The Conejo Valley Real Estate Market: What to Expect in 2026

The Conejo Valley—spanning communities like Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, and Agoura Hills—remains one of Southern California’s most sought-after suburban regions. As we look ahead to 2026, the market is entering a new phase that blends softening prices, shifting buyer behavior, and long-term confidence in the area’s quality of life.

1. Market Snapshot: Prices & Activity Heading Into 2026

  • Home values across the Conejo Valley have settled after years of volatility, with median prices hovering around the low $1 million range depending on the neighborhood.

  • Growth has flattened or slightly declined over the past year—giving buyers more leverage than they’ve had since before the pandemic boom.

  • Listing activity has increased modestly, and days on market are stretching longer, indicating a more balanced market rather than the frenetic competition of years past.

2. Supply & Demand: A More Balanced Market Emerges

Heading into 2026, most indicators point toward a buyer-leaning environment:

  • Homes are sitting longer compared to the rapid sales cycles of 2020–2022.

  • More sellers are accepting offers slightly below asking, especially for properties that need updates or were priced aggressively.

  • Inventory is still far from “high,” but it’s no longer at the historic lows that fueled bidding wars across the valley.

For buyers, 2026 could bring a sweet spot: more choices, less competition, and better negotiation conditions.

3. Neighborhood Trends Across the Conejo Valley

The Conejo Valley isn’t a monolith—the market varies by community:

  • Thousand Oaks: Stabilizing at near-flat year-over-year prices with increasing days on market.

  • Westlake Village: Higher-end homes taking longer to sell, giving luxury buyers more room to negotiate.

  • Agoura Hills: Still competitive for well-priced homes, especially those appealing to LA commuters.

  • Newbury Park: A strong option for families seeking value, where updated homes continue to attract steady interest.

Across the board, price realism is becoming the defining factor for sellers.

4. Is 2026 a Good Time to Buy?

For many, yes.

  • Slightly softening prices + less competition = a more approachable market.

  • Buyers who spent the last few years priced out or fatigued finally have breathing room.

  • Even modest improvements in mortgage rates could boost purchasing power heading into mid-2026.

For sellers, 2026 will reward strong presentation, realistic pricing, and strategic timing.

5. Risks & Challenges in the 2026 Outlook

While the Conejo Valley remains a stable long-term market, several caution areas exist:

  • Higher inventory could pressure sellers to lower prices or offer concessions.

  • Economic uncertainty may make buyers hesitant without clear rate stabilization.

  • Luxury homes (especially $2M+) may face longer listing times in 2026 as high-end buyers shop more carefully.

6. What Continues to Drive Demand in the Conejo Valley

Despite market cooling, the region remains one of the most resilient in Southern California thanks to:

  • Top-tier schools across multiple districts

  • Outdoor recreation, including trails, parks, and open space

  • Proximity to Los Angeles while offering a quieter suburban lifestyle

  • Strong community appeal, high safety ratings, and long-term livability

For long-term homeowners and investors, these fundamentals anchor value even during market shifts.

7. Looking Ahead Through 2026

Here’s what to watch as the year unfolds:

  • Mortgage rates: Even small drops could spark increased buyer activity.

  • Inventory trends: A rise in new listings would keep the market buyer-friendly; a tightening could shift momentum back toward sellers.

  • Local development: Renovation activity, new commercial projects, and attraction upgrades can influence demand in specific neighborhoods.

  • Migration patterns: Continued movement from denser LA areas into the suburbs may stabilize demand.

Final Thoughts

The Conejo Valley is heading into 2026 with a calmer, more balanced real estate market. For buyers, it may be the most favorable environment in years—more options, less competition, and better negotiating conditions. For sellers, success will hinge on strategic pricing, strong presentation, and understanding where demand is still strong.