Yes. With mortgage rates easing to ~6.5%—their lowest in nearly a year—Conejo Valley buyers are regaining purchasing power. Acting now may secure better terms before lower rates spark heavier competition.

Is Now the Right Time to Buy in Conejo Valley?

Mortgage rates are finally giving local buyers some breathing room. After months of climbing and then hovering above 7%, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has slipped to around 6.5% as of September 2025 (Freddie Mac, Reuters). This marks an 11-month low, and mortgage demand is already starting to surge nationally.

For buyers in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Newbury Park, Oak Park, Moorpark, and Simi Valley, this dip could be the opening you’ve been waiting for.

Why Rates Matter More Than You Think

Even a 0.5% rate shift can change what you can afford in the Conejo Valley. On a $1 million home, the difference between 7% and 6.5% can mean hundreds of dollars less each month. That gives you either:

• More buying power (the ability to afford a higher-priced home without raising your payment), or

• Better terms (keeping the same budget but enjoying lower monthly costs).

Lenders also tend to loosen slightly when demand picks up, which means more options for competitive loan programs.

Buyer Activity Is Heating Up

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, applications for home loans jumped to their highest level since 2022 as soon as rates dipped below 6.6% (Investopedia). What does this mean for Conejo Valley buyers?

• More competition is coming. Inventory is still relatively tight in desirable areas like Westlake Village and Oak Park.

• Price cuts may slow. Sellers who were reducing prices through summer may hold firm if buyer demand strengthens.

• Multiple offers could return. We’re already seeing upticks in buyer traffic at open houses.

Timing Your Offer in Conejo Valley

Should you rush to buy right now? Here’s a practical way to think about it:

1. If you’ve been waiting for affordability to improve → This is a sweet spot. Rates are down, but competition hasn’t fully spiked yet.

2. If you’re flexible on timing → Watch for the Fed’s meeting on September 16–17. Another cut could drop rates further—but expect demand to surge quickly afterward.

3. If you’re hoping for big price drops → Don’t count on it. Historically, when rates fall, prices stabilize or even climb as more buyers return.

What This Means for Conejo Valley Neighborhoods

Different submarkets are responding differently:

• Westlake Village & North Ranch: Luxury buyers are re-engaging, particularly on homes priced $2M+. Lower rates expand jumbo-loan affordability.

• Thousand Oaks & Newbury Park: Move-up buyers are fueling demand for single-story homes with yards. Inventory here remains limited.

• Agoura Hills & Oak Park: Families targeting strong school districts are reappearing after sitting out the summer slowdown.

• Simi Valley & Moorpark: Value-conscious buyers are comparing affordability here versus pricier Westlake. These areas may see the first wave of competition.

Buyer Tips for Fall 2025

• Get pre-approved now. Sellers take your offer more seriously when your financing is locked in at today’s lower rates.

• Look beyond the headlines. National news covers averages, but Conejo Valley is hyper-local. Some neighborhoods are softening while others are heating up.

• Lean on comps. Even as competition returns, make your offer based on data. A strong buyer’s agent will support your case with local comps.

• Plan for insurance. In wildfire-adjacent areas near the Santa Monica Mountains, confirm insurance availability before writing an offer.

The Bottom Line

Rates near 6.5% give you a unique window: affordability is better, yet competition hasn’t hit its peak. Buyers in the Conejo Valley who act now can still negotiate favorable terms—but if you wait too long, you may face tighter inventory and multiple-offer battles.

Call to Action

If you’re ready to explore homes in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Newbury Park, Oak Park, Moorpark, or Simi Valley, now is the moment to step forward.

📞 Connect with Lydia Gable Realty Group—your trusted Conejo Valley Realtors—to review the latest local comps, tour active listings, and craft a winning offer before competition heats up.

👉 Contact us today to get started.