South Bay Real Estate Q&A:
Buying & Selling Homes in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach
1. What makes the South Bay a desirable place to buy a home?
The South Bay offers a unique blend of coastal lifestyle, strong schools, vibrant communities, and proximity to Los Angeles. Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach each have their own character—from the upscale luxury of Manhattan Beach, to the laid-back vibe of Hermosa, to the family-friendly balance and value of Redondo. Homes here also hold their value well due to limited supply and year-round demand.
2. How competitive is the real estate market in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach?
Very competitive. Manhattan Beach consistently ranks among the highest-priced markets in L.A. County, with homes often selling for $3M–$10M+. Hermosa Beach inventory is limited, which pushes prices higher, while Redondo Beach offers relatively better value but still sees multiple offers on well-priced homes. Buyers need to be prepared with pre-approval and strong offers.
3. What is the difference between the Sand Section, Tree Section, and Hill Section in Manhattan Beach?
Sand Section: Closest to the beach and The Strand, known for walkability, volleyball courts, and oceanfront living.
Tree Section: Family-friendly neighborhood with leafy streets, slightly inland but still close to the beach.
Hill Section: Elevated lots with larger homes and panoramic views of the ocean and city.
4. Are homes in Hermosa Beach more affordable than Manhattan Beach?
Generally yes. Hermosa Beach homes are often priced lower than comparable Manhattan Beach properties, though beachfront homes in Hermosa can still command premium prices. Hermosa offers a mix of luxury residences and smaller beach cottages that attract a diverse range of buyers.
5. Why do some buyers choose Redondo Beach over Manhattan or Hermosa?
Redondo Beach often provides more space for the price, highly rated schools, and a variety of housing options—from townhomes to single-family homes. It’s a popular choice for families seeking value while staying close to the beach lifestyle.
6. What’s the average home price in these cities?
Manhattan Beach: Typically $4M+ for single-family homes, with oceanfront properties exceeding $10M.
Hermosa Beach: Around $2.5M–$4M for most single-family homes, with higher prices near the sand.
Redondo Beach: Median prices hover around $1.6M–$2.2M, though luxury properties can go higher.
7. How do property taxes work in California when buying a home?
Property taxes are generally about 1.1% of the purchase price in L.A. County. For example, a $2M home in Redondo Beach would have an annual property tax of around $22,000, subject to small local assessments.
8. Do these cities allow short-term rentals (like Airbnb)?
Regulations vary. Manhattan Beach generally prohibits short-term rentals under 30 days. Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach have stricter enforcement in residential areas but limited permitted zones. Always check local ordinances before purchasing with rental income in mind.
9. How important is school district when buying in the South Bay?
Extremely important. Manhattan Beach Unified is consistently ranked among the top in California. Redondo Beach Unified also receives high ratings, making it attractive for families. Hermosa Beach schools feed into Manhattan Beach for high school, which adds value to local homes.
10. Should I buy a fixer-upper or move-in-ready home in the South Bay?
Fixer-uppers can be a smart investment, especially in prime locations where land value is high. However, due to limited inventory, many buyers prefer move-in-ready homes, even if it means paying a premium.
11. What steps should I take before selling my South Bay home?
Call Jim!
Professionally stage or declutter to showcase space.
Fresh paint and new carpet can provide quick ROI.
Price strategically based on recent comps.
Market across digital platforms, print, and local networks.
I have an extended list of info, available upon request!
12. How long does it typically take to sell a home in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, or Redondo Beach?
Well-priced homes often sell within 30 days, especially in Manhattan and Hermosa. Redondo homes may take slightly longer, depending on location and condition. Overpriced listings can sit longer, so pricing correctly from the start is critical.
13. Do I need a large down payment to buy in these markets?
Because of high home values, jumbo loans are common. Buyers often put 20% or more down, but financing options exist with smaller down payments depending on the lender and borrower profile.
14. Are bidding wars common?
Yes. In Manhattan Beach and Hermosa, multiple offers are common for well-located properties, especially near the sand. Redondo also sees competition, though buyers may find slightly more negotiating room compared to Manhattan Beach.
15. How can sellers attract more buyers?
Professional photography and video tours are a must.
Open houses draw strong local traffic.
Digital marketing (Instagram, Zillow, MLS, and targeted ads) expands exposure.
Pricing to align with buyer demand triggers saved-search alerts and creates urgency.
16. What makes an ocean-view property more valuable?
Scarcity. Views are highly coveted in the South Bay, especially in the Hill Section of Manhattan Beach or the Hollywood Riviera in Redondo. Even partial ocean views can add significant value.
17. What’s the difference between North Redondo and South Redondo?
South Redondo: Closer to the beach, Redondo Pier, and Riviera Village. More expensive, walkable, and lifestyle-driven.
North Redondo: Slightly inland, more affordable, with larger lots and a mix of single-family homes and townhomes. Convenient for commuters.
18. How do interest rates affect buying in these coastal markets?
Even small rate changes can impact affordability significantly in high-price markets like Manhattan Beach and Hermosa. Buyers may adjust budgets, while sellers may need to stay flexible on pricing to attract qualified buyers.
19. Is it worth investing in a South Bay rental property?
Yes, but returns vary. Long-term rentals are in steady demand due to strong schools and desirable location. Short-term rentals face regulatory hurdles. Appreciation potential remains strong given limited coastal land.
20. Why should I work with a local South Bay realtor?
Local expertise matters. Each neighborhood has unique factors—like parking restrictions, zoning rules, school districts, and micro-market pricing—that only a South Bay specialist can navigate effectively. Working with a realtor who knows Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach ensures you maximize value whether buying or selling.