These huge totals come about because of both "eye-poppingly high-priced" listings and the sheer number of new deals being inked all at once, said Dave Fratello, broker with Edge Real Estate Agency and author/creator of the MB Confidential blog.

With 40 new escrows within January – 31 of them recorded between Jan. 16-31 – this year stands head and shoulders above each of the prior 11 years for which MB Confidential maintains accurate records, noted Fratello.

"January saw 29% more new deals than the highest prior year, January 2015, more than double last year's total of 18, and more than triple the total from January 2023," he said.

(Graph via Manhattan Beach Confidential)

Fratello added that out of 40 deals made off MLS-listed properties, 17 were priced at $4.8 million or higher, with 12 at $5.950 million or higher. More than $97 million of the nearly $182 million has been sold in the Sand Section.

One obvious factor is that Manhattan Beach has emerged as a favored destination for former residents of Pacific Palisades, as evidenced in part by last weekend's massive welcome party for new families. Some are even calling Manhattan Beach "Pali South."

"Keep in mind that it has not even been a full month since the tragic L.A. County wildfires broke out," said Fratello. "This impact on Manhattan Beach real estate likely has just begun."