Jen Caskey Group’s Complete Homebuying Guide for Manhattan Beach

If you’re looking for a laid-back beach town with world-class views and sought-after oceanfront properties, look no further than Manhattan Beach, California. Located in southwestern Los Angeles County, Manhattan Beach is a refreshing departure from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles with a population of only 35,000.

This town enjoys more than two miles of beaches and Southern California’s quintessential moderate climate. Its ample beaches are home to the annual Manhattan Beach Open Volleyball Tournament and the International Surf Festival.

Manhattan Beach also has a vibrant downtown along Manhattan Beach Boulevard, which is perpendicular to Manhattan Beach Pier. Downtown features well-known casual fine-dining establishments, boutiques, and luxury hotels and spas.

For buyers with a healthy budget, there’s something for everyone. Manhattan Beach has a mix of small apartment buildings, condominiums, and beautiful single-family homes.

The California dream is alive and well in Manhattan Beach, and Jen Caskey Group is happy to help you achieve it. Keep reading for a complete homebuying guide to this piece of paradise.

 

Manhattan Beach is among the most expensive real estate markets in the country. In recent years, more homes sold for over $1 million in Manhattan Beach than any other city in California. Manhattan Beach continues to smash records, with a median home price of $3,166,500 as of September 2022. While these high prices may give some sticker shock, for luxury buyers, Manhattan Beach real estate represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that’s also a great investment.

Despite cooling trends in other markets in the country, home prices continue to rise in Manhattan Beach. It’s a simple lesson of supply and demand. The inventory in Manhattan Beach is notoriously low and doesn’t look to be expanding. As we’ll discuss later on in our guide, this city has specific land use laws and new listings move very fast. Sky-high demand driven by the unbeatable views, large beaches, and exclusive neighborhoods continue to outpace the limited supply. This drives the price up higher and higher month after month, making a home purchase in Manhattan Beach a great investment.

Keep reading for more insights on the local market and tips for landing your dream home.

 

You really can’t go wrong with any piece of Manhattan Beach real estate, but after establishing their budget, buyers should consider what neighborhood they want to live in. The Strand, Sand Section, Hill Section, Tree Section, Gas Lamp Section, East Manhattan Beach (including Manhattan Village, Manhattan Heights, and Liberty Village), Poet’s Section, and El Porto make up Manhattan Beach.

For buyers looking for luxury, some of the most high-end (and expensive) homes are in Hill Section. As its name suggests, this neighborhood is perched on a steep hill with breathtaking ocean views. For buyers who want to be closer to the oceanfront, Sand Section is as close as it gets. The Strand is a walking and biking path that runs parallel to the beach. Oceanfront homes are also in this area, which is aptly referred to as Strand Section. Consider your parking requirements since parking is more scarce the closer you get to the beach.

For buyers with families, the gated neighborhood of Manhattan Beach Village is popular. This area is also loved by families because of its two neighborhood pools. For families looking for lots with a backyard, look in Tree Section. Its homes are still within walking distance of the beach or downtown but more commonly have backyards that families often look for.

If you’re new to the area, make sure to hire a real estate professional who can help you find your dream home in the perfect location!

If you have your eyes on an investment property or have grand visions for an expansive remodel, be aware of Manhattan Beach’s unique land use laws. In 2008, three lots were joined to build a 16,000 square-foot oceanfront home. Afterwards, the City Council restricted the size and appearance of developments in order to preserve this oceanfront community.

This is where a knowledgeable real estate professional is key. Jen Caskey Group can fill you in on all of the ins and outs of the area to help you find a property that meets all of your needs.

Now that you’ve identified your budget and ideal location, you must be prepared to act fast when buying a home in Manhattan Beach. This city continues to have a shortage of homes since inventory has remained low for the last few years. On top of the limited options to choose from, new listings go quickly. The median number of days on the market for a home in Manhattan Beach is around nine days.

You read that right—only nine days! That’s very fast, so make sure you have a great real estate professional on your team to get your dream home the moment you find it.

After reading this homebuying guide, you’ll see that it can be tricky closing the deal on the beach home you’ve been dreaming of in Manhattan Beach. The oceanfront views and quintessential beach atmosphere speak for themselves. But the low inventory, exclusive neighborhoods, and development restrictions all up the high prices the city is known for.

However, this doesn’t mean your California dream is out of reach! The right real estate team will guide you through the ins and outs of purchasing property in this sought-after city. Whether it’s finding those off-market listings that check all of your boxes, or looking for the most competitive properties on the market, the right team is key! If you’re ready to start looking at Manhattan Beach real estate, the pros at Jen Caskey Group are ready to help.