A practical starting point for first-time buyers
What Can My Budget Buy in Huntington Beach and Newport Beach?
You may know you want to live near the beach without knowing what you can realistically buy. Start with a monthly payment that feels comfortable, then compare the homes, locations and ongoing costs that fit.
I'm Scott Kien. I'll help you sort through your options before you spend weekends touring homes outside your budget.
Let's talk about your goals, needs and timing.
What do homes at different price points look like?
A citywide average cannot tell you what your budget buys. Compare specific homes by property type, size, condition, ownership terms and total monthly cost. These examples give you a starting point.
Listing snapshot checked November 10, 2026, using this website's MLS feed. These are asking prices, not sold prices or appraisals. Availability, prices and details can change; confirm the current listing before making plans.
Huntington Beach examples
- About $425,000: a 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo with approximately 785 square feet at 6600 Warner, Unit 88.
- About $850,000: a 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo with approximately 1,046 square feet at 1200 Pacific Coast.
- About $864,000: a 3-bedroom, 3-bath townhome with approximately 1,482 square feet at 8226 Pennington Drive.
Newport Beach examples
- About $459,000: a compact 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo with approximately 465 square feet at 300 Cagney Lane, Unit 215.
- About $825,000: a 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo with approximately 975 square feet at 230 Lille, Unit 102.
- About $899,000: a 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo with approximately 864 square feet at 107 Harbor Woods Place.
These examples are not a complete picture of either market. Before treating a low asking price as an opportunity, we need to check HOA dues, assessments, any land lease, ownership interest, financing eligibility and restrictions. A lower purchase price does not automatically mean a lower monthly cost.
Start with your comfortable monthly budget
Your lender can help establish a financing range. Your personal budget helps determine what you actually want to spend. Make room for your other goals and savings, too.
- Loan payment: principal and interest, plus mortgage insurance if applicable.
- Property costs: property taxes, homeowners insurance and any additional coverage needed for the property.
- Community costs: HOA dues, assessments and any land-lease payment that applies.
- Everyday ownership: utilities, maintenance and a reserve for unexpected repairs.
Also plan for your down payment, closing costs, moving expenses and money left in reserve after closing. Ask for property-specific estimates from your lender, insurer and HOA rather than relying on a listing's payment estimate.
For a budgeting worksheet and more detail, see the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's homebuying budget guide.
Get pre-approved before you get attached
Falling in love with a home and then learning it is outside your financing range can be discouraging. I encourage buyers to speak with a lender early so we can focus the search and prepare to make an offer.
Pre-approval helps clarify your starting point; it is not a guarantee of final loan approval. Ask your lender what conditions remain and how a particular home's costs or ownership terms affect financing.
What if the home you pictured is outside your budget?
We can compare a smaller home, a condo or townhome, a different location within your preferred city, or a home farther inland. The right choice depends on what matters most to you.
- How important is beach proximity compared with interior space or a private yard?
- Would you consider shared walls if the home met your other priorities?
- What commute and daily travel would work for you?
- How much maintenance or renovation are you comfortable taking on?
The coastal lifestyle may be worth the tradeoff for you. Or you may prefer what your budget buys farther inland. I'll help you compare actual options and costs so you can decide.
Let's find your starting point
I bring over 24 years of experience in the real estate industry, strong negotiation skills and an honest approach. My goal is to help you find a home that fits while saving time and avoiding common buying pitfalls.
Call me with the cities you're considering, your preferred timing and any budget range you already have in mind. It's okay if you're still figuring those out.
Prefer to write first? Send Scott a message.