The Malibu Life • Market Update • September 2026
Malibu’s September Market Recap: What to Know Heading Into Fall
Fall in Malibu is still full of beach days, but it’s also a good time to check in on the market. September brought more options for buyers and more room to negotiate. For sellers, pricing, presentation and understanding the competition matter more than ever.
September numbers
The market at a glance
Realtor.com’s September 2026 citywide summary offers a broad look at where Malibu stood heading into fall.
Source: Realtor.com Malibu market overview.
For buyers
More choice, more perspective
More homes on the market give buyers more options to compare location, space, condition and lifestyle.
From oceanfront homes to Point Dume and the canyons, every part of Malibu offers something different. The best comparison starts with similar homes and recent sales nearby.
Pricing has softened slightly, with Malibu’s median list price at $1,640 per square foot, down 3.75% from last year, while the number of active listings has increased.
For sellers
Make the value easy to see
With more listings on the market, buyers have more to compare. The right pricing helps your home stand out and makes its value clear.
Presentation matters too, from photos and showings to the way the home is marketed. A great view gets attention, but helping buyers picture themselves there is what makes it memorable.
Look at the competition
Current listings show buyers what else they can buy at a similar price. Knowing that landscape helps you position your home with confidence.
Listen to the market
Comparable sales, competing listings and showing feedback tell you far more together than any citywide average can on its own.
The market by neighborhood
Market pace also varies by neighborhood. Trancas Canyon and Point Dume are moving fastest, while Malibu Park (pictured above) is taking a little longer. Eastern Malibu saw the biggest increase in inventory, giving buyers there more options to compare.
Source: Realtor.com Malibu market overview, September 2026 neighborhood figures.
Malibu rentals
A closer look at the rental market
Malibu’s lease market tightened in September, with fewer homes available than last year while asking rents stayed steady around $20,000 per month. For rental owners, strong presentation can make an even bigger difference in a more limited market.
Rent by neighborhood
Neighborhood matters, too. Western Malibu has some of the highest asking rents, while Central Malibu has the largest share of available rentals.
For owners and tenants, the best comparison comes down to similar homes, location, condition, furnishings and lease terms. With fewer rentals available, knowing your priorities early can also help you move faster when the right one comes up.
Sources: Realtor.com Malibu market overview, Zillow Malibu rental trends and The Malibu Life’s October 1 market snapshot.
Looking ahead
What to watch heading into fall
Financing is another factor to watch. On October 1, Freddie Mac reported a 7.28% average for a 30-year fixed mortgage, up slightly from the week before.
As we head into fall, the focus is on each property, neighborhood and individual goal. Whether you’re buying, selling or leasing, local insight helps put the market into perspective.
Let’s talk Malibu
What does today’s market mean for your property or your next move?
Every Malibu neighborhood moves a little differently. Reach out to The Malibu Life for a closer look at your property, your neighborhood and your options.
