Is Santa Barbara, CA 93103 a buyer’s or seller’s market?

The Santa Barbara housing market right now

In the three months ending August 31, 2026, 8% of homes in Santa Barbara, CA 93103 sold above their list price, the typical home went under contract in 69 days and there were 2.3 months of supply. Under four months of supply means sellers have the edge: expect competition for well-priced homes. That’s based on 41 home sales.

Compared with the same period a year earlier, the share selling over asking fell from 18%, homes sold more slowly (54 days then) and the median sale price fell 7% to $1,584,814. Overall, Santa Barbara is less competitive than a year ago, which gives buyers more room.

Within Santa Barbara County, homes here sell more slowly than in 85% of the county’s ZIP codes, and sell less often over asking than in 90%. On our competition score, Santa Barbara ranks #995 of 1,069 CA ZIP codes with enough sales (score 25 out of 100).

Nearby, buyers who want less competition could look at Los Olivos 93441 (0% sold over asking) or Casmalia 93429 (0% sold over asking), while New Cuyama 93254 (100% sold over asking) and Santa Maria 93458 (46% sold over asking) are even more competitive.