Property · Our pick in Los Angeles
Buying in Los Angeles: the back story
The back story
About Buying in Los Angeles: the back story
Prime Los Angeles property is spread across several distinct areas: the estates of Beverly Hills, Bel-Air and Holmby Hills; the hills above Sunset; the beach cities of Santa Monica and Malibu; and new condominium towers in Century City, West Hollywood and downtown.
The prime areas
Beverly Hills’ “flats” and Trousdale Estates, Bel-Air and Holmby Hills form the traditional prime triangle. The Hollywood Hills and the bird streets above Sunset are popular for views, and Malibu, Santa Monica and the Pacific Palisades for the coast.
Agents
Most buyers work with a licensed agent. Large brokerages such as Douglas Elliman, Compass and Coldwell Banker work alongside Los Angeles specialists such as The Agency, Hilton & Hyland, Carolwood and Nourmand.
In the City of Los Angeles, Measure ULA adds a tax of 4% or 5.5% on the highest-value sales, on top of the base transfer tax.
How buying works
In California, an accepted offer opens escrow with a neutral escrow company, and a title company insures the title. Inspections, disclosures and financing follow before closing.
Transfer taxes
LA County charges a documentary transfer tax of $1.10 per $1,000 of value. The City of Los Angeles adds $2.25 per $500 and, since 1 July 2026, Measure ULA charges 4% on sales above $5.4 million and below $10.9 million, and 5.5% from $10.9 million (LA County Recorder and LA Office of Finance). Santa Monica and Culver City have their own rates.
Our advice: read our guide to buying property in Los Angeles, then talk to a licensed agent and a California real estate attorney.
Why it's on our list
- The prime areas
- Agents
- How buying works
- Transfer taxes
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Buying in Los Angeles: the back story before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Buying in Los Angeles: the back story are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Key sights
- Rodeo Drive0.3 miWalk 6 minCycle 2 minCar or taxi 6 min
- LACMA2.1 miWalk 42 minCycle 14 minCar or taxi 12 min
- The Grove2.2 miWalk 44 minCycle 14 minCar or taxi 12 min
- TCL Chinese Theatre3.9 miCycle 25 minCar or taxi 17 min
- Hollywood Bowl4.5 miCycle 29 minCar or taxi 19 min
- Getty Center4.6 miCycle 29 minCar or taxi 20 min
- Griffith Observatory6.4 miCycle 41 minCar or taxi 26 min
- Santa Monica Pier7.0 miCycle 45 minCar or taxi 27 min
- Venice Beach Boardwalk7.2 miCar or taxi 28 min
- Walt Disney Concert Hall8.4 miCar or taxi 32 min