Is the San Jose Housing Market Cooling Down? Analyzing Current Trends

San Jose's housing market has long been a focal point for investors, homeowners, and potential buyers alike. Given its position at the heart of Silicon Valley, fluctuations in this market can have broader implications. As of 2025, many are questioning: Is the San Jose housing market cooling down? To answer this, we'll delve into current inventory levels, sales data, interest rate trends, and expert opinions.​

Current Inventory and Sales Data

Inventory levels play a pivotal role in determining the health of a housing market. A balanced market typically has about six months' worth of inventory; anything less suggests a seller's market, while more indicates a buyer's market.​

In San Jose, the housing inventory has remained tight. As of February 2025, active listings were around 758 properties, reflecting a decrease from previous years. This limited supply has contributed to sustained competition among buyers. Notably, homes in San Jose are selling faster than in many other U.S. markets. In February, the median days on market was just 22 days, indicating a brisk pace of sales. 

Median home prices have also seen an upward trajectory. In January 2025, the median sale price was approximately $1.4 million, marking an 11.2% increase compared to the same period last year. This rise underscores the persistent demand and limited supply in the region.​

Interest Rate Trends

Mortgage interest rates significantly influence housing affordability and buyer behavior. Over the past year, rates have experienced fluctuations, impacting both purchasing power and housing demand.​

In late 2024, mortgage rates saw a slight uptick, leading to a temporary cooling in buyer activity. However, forecasts for 2025 suggest a stabilization or even a modest decline in rates. Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of Realtors, predicts a 9% increase in year-over-year home sales nationally, attributing this to anticipated lower mortgage rates and increased inventory. ​

Expert Opinions and Forecasts

Industry experts offer varied perspectives on the future of San Jose's housing market. While some anticipate a cooling due to affordability challenges, others believe demand will remain robust, driven by the region's strong tech industry and limited housing supply.​

According to Zillow, the average home value in San Jose is $1,501,267, reflecting an 8.1% increase over the past year. This appreciation indicates sustained demand, even as some buyers face affordability constraints.​

Furthermore, the San Jose housing market remains highly competitive. Homes often receive multiple offers and sell quickly, underscoring the persistent demand.

In Conclusion

While there are signs of moderation in certain metrics, the San Jose housing market does not appear to be cooling down significantly. Limited inventory, rising home prices, and sustained demand suggest that the market remains robust. Prospective buyers should be prepared for competitive conditions, while sellers can remain optimistic about maintaining strong property values. As always, consulting with local real estate professionals can provide tailored insights into this dynamic market.​