Union City: October 2025 Housing Market Update

Market Statistics

• Active Listings: 47
• Homes Pending: 30
• Homes Sold Last Month: 20
• Months of Inventory: Less than 2 months (extremely tight supply)
• Recent Trend: Significant increase in open house traffic (last 3 weeks)
• Multiple Offers: Well-prepared homes receiving 8+ offers, selling way above list price

Why Union City Is One of the Bay Area's Hottest Markets

Strategic Location Advantage

Union City has emerged as one of the hottest cities in the Bay Area, and the reason is clear: strategic location. With direct access to the Dumbarton Bridge, Union City provides quick connectivity to all major Silicon Valley companies and employment centers. This proximity to the Peninsula, combined with more accessible price points than many neighboring communities, makes Union City an increasingly attractive option for professionals working throughout the region.

The Union City Advantage

• Bridge Access to Silicon Valley: The Dumbarton Bridge provides direct, quick access to the Peninsula and Silicon Valley's major employment centers, making commutes to companies in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Mountain View significantly easier.
• Value Proposition: Union City offers better value compared to many Peninsula and South Bay communities while maintaining excellent connectivity, making it attractive to buyers seeking to maximize purchasing power.
• BART Access: The Union City BART station provides convenient public transportation options for commuters heading to San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area.
• Growing Community: Union City continues to develop and improve its amenities, shopping, dining, and community facilities, enhancing quality of life for residents.
• Diversity of Housing: From newer developments to established neighborhoods, Union City offers various housing options to suit different preferences and budgets.
• Family-Friendly: Good schools, parks, and recreational facilities make Union City attractive to families seeking a balanced community environment.

What's Happening in the Union City Market?

Key Market Insights

• Extremely Tight Inventory: With only 47 active listings and 30 pending, Union City has less than 2 months of housing supply. This tight inventory creates a seller-favorable environment and supports stable to rising prices.
• Surge in Buyer Activity: Over the last three weeks, there's been a palpable shift on the ground. Open house traffic has increased significantly, with noticeably more buyers actively viewing properties.
• Mortgage Rate Impact: The recent drop in mortgage rates has brought buyers back into the market with renewed enthusiasm. This rate improvement is directly translating to increased activity and competition.
• Motivated Buyers Are Moving: Buyers who have been waiting are now tired of sitting on the sidelines. Motivated buyers recognize that waiting for a market crash may mean missing opportunities, and they're taking action.
• Multiple Offers Are Back: Well-prepared, properly priced homes are receiving multiple offers again. A recent listing that was fixed up received 8 offers and sold way above the list price, demonstrating strong underlying demand.
• Real Estate Continues Regardless: No matter what's happening in the world, people continue to buy and sell homes. Life events—job changes, growing families, downsizing—drive real estate activity regardless of broader economic concerns.
• Silicon Valley Is Different: It's crucial to remember that this isn't Florida or Texas, where some markets are struggling significantly. Silicon Valley markets, including Union City, operate with different dynamics driven by employment, limited supply, and consistent demand.
• Don't Wait for a Crash: Many people have been living in the Bay Area for years waiting for the market to crash. That strategy has consistently cost them both in rental expenses and missed appreciation. The data suggests continued market strength rather than collapse.

Strategic Advice for Buyers and Sellers

For Buyers:

• Union City Is a Great Option: If you're considering buying in the Bay Area, Union City deserves serious consideration. The combination of location, value, and connectivity makes it one of the most compelling choices available.
• Act Before Competition Intensifies: With buyer activity surging and inventory remaining tight, waiting may mean facing increased competition and potentially higher prices. The window for buyers with leverage is narrowing.
• Stop Waiting for a Crash: If you've been waiting years for the market to crash, recognize that this strategy has historically not worked in the Bay Area. Every year of waiting is a year of missed equity building and continued rental expenses.
• Location Value Play: Union City offers excellent value for its location. You're getting bridge access to Silicon Valley and good connectivity throughout the Bay Area at price points that provide more purchasing power than many alternatives.
• Be Prepared to Compete: With multiple offers returning, buyers need to be prepared with financing, move quickly on opportunities, and work with experienced representation to compete effectively.
• Long-Term Investment: Approach your purchase as a long-term investment. Union City's strategic location and ongoing development suggest strong appreciation potential over time.

For Sellers:

• Strategic Approach Required: For sellers, being strategic is more important than ever. This means careful planning around timing, preparation, pricing, and marketing.
• Pricing Must Be On Point: You cannot overprice in this market. Strategic pricing attracts buyers and can create competition. Overpricing repels buyers and leads to properties sitting on the market, which then makes selling even harder.
• Presentation Is Key: How your home shows matters tremendously. Professional staging is not optional—it's essential for maximizing your sale price and minimizing time on market.
• Focus on Kitchen and Bathrooms: These spaces need to be particularly well-maintained and presented. Buyers focus heavily on kitchens and bathrooms, and condition in these areas significantly impacts perceived value.
• Fix-Up Strategy Works: A recent example demonstrates the power of proper preparation: a home that was essentially a fixer-upper was fixed up with help from quality contractors, listed properly, and received 8 offers going way above list price. This shows that investment in preparation pays dividends.
• Professional Contractors Matter: Having access to reliable, skilled contractors who can handle needed repairs and upgrades efficiently is crucial. This can make the difference between listing "as-is" at a discount or capturing premium pricing.
• Multiple Offers Are Possible: Even in current conditions, properly prepared and priced homes are generating multiple offers. This isn't a market where you have to settle—if you prepare correctly, you can still create competition.
• Expert Guidance Essential: Work with professionals who understand the Union City market specifically, have proven marketing strategies, strong negotiating skills, and can guide you through preparation, pricing, and negotiation.

The Importance of Professional Guidance

In Union City's dynamic market, professional guidance is more critical than ever. Whether you're thinking about buying now or selling in a year, sitting down with experienced real estate professionals who understand the local market can help you:

• Time the market effectively based on your personal circumstances and market conditions
• Develop a strategic plan that maximizes your outcome whether buying or selling
• Understand current market dynamics and how they affect your specific situation
• Navigate preparation, pricing, negotiation, and transaction complexities
• Access resources like quality contractors, staging professionals, and financing experts
• Make informed decisions based on data and experience rather than fear or speculation

Final Thoughts

The Union City housing market in October 2025 has emerged as one of the hottest in the Bay Area, and for good reason. With less than 2 months of inventory, surging buyer activity, multiple offers returning, and strategic proximity to Silicon Valley via the Dumbarton Bridge, Union City represents an exceptional opportunity for both buyers and sellers who approach the market strategically.

For buyers, Union City offers compelling value—bridge access to major employment centers at price points that provide more purchasing power than many alternatives. With mortgage rates dropping and buyer activity increasing, the window for entering the market with leverage may be closing. Stop waiting for a crash that continues not to materialize and start building equity.

For sellers, success requires strategic pricing, professional presentation, and expert guidance. The recent example of a fixer-upper generating 8 offers and selling way above list price demonstrates that proper preparation and strategy pay significant dividends. In a market where presentation and pricing make all the difference, professional representation is essential.

Whether you're considering buying or selling in Union City now or in the future, reaching out for professional guidance can help you navigate the market effectively and achieve your real estate goals. Contact us to discuss your specific situation and develop a strategic plan tailored to your needs.