If 2025 was defined by resilience, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of recalibration and opportunity. The ultra-luxury real estate market, particularly at the $10 million-plus tier, is entering a more deliberate phase, one marked less by urgency and more by intention. Wealth continues to be created, transferred, and strategically deployed, but with sharper discernment. Buyers are no longer simply purchasing homes; they are underwriting long-term lifestyle decisions in an environment where capital, technology, and values increasingly intersect.

As the year winds down, the holiday lights twinkle, and the scent of gingerbread fills the air, it’s safe to say we've reached the "home stretch" of 2025!

This December, we're putting a bow on a truly remarkable year in real estate. Whether you "decked the halls" of a brand-new home, successfully sold your property to move on to your next adventure, or simply watched the market with interest, it's been a busy and dynamic twelve months.

For those of you still hoping to find a "holly jolly" closing before the ball drops, this isn't the time to put your search on ice! Highly motivated buyers and sellers are taking advantage of this low-inventory, high-seriousness season.

We're here to make sure your final real estate wishes of the year come true.

Warm Thanksgiving wishes from Santa Barbara. May your holiday be effortless, elegant, and filled with moments you’ll truly enjoy.

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”

Tucked within Montecito’s exclusive Birnam Wood Golf Club, this distinguished estate was once the residence of legendary interior designer John Saladino. A master of uniting interior and exterior spaces, Saladino’s touch is evident throughout — from French doors framing lush garden vistas to classical columns accenting the poolside retreat. Designed in the 1960s with timeless architectural detail, the home remains a sanctuary of elegance, seamlessly blending artistry, comfort, and the natural beauty of its surroundings.

Compass Luxury turned to the experts at the forefront of luxury real estate to understand what’s truly happening at the highest tier of the market today. We surveyed elite Compass agents nationwide to take the pulse of the ultra-luxury space and gain deeper insight into this ever-evolving landscape.

Discover why August is the golden window for Santa Barbara real estate—where sunlit listings meet vibrant local culture. Explore luxury homes, selling tips, and local events like Old Spanish Days Fiesta, the Santa Barbara Greek Festival, free Summer Cinema under the stars, and elegant Sunday Polo at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club.

Homes are selling fast in Santa Barbara! See what's pending, just sold, and happening this June with local events such as ASAP Cat annual fundraising gala, Hotel Californian Casablanca move night and real estate tips.

April is here, bringing longer days, blooming landscapes, and the perfect time to make a move in real estate! As the season of renewal takes full swing, the market is buzzing with fresh opportunities for buyers and sellers alike.

Whether you’re considering listing your home, searching for your dream space, or just curious about what’s out there, now is an ideal time to take action. With inventory shifting and buyers eager to find their perfect match, positioning yourself strategically can make all the difference.

Let’s shake off the last chill of winter, embrace the season of growth, and make your real estate goals a reality this spring!

As February unfolds, love is in the air, and it’s the perfect time to fall in love with a new chapter. Whether you're looking for your dream home, considering an investment, or preparing to sell, this month offers fresh opportunities. Let’s celebrate the neighborhoods that make Santa Barbara unique, explore the latest real estate trends, and dive into exciting local events that make this community feel like home. Here’s to new possibilities and finding where your heart truly belongs in 2025!

Explore December in Montecito with our curated lifestyle guide, featuring exclusive holiday events, elegant traditions, and seasonal highlights. Perfect for those seeking a sophisticated way to celebrate the season.