Multifamily market guide
Selling an apartment building in Irvine
Irvine is one of the strongest rental markets in Southern California, driven by UC Irvine, the Irvine Spectrum and a large base of tech, healthcare and professional jobs. Much of its apartment stock is newer and professionally managed, so smaller privately owned buildings are scarce and in demand.
What drives value in Irvine
- Proximity to UC Irvine, the Irvine Spectrum, the Business Complex and top-rated schools
- Building age, since newer buildings may be exempt from AB 1482 for their first 15 years
- Unit mix, amenities and parking
- HOA, Mello-Roos or special assessments that affect operating costs
Ask us for recent Irvine sales, current cap rates and price per unit for buildings like yours.
- Rent control
- Irvine has no local rent control. Most buildings over 15 years old fall under California AB 1482, which caps annual increases and requires just cause for most evictions. Newer buildings may be exempt on a rolling 15-year basis.
- Transfer taxes
- Irvine is in Orange County, outside the City of Los Angeles, so Measure ULA does not apply. The standard Orange County documentary transfer tax applies, and Irvine has no separate city transfer tax.
- Statewide rules
- Buildings not covered by local rent control are often covered by California AB 1482, which caps annual increases and requires just cause for most evictions in buildings over 15 years old.
Irvine FAQ
Owner questions
Is there rent control in Irvine?
No local rent control. Most older buildings fall under California AB 1482, while buildings less than 15 years old are usually exempt.
Does Measure ULA apply in Irvine?
No. Measure ULA applies only in the City of Los Angeles. Irvine sales pay the standard Orange County transfer tax.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and thresholds change; we confirm them for each sale.