How much does it cost to buy a house in Berkeley?
Berkeley median is $1,525,000. At 20% down with current rates around 6.85%, expect roughly $305,000 for the downpayment and ~$7,994/mo principal+interest (before tax/insurance/HOA).
For Berkeley home buyers
Buy a home in Berkeley — the realistic playbook.
Berkeley median: $1,525,000. Days on market: 14. $/sqft: $825. Roger Grubb has 18 years of Bay Area buyer-side experience including dozens of Berkeley transactions. Buyer commission paid by seller — Roger costs you nothing extra.
What $$1,525,000 buys you in Berkeley
Where Roger sold a Sacramento St condo 12% over list in 12 days. Berkeley’s market is the East Bay’s most competitive, and the variety of stock (Victorian, Maybeck, Greene & Greene, modern infill) makes every block its own micro-market.
Roger's insider take: North Berkeley below Cedar holds value best. The flats around Sacramento St are where the value plays are — and where Roger had his +12% Sacramento St win in 2021.
Buying a Berkeley home — FAQ
Is Berkeley a good place to buy a home?
Buyers who think of a house as a piece of history they’re lucky to steward — not a commodity to flip.
What schools serve Berkeley?
Key schools: Cragmont Elementary (7/10), King Middle (7/10), Berkeley High (7/10).
What types of buyers does Berkeley attract?
Architecture lovers, Academics, Walkability fanatics, Long-term hold.
What's the catch with buying in Berkeley?
A new-construction market — Berkeley is intentionally preserved, and the planning process is famously thoughtful (read: slow).
How competitive is buying in Berkeley?
Average 14 days on market. Very competitive — expect multi-offer scenarios on well-priced homes.
How do I find off-market homes in Berkeley?
Roger Grubb has been transacting in Berkeley for 18 years and sees ~1-in-4 homes off-market. Call (510) 504-0402 to get on his buyer list.
Buy in Berkeley — one call.
Roger answers his own phone. (510) 504-0402.