🌴Market Pūle – July Market Update

Oʻahu’s housing market saw some subtle shifts in July, with single-family home sales dipping 7.4% compared to last year, while condo sales held steady. Prices softened a bit too—single-family homes dropped 5.7% to a median of $1,075,000, and condos fell 3.7% to $490,000.

But here’s the twist: even with stable interest rates, buyers got more active. Contract signings jumped nearly 10% for homes and over 13% for condos. That’s a sign of growing confidence—and opportunity.

Inventory is up, which means more choices for buyers. Active listings rose 18% for homes and 31.7% for condos compared to last year. However, month-to-month, both segments saw slight dips, suggesting some seasonal cooling.

🏡 Single-Family Home Highlights

• Homes spent a bit longer on the market—20 days on average, up from 15 last year.

• The $800K–$999K price range was the busiest, making up nearly a third of all sales.

• Fastest-moving areas: Hawai‘i Kai (just 8 days!), Metro and Waipahu (12 days).

• Slower zones like Makakilo, ‘Ewa Plain, and Pearl City (25–30 days) may offer more negotiating room.

• About 26% of homes sold above asking—down slightly from last year.

🏢 Condo Market Highlights

• Condos averaged 50 days on market—up from 30 last year.

• The $300K–$499K range was the sweet spot, making up over a third of all condo sales.

• Hot regions: ‘Ewa Plain, Pearl City, and Waipahu saw big sales increases.

• Slower movers: Diamond Head, Leeward, and North Shore (60+ days on market).

• Only 8% of condos sold above asking—down from 15% last year.

Featured Listing

🌺 The Leashold listing that Caught My Eye

1448 Young St #202, Honolulu 96814

Here’s one that stood out: a leasehold condo listed at $349,000 with some rare perks.

• The lease rent is just $1/month, held by the City & County of Honolulu

• The HOA fee is low at $578/month

• The lease doesn’t expire until 2064—that’s 39 years from now

Because the lease extends well beyond the typical 30-year mortgage term, this property qualifies for financing. Most lenders require the lease to last at least 30 years beyond the loan term, and this one checks that box.

📊 Monthly cost to own (mortgage + HOA + taxes): ~$2,700 🏠 Average rent in the building: ~$2,400/month

That makes this a standout listing for buyers looking to build equity while keeping monthly costs close to market rent.

I am not the listing agent. This information was pulled from the MLS and is shared for educational purposes only.

Ready to take advantage of the market, reply to this email.

The “A-PEELE-ING” Edge

Why 2025 Is the Year to Buy: Hawai‘i Homeowners Score Big with Tax Deductions

Or do they? With the One Big Beautiful Bill Act now in play, 2025 brings a wave of new tax perks for homeowners—including a juiced-up SALT deduction and the return of PMI write-offs. But are these benefits enough to tip the scales in Hawai‘i’s high-cost housing market? Depends.

If you’re planning to stay put, itemize your deductions, and take advantage of the new tax rules—yes, it could be a smart move. But if you’re stretching to afford the mortgage or unsure about long-term plans, the sunset clauses and high upfront costs might make renting more practical. Let’s Break It DOWN! 

Summer is officially over! 😔

The sun-soaked days of summer are officially behind us, and for many parents on Oahu, that's a bittersweet moment. The house is a little quieter, the morning routine is back, and while a part of us misses that kid-free summer spontaneity, there's also a particular joy in getting back to a schedule.

I'll admit, my own "kid-free summer" routine wasn't as productive as I'd hoped. As much as I love the peaceful morning hours, I could not get myself out of bed this past summer! But now that the boys are back in school, the alarm clock is a welcome sound. There's nothing quite like the quiet of 5 a.m., with a fresh cup of coffee in hand, when the phone is silent and the world is still sleeping. It's truly a priceless start to the day.

For those of us who have already navigated the public school traffic, a heads-up: many of Oahu's private schools are starting their academic year this coming week.

• Maryknoll School: August 11, 2025

• Saint Louis School: August 11, 2025

• Mid-Pacific Institute: August 11, 2025 (Preschool & Elementary)

• Punahou School: August 13, 2025

• ʻIolani School: August 26, 2025

The start of a new school year is a fresh start for all of us. Let's make it a great year!

Stay Inspired,

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