September 2025 Coachella Valley Housing Update

by Janice "JB" Burney

A Steady Market with Signs of Balance — by JB Burney, Desert Homes Hub

The latest GPSR Desert Housing Report shows a market settling into balance after several years of dramatic ups and downs. Prices remain resilient, sales are steady, and inventory is rebuilding — a healthy shift for both buyers and sellers across the desert.

Home Prices: Holding Strong

Detached home prices ended September at $625,000, just 2.3 % below last year — proof that demand for desert living remains steady. Attached homes slipped 3.4 % to $420,000, still well above pre-pandemic levels.

Cathedral City posted a +3.1 % price gain for detached homes.
Indian Wells recorded a -16.1 % change, typical of smaller luxury markets with limited listings.

Sales Activity: Quiet Strength

Three-month average sales rose 6 % year-over-year to 539 units, while total dollar volume climbed 11% to $424 million. The pace has eased, but activity remains strong — more deliberation, fewer bidding wars.

Inventory: Back to Healthy Levels

Housing inventory climbed 15.6 % from last year to 2,799 homes, bringing supply close to pre-pandemic norms. With a 4.6-month “months-of-sales” ratio, the market is balanced — not favoring buyers or sellers, but rewarding well-priced homes and a clear strategy.

Time on Market & Negotiation Room

Homes are selling in about 59 days, roughly 10 days longer than last year — a sign of a more thoughtful market. Most close slightly under asking: detached -2.7%, attached -3.7%.

La Quinta Market Focus — September 2025

La Quinta remains one of the valley’s standout cities — ranking third in total home sales (about 77 units in September) and leading the region in total dollar volume at $77.4 million, outpacing Palm Desert’s $68.5 million.

The average detached home measured 2,200 sq ft and sold for about $353 per sq ft, making the average price $777,779, down -4.7 % from a year ago but still strong.
Compared with the 2022 high of $912,406, prices are roughly 15% lower, yet still far above pre-COVID levels.

Inventory in La Quinta mirrors the valley trend — more homes to choose from without pressure. The city sits in a balanced zone, benefiting both motivated buyers and sellers who price smartly.

Homes here typically sell within two months, with modest price adjustments and steady demand for golf-community and luxury properties.

JB’s Take on La Quinta

This is the most balanced La Quinta market we’ve had in years. Buyers finally have breathing room to explore neighborhoods like Griffin Ranch, The Citrus, and Rancho La Quinta without rushing, and sellers can still achieve strong results with the right marketing. It’s a market where presentation and strategy matter more than speed — and that’s where Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices ( BHHS ) and I come in.

What This Means for You

The Coachella Valley as a whole — and La Quinta in particular — is in a healthier place than we’ve seen in years. Prices are stable, sales are solid, and inventory gives you room to plan.

Whether you’re buying your first desert home or considering a sale before the season, this is the moment for strategy over urgency.