One of the more notable takeaways from Q1 2026 is that there were no single family home sales on the Manhattan Beach Strand.
At first glance, that can feel surprising. But when you look at the historical context, it tells a very different story.
Q1 has consistently been a slower start for the Strand, largely due to limited inventory rather than a lack of demand. This is one of the most supply constrained micro markets in the country, and when properties are not available, there are simply no trades.
What this actually means
This is not a demand issue. It is an inventory issue.
Buyers at this level are still very much active. They are patient, well capitalized, and waiting for the right opportunity. The absence of sales reflects a lack of available product, not a lack of interest.
It also highlights how tightly held these properties are. Strand homes are generational assets, and owners are not compelled to sell unless timing and pricing align.
Current ultra luxury Strand market
Currently, there are just 8 active single family homes on the Strand between Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. Pricing ranges from approximately $6,990,000 on the low end to $25,000,000 at the top. Notably, there are three listings currently asking between $24,000,000 and $25,000,000, testing the upper boundary of the market. The question now is whether one of these properties can surpass the $24,500,000 record sale from 2024. With inventory this limited and demand still very much present at the high end, these listings will be an important indicator of where the next ceiling for the Strand is set.
A look back at recent performance
Even with a quiet Q1 on paper, the broader trend tells a much stronger story.
We saw continued record setting activity across the Strand over the past year, including:
- The highest Hermosa Beach Strand sale of the year at $14,400,000
- The highest price per square foot sale on the Manhattan Beach Strand in 2026
These are not indicators of a soft market. They are indicators of a market that trades selectively, but at very high levels when it does.
The takeaway
A quarter with zero Strand sales is not a red flag. It is a reflection of how rare these opportunities are.
When inventory comes to market, it commands attention. And when the right property meets the right buyer, the numbers still push boundaries.
If anything, this kind of pause reinforces the long term strength of the Strand. It remains one of the most coveted and tightly held stretches of real estate not just in the South Bay, but anywhere.
PRATT BEACH PROPERTIES - BREAKING RECORDS ON THE STRAND IN 2025
Last year, only 10 single family homes traded on the Strand across Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach, including just 2 in Hermosa and 5 in Manhattan Beach.
We were fortunate to represent 2 of those sales, achieving the highest sale on the Hermosa Beach Strand and the highest price per square foot sale on the Manhattan Beach Strand.
In a market where opportunities are rare, performance at the top end becomes even more meaningful.
