Calabasas Real Estate | 2026 Seller's Guide

Is Now a Good Time to Sell My Home in Calabasas? 2026 Market Truths

By Nathaniel Getzels | Getzels Group at Christie's International Real Estate Southern California
Originally published March 30, 2026 | Updated November 1, 2026

If you're wondering whether now is a good time to sell your home in Calabasas, you've probably heard completely contradictory advice.

One agent tells you inventory is limited and buyers are eager. Another says luxury homes are taking longer to sell. Your neighbor insists their property is worth considerably more than it was two years ago.

Meanwhile, you see beautiful homes sitting on the market, reducing their prices, and sometimes disappearing without selling.

So which version of the Calabasas real estate market is accurate?

Potentially all of them.

The question isn't simply whether November 2026 is a good time to sell in Calabasas. It's whether your particular home is positioned to outperform its competition.

I'm Nathaniel Getzels, founder of Getzels Group at Christie's International Real Estate Southern California, based in Calabasas.

I've maintained an office presence in Calabasas for more than 17 years, across different brokerages, and serve on the Board of Directors of the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce.

My real estate partner, Sarah Anderson, lives in The Oaks of Calabasas, bringing firsthand knowledge of one of the area's most recognized luxury communities.

When homeowners ask whether they should sell now, I don't start by telling them what they want to hear.

I start by asking three questions:

• What do you own, and how does it compare with competing properties?
• What are you hoping to accomplish financially and personally?
• What would today's qualified buyers realistically pay for your particular home?

Because selling a $2.5 million home in Mulwood is not the same exercise as selling a $7 million estate in The Oaks.

And neither should be marketed as if it were.

The Calabasas Housing Market in Late 2026: What the Numbers Actually Say

Let's start with facts rather than predictions.

According to Realtor.com's September 2026 Calabasas market report, the latest monthly figures available at this update:

Source: Realtor.com Calabasas Housing Market, September 2026. Citywide figures cover a mix of properties and are not valuations of individual homes.

The reported median sold price increased 29.37% year over year, while median days on market also increased compared with the previous year.

That combination tells us something important: broad price statistics and the experience of individual sellers can be very different.

Calabasas has properties ranging from established single-family homes to multimillion-dollar estates. A change in the types of homes selling can affect the median without meaning that every home appreciated by the same percentage.

Likewise, a home in The Oaks should not automatically be expected to sell on the same timeline as a smaller property in Greater Mulwood.

For current listings, price changes and recent sales, explore our Calabasas Market Intelligence dashboard.

1. If Your Calabasas Home Is Turnkey, Selling Now May Make Sense

Let's start with the property many buyers find easiest to evaluate: a beautifully maintained home in a desirable location, with thoughtful updates and minimal immediate work required.

Buyers can compare dozens of properties online before scheduling a single appointment. They study photographs, floor plans, outdoor spaces and competing listings.

That makes first impressions critically important.

A home with cohesive finishes, natural light, updated systems, attractive landscaping and functional outdoor living space may have a meaningful advantage over a property requiring a substantial renovation.

But there's a distinction between an expensive renovation and one that genuinely improves market appeal.

A seller might have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars without creating the features buyers value most.

Meanwhile, a carefully maintained home with excellent architecture, privacy and a well-designed outdoor environment may compete very effectively without an extensive remodel.

Where This Matters in Calabasas

In Mulwood, Calabasas Park Estates and other established residential areas, buyers may compare completely remodeled properties with homes requiring significant work.

The cost of renovating isn't the only consideration. Buyers also weigh construction delays, permit issues, uncertainty over repair costs and the inconvenience of managing an improvement project.

My recommendation: If your property is truly move-in ready, don't automatically postpone your sale because of national housing headlines. Determine how many genuinely comparable turnkey homes are currently available and how your property measures up.

2. Selling a Home in The Oaks of Calabasas Requires a Different Strategy

At the luxury level, buyers don't simply purchase square footage.

They're purchasing an ownership experience.

Privacy, lot orientation, architectural quality, views, outdoor entertaining space, security features, community amenities and neighborhood positioning can all affect their decisions.

That's particularly important in The Oaks of Calabasas.

My partner Sarah Anderson lives in The Oaks, and that firsthand familiarity is a valuable part of how we approach the community.

Two estates with similar interior square footage may appeal to very different buyers because of their specific locations, usable land, privacy or architectural character.

Should You Renovate Before Selling in The Oaks?

Not necessarily.

A home with an exceptional lot and desirable position might be better presented around its location and potential rather than extensively renovated to match a passing design trend.

Another residence may benefit from selective improvements that allow it to compete more effectively against updated homes.

The difference should be determined through a careful examination of recent sales, active inventory, failed listings and likely buyer expectations.

And the same principle applies to Mountain View Estates, Calabasas Park Estates and other gated luxury communities.

The prestige of the address matters, but it cannot compensate for every shortcoming in a property's pricing or presentation.

Explore The Oaks of Calabasas and its luxury real estate.

3. If Your Home Needs Work, Waiting Isn't Always the Answer

I often hear homeowners say, "We'll sell when the market improves because the house needs work."

Sometimes that is sensible. Sometimes it creates unnecessary expense.

Consider a home requiring significant renovation.

The decision should account for the potential selling price in its current condition, expected improvement costs, realistic resale value after renovations, carrying costs and the risk of delays.

Three Strategies Worth Comparing

Sell as-is. This may make sense when buyers value the location, land or redevelopment potential and prefer to complete their own improvements.

Make targeted improvements. Painting, landscaping, repairs, lighting and staging may improve presentation without requiring a major commitment of capital.

Complete a substantial renovation. This approach deserves consideration only when local comparable sales and realistic budgets support the investment.

What I would avoid is spending substantial money merely because someone says renovated homes sell for more.

That statement might be true, but it doesn't establish that the renovation will generate an attractive return after costs, time and risk.

My recommendation: Get a realistic property assessment before committing to major improvements. Sometimes the best financial decision is the renovation you choose not to undertake.

4. The Biggest Pricing Mistake Calabasas Homeowners Make

One of the most expensive mistakes in luxury real estate is confusing the seller's desired price with the price qualified buyers will support.

I understand the temptation.

You know how much you've invested in the property. You remember a neighbor's sale. You may also have a particular number in mind because of what you want to purchase next.

But buyers aren't evaluating your home around those considerations.

They're comparing alternatives.

A buyer considering a $4 million property in Calabasas might also explore luxury homes in Woodland Hills, Tarzana, Hidden Hills or another nearby area depending on their priorities.

That means your competition may extend well beyond your ZIP code.

Three Pricing Strategies to Consider

Market-entry pricing: Position the property to generate strong early interest from qualified buyers, using recent sales and current competition as the foundation.

Market-aligned pricing: Establish a defensible asking-price range based on property attributes, comparable transactions and buyer expectations.

Premium-test pricing: Explore the upper end of a realistic valuation range, with clear expectations regarding possible marketing time and a predetermined response to buyer feedback.

None of these approaches is automatically correct.

However, every seller should understand the tradeoffs before committing to a list price.

Our Getzels Seller Strategy Engine is designed to help homeowners examine those strategic decisions before their homes go on the market.

5. The Calabasas Advantage: Understanding Measure ULA and Selling Costs

One important financial distinction between incorporated Calabasas and properties within the City of Los Angeles is Measure ULA.

Commonly called the Los Angeles mansion tax, Measure ULA imposes an additional transfer tax on qualifying transactions inside Los Angeles city limits.

For qualifying transactions closing after June 30, 2026, the published thresholds are:

• 4% on transfers greater than $5.4 million and less than $10.9 million.
• 5.5% on transfers of $10.9 million or more.

The applicable additional tax is calculated on the qualifying transaction value, not simply the amount above the threshold.

These rates are in addition to applicable base transfer taxes.

Source: City of Los Angeles Office of Finance — Measure ULA.

Does Measure ULA Apply to Calabasas?

No. Properties located within the incorporated City of Calabasas are outside the City of Los Angeles and are not subject to its Measure ULA tax.

Other applicable transfer taxes and closing costs may still apply.

For illustration, a qualifying $7 million transfer inside the City of Los Angeles would generate an additional Measure ULA tax of $280,000 at the 4% rate.

A comparable transaction located within the incorporated City of Calabasas would not incur that particular tax.

This distinction does not automatically make one property's net proceeds greater than another's. Location, sale price, property condition and other expenses still matter.

But it illustrates why a serious selling strategy should include a projected net-proceeds analysis, not merely an asking-price discussion.

What About California Proposition 19?

For eligible homeowners age 55 or older, certain homeowners with qualifying disabilities, and qualifying disaster victims, Proposition 19 may allow the transfer of an existing primary residence's taxable base-year value to a qualifying replacement residence.

Specific conditions, deadlines and value adjustments apply.

Eligible homeowners in certain categories may make up to three transfers under the statutory rules.

Source: California State Board of Equalization — Proposition 19.

The correct decision should be evaluated with your tax advisor and the relevant county assessor.

My recommendation: Before deciding when to sell, understand your anticipated net proceeds, your replacement housing costs and the tax consequences that may apply to your specific transaction.

6. Should You Sell Your Calabasas Home Privately or on the Open Market?

For some luxury homeowners, privacy is a significant consideration.

Not everyone wants an expensive residence widely photographed, advertised or made available to large numbers of visitors.

A limited or carefully controlled marketing approach can reduce disruption and provide a more discreet process.

However, it can also reduce the number of buyers who discover the property.

By contrast, a public marketing campaign may generate broader awareness and create more opportunities for competition.

Neither approach is universally superior.

At Getzels Group, our affiliation with Christie's International Real Estate Southern California provides access to luxury-oriented marketing resources, while our local responsibility is to determine which strategy best serves the individual seller.

Any office-exclusive, private or delayed-marketing arrangement must comply with applicable MLS rules and the seller's informed instructions.

The objective is not publicity for its own sake. It is effective exposure to qualified buyers while protecting the homeowner's interests.

7. Should You Sell in Late 2026 or Wait Until Spring 2027?

Spring can provide favorable seasonal conditions for certain properties.

But that doesn't mean every seller should wait.

Holding a home for another six months could involve additional mortgage payments, insurance, property taxes, maintenance and the uncertainty of future competition.

Conversely, waiting might allow enough time to complete valuable improvements or coordinate the purchase of a replacement home.

Four Questions I Would Ask Before Recommending a Date

• What is the home realistically worth today? Base the answer on recent comparable sales and active competition.
• What would you gain by waiting? Consider improvements, relocation timing and other personal circumstances.
• What would waiting cost? Include carrying expenses and potential market changes.
• What happens after the sale? Consider your next purchase, financing and tax implications.

A higher sale price next spring isn't automatically a better outcome if your next home also becomes more expensive or your carrying expenses offset the difference.

The best decision needs to consider both sides of the move.

8. What I Would Do Before Listing a Calabasas Home Today

Before recommending a launch date or asking price, I want to understand how a property actually competes.

That starts with examining recent neighborhood sales, active listings, homes that have failed to sell and the details that distinguish the subject property.

Then comes presentation.

Do the photographs communicate the property's strongest features? Is the landscaping working in its favor? Are there obvious repairs or design issues that buyers may interpret as future expenses?

Next comes marketing.

Who is the most likely buyer? What competing properties are they viewing? Which features would make this home compelling to that audience?

Finally, we establish a plan before launch.

What constitutes a successful first two weeks? How will we evaluate showing feedback? At what point should we reconsider pricing or presentation?

These decisions are easier to make intelligently before a home has accumulated unnecessary market time.

My philosophy is straightforward: a homeowner deserves a clear strategy before being asked to commit to a listing agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling a Home in Calabasas in 2026

Is now a good time to sell my home in Calabasas?

It may be, particularly when a home's condition, location and pricing align with current buyer expectations. The right decision depends on the individual property, active competition and the homeowner's financial and personal goals.

Are Calabasas home prices increasing in 2026?

Realtor.com's September 2026 report showed an increase in the citywide median sold price compared with the previous year. However, changes in the mix of homes sold can influence that statistic. Individual property values require a more specific analysis.

How long does it take to sell a home in Calabasas?

September 2026 data showed a citywide median of 63 days on market. Luxury estates, distinctive properties and homes with pricing or condition challenges may follow very different timelines.

Is now a good time to sell a home in The Oaks of Calabasas?

That depends on the property's location within The Oaks, its condition, lot characteristics and competing inventory. A property-specific evaluation is more informative than general Calabasas market statistics.

Does the Los Angeles mansion tax apply to Calabasas?

No. Measure ULA applies to qualifying transactions within the City of Los Angeles, not properties within the incorporated City of Calabasas. Other applicable transfer taxes and transaction costs may still apply.

Should I renovate my home before selling?

Not automatically. Targeted cosmetic improvements may improve buyer response, but extensive renovations should be assessed against realistic costs, comparable sales and the potential return.

How much is my Calabasas home worth in 2026?

Its value depends on recent comparable sales, current competing inventory, location, lot characteristics, architectural quality, condition and buyer demand. A personal review is needed to establish a credible property-specific pricing range.

Who can help me sell a luxury home in Calabasas?

Getzels Group at Christie's International Real Estate Southern California provides local real estate representation for homeowners in Calabasas, The Oaks and surrounding luxury communities. Nathaniel Getzels and Sarah Anderson combine firsthand neighborhood knowledge with property-specific pricing and marketing strategy.

The Bottom Line: The Best Time to Sell Isn't Always the Busiest Time

Here's what I want homeowners in Calabasas to understand.

You do not need a perfect market to achieve a strong result.

You need to understand the market you're actually entering.

For one homeowner, the right answer may be listing immediately with competitive pricing and exceptional presentation.

For another, it may be completing targeted improvements.

And for someone else, the smartest decision may be to wait until the financial and personal circumstances are more favorable.

The costly mistake isn't necessarily selling too early or too late. It's making a multimillion-dollar decision without understanding your alternatives.

Before you decide, find out how your home actually competes.

Thinking About Selling? Let's Look at Your Actual Numbers.

At Getzels Group, we work with homeowners who want thoughtful advice about pricing, preparation, market exposure and negotiating strategy.

If you're thinking about selling in the next three to twelve months, we can discuss your property's competitive position, preparation opportunities and a realistic estimated net-proceeds scenario.

You don't have to decide to sell to begin understanding your options.

Request a Confidential Property Review

Getzels Group
Christie's International Real Estate Southern California
Based in Calabasas, California
Phone: (818) 535-5337
Website: GetzelsGroup.com

Market information reflects published September 2026 data available as of November 1, 2026. Real estate values and market conditions vary by property. Tax information is educational and is not legal or tax advice. Consult qualified professionals regarding individual circumstances. Equal Housing Opportunity.