Moving to Los Angeles is exciting, but buying a home here from another state can feel overwhelming. You’re learning a new market, a new set of neighborhoods, and California’s buying process, often from hundreds or thousands of miles away.
I’ve helped many out-of-state buyers purchase homes in Los Angeles. Some flew in for a full day of tours. Others bought a home after touring it with me over FaceTime, and I’ve written offers for clients I had never met in person and gotten those offers accepted. This guide covers what I walk every relocating buyer through: what homes cost, how the process works, and how to buy with confidence even if you can’t be here.
Relocating to LA? Book a free 15-minute call.
I’ll help you narrow down areas, budget and timing before you ever get on a plane.
Is Los Angeles a Good Place to Live?
For many people, yes. LA offers year-round mild weather, beaches and mountains within an hour of each other, and major job centers in entertainment, tech, healthcare, aerospace, and trade. It’s also one of the most diverse regions in the country, with food, culture, and communities from around the world.
The tradeoffs are real too. LA is expensive: overall cost of living runs about 52% higher than the national average, according to Redfin. Traffic is a daily factor, so where you live relative to work matters more here than in most cities.
The key is choosing the right area for your lifestyle and budget, which is where a local agent makes the biggest difference.
What Does a Home Cost in Los Angeles?
Prices vary enormously depending on where you look. Here’s the current picture:
- City of Los Angeles: The median sale price was about $1.1 million over the three months ending August 2026, down 1.4% from a year earlier (Redfin).
- LA County overall: The Q2 2026 median home sale price was about $905,000 (PropertyShark).
- Pace: Homes in the city typically receive around 3 offers and sell in about 52 days (Redfin).
For relocating buyers, the most important takeaway is that LA County is huge. It includes 88 cities and dozens of distinct neighborhoods. A home in one area can cost twice as much as a similar home 20 minutes away. Expanding your search by even a few miles can dramatically change what your budget buys.
Costs Out-of-State Buyers Often Don’t Expect
Property taxes. Under Proposition 13, California’s base property tax rate is 1% of your purchase price, plus local voter-approved assessments. Most LA buyers pay roughly 1.1% to 1.3% per year in total. Your tax is based on what you paid, not what the previous owner paid.
Mello-Roos and special assessments. Some newer communities have extra tax assessments. Always check before making an offer.
Homeowners insurance. California’s insurance market has tightened, especially in areas with wildfire risk. Get insurance quotes early, ideally before you’re in escrow, so there are no surprises.
Closing costs. Buyers in California typically budget about 2% to 3% of the purchase price for loan fees, title insurance, escrow fees, and prepaid items.
HOA dues. Condos and townhomes often have monthly HOA fees that can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand.
Getting to Know LA’s Regions
Before you tour a single home, it helps to understand the major areas and what they offer. Here’s a quick overview based on housing types and commute:
- Westside (Santa Monica, Culver City, West LA): close to the beach and major tech and entertainment employers; mostly condos and smaller single-family homes at higher price points.
- San Fernando Valley (Burbank, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Van Nuys): more single-family homes with yards; convenient to studios in Burbank and Studio City.
- South Bay (Torrance, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach): coastal living, with convenient access to LAX and aerospace employers.
- San Gabriel Valley (Pasadena, Glendale, Arcadia): historic homes, walkable downtown districts, and a range of price points.
- Central LA (Downtown, Koreatown, Silver Lake, Echo Park): urban living, lofts and condos, and the most access to public transit.
The best way to narrow it down is to start with your commute, budget, and must-haves, then match them to the areas that fit. For school and crime information, I always recommend checking official sources directly, such as the school district’s website or local police department data, so you can make your own informed decision.
How to Buy a Home in LA From Out of State
This is where most relocating buyers feel the most uncertain. Here’s how the process works when I’m helping a client from another state.
1. Get Pre-Approved Before You Start Touring
A pre-approval letter from a lender tells sellers you’re a serious, qualified buyer, which is critical when you’re competing with local buyers. It also tells you exactly what price range to focus on. Out-of-state buyers with a strong pre-approval compete on equal footing with local buyers.
2. Tour Homes Virtually With FaceTime
You don’t need to be in LA to see homes. I do live FaceTime tours where I walk through each property with you in real time. You can ask me to open closets, look out windows, check water pressure, or walk the street so you get a feel for the neighborhood. I’ll also point out things photos won’t show you, like noise, natural light, and the condition of the house.
3. Or Plan a Focused Tour Day
Many of my clients prefer to fly in for a full day of tours once they’ve narrowed their search. I plan the route in advance so we can see as many strong options as possible in one day, and we review homes together as we go so you leave with a clear favorite.
4. Write an Offer, Even Without Visiting
I’ve written offers for clients I had never met in person, and those offers were accepted. With detailed virtual tours, good disclosure review, and a clear strategy, buying remotely can be just as successful as buying locally. California purchase contracts can be signed electronically, so distance doesn’t slow you down.
5. Complete Inspections and Due Diligence
Once your offer is accepted, you’ll have a contingency period for inspections, the appraisal, and loan approval. You don’t need to attend inspections in person. I can be there, and your inspector will send a detailed report with photos. We’ll review everything together before you move forward. For a deeper look, read my guide to inspection, appraisal, and financing contingencies in Los Angeles.
6. Close From Anywhere
Most closing documents can be signed electronically. For the documents that must be notarized, your escrow officer can typically arrange a mobile notary to meet you wherever you live.
An important safety tip: Wire fraud is a real risk in real estate. Always verify wiring instructions by calling your escrow company at a phone number you know is legitimate, never from an email alone.
Why Work With an Agent Who Knows Out-of-State Buyers
Buying from out of state works best with an agent who is used to being your eyes and ears on the ground. Here’s how I work with relocating buyers:
- I’m patient and never pushy. Relocating is a big decision. I’ll never pressure you into a home that isn’t right for you.
- I explain every step. Many of my clients are unfamiliar with how buying works in California. I walk you through the process, the paperwork, and the timeline so you always know what’s happening and why.
- I’m your eyes on the ground. From FaceTime tours to attending inspections, I make sure you see what you need to see before making a decision.
- I’m experienced with remote deals. I’ve helped numerous out-of-state buyers purchase homes in Los Angeles, including some who never set foot in the home before their offer was accepted.
“He was a tremendous advocate for us in the process, which was incredibly important and helpful for us as we had to navigate through the purchase and close from out of state. His responsiveness was exceptional, as it was our experience that he was available 24/7 for us.”
Janice, townhouse buyer who relocated from Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a house in Los Angeles without seeing it in person?
Yes. With live video tours, a thorough inspection, and a careful review of the disclosures, many buyers purchase LA homes remotely. I’ve written accepted offers for clients I had never met in person.
How much do I need to make to buy a house in Los Angeles?
It depends on your down payment, debt, and interest rates, but with city medians near $1 million, most buyers need a substantial income or large down payment. A lender can give you an exact number during pre-approval.
How long does it take to buy a home in LA?
Escrow typically takes about 30 days once your offer is accepted. The search itself can take a few weeks to a few months depending on your needs and the market.
What is the property tax rate in Los Angeles?
The base rate in California is 1% of the purchase price, plus local assessments. Most LA buyers pay about 1.1% to 1.3% per year in total.
When should I contact an agent if I’m moving to LA?
Ideally 3 to 6 months before your move. That gives you time to get pre-approved, learn the areas, and tour homes without feeling rushed.
Related reading: how to compare Los Angeles neighborhoods and what to look for when touring a house in LA.
Planning Your Move to Los Angeles?
Whether you’re moving across the country for a new job or just ready for a change, I’d love to help you find the right home in LA, even if you’re not here yet.
Let’s set up a free call to talk through your budget, timeline, and the areas that fit your lifestyle. I’ll respond within 24 hours.
About the author: Arman Boyadjian is a Realtor with Compass who helps first-time home buyers and out-of-state buyers purchase homes in Los Angeles, and advises clients on commercial real estate. He is known for his patient, educational approach and has helped numerous clients buy LA homes remotely. DRE #02131891.
Sources: Redfin and PropertyShark housing market data, 2026. Market figures change frequently. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
