor.com).
Competition has cooled significantly—Redfin gives Palm Desert a 21/100 Compete Score, meaning bidding wars are rare and buyers have more negotiating power.
But… neighborhood matters.
In South Palm Desert, prices are actually up 15.9% year-over-year, with a median around $900,000 and homes selling in just 56 days. This shows the luxury market in Palm Desert is behaving differently than the entry and mid-range segments.
What This Means for Sellers
If you’re selling in desirable neighborhoods like South Palm Desert or gated communities, you can still attract strong offers, especially with the right pricing and marketing strategy.
Presentation matters—staging, professional photography, and strategic pricing are key.
Sellers should be prepared for longer listing times outside of the high-demand neighborhoods.
What This Means for Buyers
Buyers finally have more leverage—fewer bidding wars and more room to negotiate price, closing costs, or even repairs.
With inventory up over 30% in the Coachella Valley, you have more options to compare and find the right fit.
Mortgage rates remain the biggest factor, so locking in at the right time is important.
Takeaway
Right now, Palm Desert is balanced to buyer-leaning overall, but the story changes by neighborhood and price point. If you’re thinking about making a move, having a local expert who knows these micro-markets is essential to getting the best outcome.
