What's happening in the Temecula-area housing market in October 2026?

Heading into fall 2026, the Temecula, Murrieta, and Menifee market is defined by tighter supply and stable prices rather than any big slowdown. Year-over-year, active inventory is down across all three cities — modestly in Temecula (about 6%) and sharply in Murrieta (about 30%) and Menifee (about 32%). Temecula homes are selling faster than a year ago, while Murrieta and Menifee are taking slightly longer. Average sale prices held fairly steady: Temecula around $879,834 (down ~2%), Murrieta around $755,561 (up ~6%), and Menifee around $568,915 (down ~3%).

By Justin Short | October 15, 2026

Every month I pull the latest numbers for our three core markets — Temecula, Murrieta, and Menifee — and compare them to the same month last year so you can see where things are actually heading, not just how they feel. Here's the full October 2026 breakdown, with the complete video walkthrough below.

New listings: fewer homes coming to market

New listings — the fresh supply of homes hitting the market — are down year-over-year in all three cities. That's a big part of why selection feels tighter than it did a year ago. Here's October 2025 compared to October 2026:

• Temecula: 155 → 132 new listings (down about 15%)

• Murrieta: 190 → 138 new listings (down about 27%)

• Menifee: 246 → 187 new listings (down about 24%)

Active inventory: supply is tightening

Active listings are the total pool of homes available to buy at any given time. This is where the year-over-year shift is most dramatic — especially in Murrieta and Menifee, where available inventory has dropped by roughly a third. October 2025 compared to October 2026:

• Temecula: 501 → 472 active listings (down about 6%)

• Murrieta: 522 → 366 active listings (down about 30%)

• Menifee: 642 → 434 active listings (down about 32%)

Less inventory generally works in sellers' favor, because fewer comparable homes means less competition for a well-priced, well-presented listing. For buyers, it's a reminder that the "wait around for more choices" strategy hasn't paid off this year.

Want to know what your specific home is worth in today's market, or what your buying power looks like? I'm glad to run the numbers for your exact neighborhood. Call or text me, Justin Short, at 951-634-9322, or start at TheShortRealEstateTeam.com/visit.

Days on market: Temecula is speeding up

Average days on market (DOM) tells you how quickly homes are going from "for sale" to "in escrow." The story is mixed across our three cities: Temecula is moving faster than a year ago, while Murrieta and Menifee have slowed a touch. October 2025 compared to October 2026:

• Temecula: 47 → 38 days (down about 20% — selling faster)

• Murrieta: 37 → 46 days (up about 24% — selling slower)

• Menifee: 40 → 45 days (up about 12% — selling slower)

Temecula dropping to an average of 38 days, paired with lower inventory, points to steady buyer demand there. In Murrieta and Menifee, the slightly longer timelines mean pricing and presentation matter even more — overpricing gets punished with extra days on market. If you're selling, my guide on how to price your home and avoid overpricing is worth a read.

Average sales price: holding steady

Despite all the headlines about affordability and interest rates, prices across our area have been remarkably stable year-over-year — no crash, no runaway spike. October 2025 compared to October 2026:

• Temecula: $894,842 → $879,834 (down about 2%)

• Murrieta: $711,772 → $755,561 (up about 6%)

• Menifee: $585,615 → $568,915 (down about 3%)

Temecula remains our highest-priced market at around 880K,Murrietasitsinthemid-750Ks and actually gained ground year-over-year, and Menifee remains the most affordable entry point at roughly $569K. For buyers watching their budget, Menifee continues to offer the most house for the money — one reason it keeps drawing attention from first-time and move-up buyers alike.

What it all means for buyers and sellers

Put the four metrics together and a clear picture emerges. For sellers, lower inventory is your friend — there's less competition on the market than a year ago, and in Temecula, buyers are moving quickly. The catch is that prices are stable rather than soaring, so pricing right from day one still matters; the days of naming any number and getting it are behind us. For buyers, fewer homes for sale means you need to be ready to move when the right one appears — pre-approved, clear on your must-haves, and working with an agent who sees new listings the moment they hit. The upside: prices aren't running away from you, and in markets like Menifee you still get strong value.

If you're deciding between areas, my Murrieta vs. Menifee comparison breaks down the trade-offs, and if you're relocating, start with my guide to moving to Temecula.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average home price in Temecula in October 2026?

About $879,834, down roughly 2% from a year earlier. Murrieta averaged about $755,561 (up ~6% year-over-year) and Menifee about $568,915 (down ~3%).

Is the Temecula housing market slowing down?

It's tightening on supply more than slowing on demand. Inventory is down year-over-year in all three cities, and Temecula homes are selling faster (average days on market fell from 47 to 38). Murrieta and Menifee take slightly longer to sell, but prices have stayed relatively stable area-wide.

How many homes are for sale in Temecula, Murrieta, and Menifee?

As of October 2026, active listings were about 472 in Temecula, 366 in Murrieta, and 434 in Menifee — down from 501, 522, and 642 respectively a year earlier.

Is it a good time to sell in the Temecula area?

For many sellers, yes — lower inventory means less competition, and well-priced homes are still moving, quickly in Temecula. The key is pricing accurately from the start, since prices are stable rather than rising sharply.

Thinking about making a move?

Whether you're buying, selling, or just want to understand what these numbers mean for your specific home and neighborhood, I'm here to help. Call or text me, Justin Short, at 951-634-9322, or get started at TheShortRealEstateTeam.com/visit.

About Justin Short

Justin Short is a local real estate agent with The Short Real Estate Team at Keller Williams Temecula, helping buyers and sellers across Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, and the rest of Southwest Riverside County. Through his YouTube channel, Living in Temecula & Murrieta California, Justin shares monthly market updates and everything there is to know about living in the area. Call or text Justin at 951-634-9322.

Market statistics are sourced from local MLS data for October 2025 and October 2026 and reflect averages across each city; individual neighborhoods and property types will vary. This article is for general information only and is not financial advice.