Realtor.com
Los Angeles, CA may be known for its glitz and glamour, but when it comes to homes, buyers are drawn to something a bit more grounded: Mediterranean-style architecture. These terracotta-roofed, stucco-sided beauties top the list of local home styles, according to a new Realtor.com® architectural report.
With median list prices among the highest in the country and inventory swelling this past spring, L.A. is seeing a shift. Homes are still selling, but at slower price growth rates than in years past.
Mediterranean style defines Los Angeles listings
In Los Angeles, Mediterranean-style homes make up 14.8% of the total listings, the highest share in the U.S. for this architectural category, according to the Realtor.com report. These homes stand out with arched windows, red-tiled roofs, stucco exteriors, and wrought iron details. Inspired by Spain and Italy, they’re designed for indoor-outdoor living—perfect for Southern California’s sunshine.
These homes aren’t just popular—they’re pricey. The median listing price in L.A. is $1,299,500, well above the national median of $459,000. By comparison, the national median price for Mediterranean homes is $725,000.
“Buyers who want their home to feel like a private resort, that’s where Mediterranean or European-inspired homes come in,” explains Phillip Gazca, Regional Manager at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene. “Stucco exteriors, tiled roofs, courtyards, and balconies make these homes feel luxurious and welcoming”.
Big, elegant, and built for sun
Size is a selling point. Mediterranean-style homes average 2,500 square feet—significantly larger than the national median of 2,048 square feet for single-family homes. That space often includes multiple outdoor patios, vaulted ceilings, and open kitchens ideal for entertaining.
These homes also skew newer, according to the Realtor.com report. The median year built is 2001, offering modern construction under classic design. While elegant, these homes haven’t appreciated over the past year—holding flat at 0.0% growth nationwide. That makes them one of the slowest-appreciating styles in 2025.
By contrast, Colonial and Ranch homes saw national gains of 5.6% and 3.9%, respectively. Over six years, Mediterranean homes appreciated 36.8%, reflecting solid long-term value despite a cooler 12-month window.
A market in transition
The most recent housing data shows a cooling market in Los Angeles. The median list price fell month-over-month to $1,299,500, while price per square foot dropped 0.5%. Nationally, price per square foot rose 1.0%, putting L.A. behind the curve.
Inventory surged 8.4% from March to April 2025, with 3,095 homes on the market. That’s 42.4% more than the same time last year—giving buyers more options and leverage.
Despite rising inventory, homes are still moving. The average time on market in L.A. is 46 days, slightly faster than the national average of 50 days. That suggests buyers are still active—especially when properties reflect L.A.’s signature architectural charm.
Calabasas, located in Los Angeles County, tells another part of the story. The 91302 ZIP code saw one of the sharpest home price drops nationwide, falling 34.1% year-over-year to a median of $2.37M. “Prices could be falling due to an increase in lower-priced listings as inventory builds or due to falling buyer demand,” Realtor.com senior economic research analyst Hannah Jones notes.
National perspective: Luxury slows, but style still sells
Nationwide, high-end styles like Mediterranean have seen slower growth. Economic uncertainty and affordability challenges are leading buyers to lower-cost homes. Yet demand remains steady in L.A. for homes with design-forward appeal.
Los Angeles ranks 76th among the top 100 metro areas for projected growth in home prices and sales in 2025. With just a 4.2% increase in home sales and 5.5% in median prices forecasted, it trails hot spots like Phoenix, Atlanta, and Miami.
Still, the city’s deep bench of distinctive homes—and buyers seeking a lifestyle as much as a property—give it staying power.
“Buyers aren’t just choosing a home—they’re choosing a lifestyle,” explains Maggie Ives of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. “The right architectural style can make a buyer fall in love before they even step inside”.