About Malibu Real Estate
Malibu is a dynamic Los Angeles County community in sunny Southern California, offering lifestyle, beaches, and year-round sunshine. The city's diverse economy spanning entertainment, technology, healthcare, and tourism supports a robust housing market serving diverse homebuyers and investors.
Malibu Housing Market Overview
Malibu represents one of California's premier luxury real estate markets, with a median home price of approximately $3,500,000. Properties range from custom estates and architectural homes to high-end condominiums and townhomes. The limited inventory in this prestigious market means well-priced homes often receive multiple offers. Buyers should expect competition, particularly for properties with desirable views, lot sizes, or recent renovations.
Mortgage Lending in Malibu
With a median home price of $3,500,000, many Malibu homebuyers need financing that accounts for Los Angeles County's high-cost conforming limit of $1,209,750. Properties above this threshold require jumbo loans, which Save Financial specializes in. For homes within the conforming limit, conventional loans with as little as 3–5% down are available. FHA loans serve first-time buyers, and VA loans provide zero-down financing for eligible veterans and active military.
Self-Employed Mortgages in Malibu
Self-employed borrowers in Malibu benefit from specialized mortgage programs that look beyond traditional tax returns. Bank statement loans use 12–24 months of deposits to establish income. Profit-and-loss (P&L) programs require just a CPA-prepared statement. Asset-depletion programs help high-net-worth individuals qualify using liquid assets. Save Financial's expertise in Southern California self-employed lending means Malibu business owners, freelancers, and independent professionals have a clear path to homeownership.
Investment Property Loans in Malibu
Malibu investment properties command premium rents driven by the area's desirability and affluent tenant pool. DSCR loans and portfolio lending programs accommodate sophisticated investors looking to capitalize on this high-demand market. While entry costs are significant, the area's strong rental demand and appreciation history reward well-positioned investors.
Available Loan Programs in Malibu
Our recommended broker offers the following mortgage programs for Malibu homebuyers and homeowners:
Traditional financing backed by Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac. Lowe...
Government-insured with low down payments and flexible credi...
Zero down payment for eligible veterans, active duty, and su...
Financing above California's $1,209,750 conforming limit for...
Replace your mortgage to lower your rate, change your term, ...
Investment property loans qualified by rental income — no pe...
Comprehensive mortgage solutions for business owners, freela...
Our Recommended Broker for Malibu Mortgages?
Save Financial, Inc. is a trusted California mortgage brokerage (Sponsored by Save Financial, Inc. (NMLS #377740), DRE #01875766) with offices in Newport Beach and Marina del Rey. We have 45 years of combined experience and work with 20+ wholesale lenders to deliver competitive rates across 35 loan programs — including conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, hard money, bank statement, DSCR, and no-income options. Their $500 price guarantee means if they can't beat another lender's written offer for your Malibu mortgage, you receive $500.
Our recommended broker serves Malibu borrowers 7 days a week, 9AM–8PM, from offices in Newport Beach and Marina del Rey. The team speaks English and Spanish.
What to Know Before Buying in Malibu
Malibu is one of California's premier housing markets. At a median price of $3,500,000, most purchases require jumbo financing above the $1,209,750 conforming limit. Buyers should expect competitive bidding — pre-approval with a jumbo-experienced lender is essential. Property taxes under Proposition 13 start at approximately $38,500 annually, with increases capped at 2%. Budget for homeowners insurance of $2,500-$6,000 per year depending on fire zone classification.
The Malibu market has appreciated 5-8% annually over the past decade per California Association of Realtors data, significantly outpacing national averages. Inventory is chronically low — well-priced listings generate multiple offers within days. Buyers who succeed share common traits: strong pre-approval from reputable lenders, flexible timelines, and agents with local brokerage relationships.
Malibu Neighborhoods & Investment Outlook
Homeowners who purchased in Malibu five years ago have typically gained $300,000-$600,000 in equity, creating opportunities for cash-out refinancing, HELOC access, and investment property acquisitions. The months-of-supply metric sits between 1.5 and 3 months — well below the 6-month balanced-market threshold. This structural supply constraint supports continued price appreciation and makes Malibu real estate a durable long-term investment for both owner-occupants and investors.
Working with a mortgage broker who understands Los Angeles County's luxury lending landscape provides a tangible advantage. Jumbo guidelines vary dramatically between lenders — one may require 20% down while another accepts 10% for the same borrower. A broker with established jumbo relationships can identify the best fit for your specific financial profile, saving thousands over the life of the loan.