January is always a fascinating moment to take the pulse of the Pasadena housing market. Coming off the holidays, activity tends to slow seasonally, but the underlying data tells a more nuanced and encouraging story for both buyers and sellers as we head into early 2026.

Looking specifically at single-family homes in Pasadena, recent Redfin and Zillow data shows a market that cooled during the holidays, as expected, but is already showing signs of renewed momentum as mid-January approaches.

Redfin chart showing Pasadena, CA single-family home median sale prices over the past three years, with seasonal fluctuations and a recent winter dip followed by early 2026 stabilization. — Image and source data provided by Redfin

A Seasonal Slowdown, Not a Market Shift

The end of the year is traditionally the quietest stretch for real estate. Families are focused on holidays, travel, and school breaks, and many sellers intentionally wait until January to relaunch their plans. That seasonal pause is reflected in recent numbers.

Median days on market for single-family homes rose into the 50–60 day range, and the median sale price showed a year-over-year dip when viewed in isolation. However, this pattern is consistent with nearly every winter cycle and does not signal a weakening market.

In fact, sales volume tells the opposite story. The number of homes sold increased sharply year over year, a strong indication that buyer demand remains healthy even during a slower seasonal window.

Prices Remain Resilient in Context

Redfin data shows a current median single-family sale price hovering around the mid-$1.3M range, while Zillow’s Home Value Index places Pasadena closer to the low-$1.2M range. The difference largely reflects methodology and timing, but both sources point to the same conclusion: values remain historically high and relatively stable.

Over the past three to five years, Pasadena home values have followed a familiar arc: strong appreciation through 2022, a modest correction in 2023, and renewed stability through 2024 and 2025. Recent price softness appears more seasonal than structural.

Redfin data visualization showing Pasadena single-family home sale-to-list price ratios, percentage of homes selling above list price, and recent price reduction trends over the past three years. — Image and source data provided by Redfin

A Competitive Market With Room to Breathe

Pasadena is currently classified as “somewhat competitive,” with a Redfin Compete Score in the upper-60s. That balance is important. It means buyers are not facing the extreme frenzy of early 2022, but well-priced and well-presented homes are still attracting strong attention.

Key indicators support this balance:

• Roughly 40–55 percent of homes are still selling above list price
• The average sale-to-list ratio is hovering around 100 percent
• “Hot” homes continue to sell quickly and at meaningful premiums

At the same time, a rising share of price reductions suggests sellers are becoming more strategic about pricing, which ultimately helps the market move efficiently.

Zillow housing market overview for Pasadena, CA displaying inventory levels, median sale price, median list price, days to pending, and percentage of homes selling over list price. — Image and source data provided by Zillow

Inventory and Buyer Activity Heading Into 2026

Zillow data shows approximately 325 properties for sale (including single family homes, multi-family, condos, land) as of December 31, 2025, with new listings beginning to pick up after the holidays. Median days to pending is currently in the mid-30s, signaling that motivated buyers are actively writing offers once the right home comes along.

This is exactly what we expect to see in January. Buyers who stayed engaged through the holidays tend to be serious, well-qualified, and ready to move quickly. As more listings come online between late January and early spring, competition typically increases alongside selection.

What This Means for Pasadena Home Sellers

For sellers, early 2026 presents a strong window of opportunity. Homes that are thoughtfully prepared, priced in line with current market realities, and launched as buyer activity ramps up can still command excellent results.

The data suggests that patience and strategy matter more than ever. Overpricing can lead to longer days on market, while correct pricing continues to attract competitive offers, sometimes above asking.

If you’re a homeowner considering selling this year, working with an experienced Pasadena real estate agent can help you price strategically and capitalize on early buyer demand.

What This Means for Pasadena Home Buyers

For buyers, this market offers more breathing room than in peak frenzy years, without sacrificing long-term value. Negotiation opportunities exist, particularly on homes that linger past the initial launch window, but high-quality properties remain competitive.

As interest rates stabilize and more inventory hits the market in the coming months, buyers who stay engaged and prepared will be well-positioned heading into spring.

Looking Ahead

The Pasadena housing market entering 2026 looks steady, resilient, and quietly optimistic. Seasonal cooling has given way to renewed activity, pricing remains strong by historical standards, and both buyers and sellers are finding opportunities with the right strategy.

As always, neighborhood-level trends, property condition, and pricing precision matter more than headline statistics. Pasadena continues to be one of Southern California’s most desirable single-family home markets, and the data supports confidence moving into the year ahead.

If you’d like a hyper-local breakdown of your specific Pasadena neighborhood or are considering buying or selling in 2026, I’m always happy to talk through the numbers.

Pasadena Real Estate Market Update January 2026 | Single-Family Homes