How much does it cost to build a house in Santa Monica?

A new 1,800 sq ft, 3-bedroom home costs about $873,000 to build, all in, including building, site work, city fees and design. Land is extra: about $1,560,000 for a typical lot in areas like Santa Monica.

What is a new home worth in Santa Monica?

About $3,600,000 for a new 1,800 sq ft home in an area like Santa Monica.

What a new home costs in Santa Monica (2026)

Building a new custom home, tearing down and rebuilding, or rebuilding after a fire in Santa Monica? Hemisphere A&E is an architecture and design-build firm: one team for design, permits and construction. Here are typical numbers, the local rules, and your next step.

Typical new home numbers in Santa Monica

A new 1,800 sq ft, 3-bedroom home costs about $873,000 to build, all in: building, site work, city fees and design. Land is extra.
Typical land value for a lot in areas like Santa Monica: about $1,560,000.
Finished value: about $3,600,000 (about $1,600 per sq ft plus a new-home premium).
A new home like this could rent for about $10,080 a month.

Run the free new home cost calculator for Santa Monica

Building permits and local rules in Santa Monica

Who runs permits

City of Santa Monica Community Development (Building & Safety and Planning).

SB 9 and lot splits

California law (SB 9) can allow a second home or a lot split on many single-family lots. Hillside, fire and historic rules can limit it.

What can slow you down

The Coastal Zone can need extra approval.
Rent control applies to many existing rentals.
Landmarks and historic districts can add design review.

Free lot check in Santa Monica

Send Hemisphere A&E your address. We look up your zoning and lot size, what fits (ADU, junior ADU, SB 9, new home, apartments, remodel or business space), red flags like fire zones or hillside rules, and a rough cost range. No cost, no pressure. Email info@hemisphereae.com or call (619) 762-7144.