Essex Property Trust, Inc. (ESS) Price Target Analysis
Updated Jul 2, 2026
Analyst Rating: Hold
Based on 46 analysts1.8% Above Target
ESS trades 1.8% above Wall Street's consensus target of $292.92.
Current Price$298.32
Average Target$292.92
Target
Current
Low$277.00
Median$290.00
High$320.00
Analyst Target Range
Forward P/E50.7x
(High Premium)
PEG Ratio13.69
(Expensive)
Implied Growth-34.1%
(Declining)
Analyst Spread14.7%
(High Agreement)
Price Forecast (1 Year)
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
Consensus Scenario Assumptions
The base valuation assumes ESS achieves its forward estimates and maintains a stable P/E multiple of 50.7x. This scenario reflects the blended consensus of 46 Wall Street analysts, balancing both positive catalysts and macroeconomic headwinds over the next 12 months.
ESS Price Target Analysis
Updated July 8, 2026As of July 8, 2026, Essex Property Trust, Inc. (ESS) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $292.92, based on estimates from 46 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $298.32, this represents a potential downside of -1.8%. The company has a market capitalization of $19.23B.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $277.00 to a high of $320.00, representing a 15% spread in expectations. The median target of $290.00 aligns closely with the consensus average. The tight target dispersion indicates high conviction among analysts.
The current analyst consensus rating is Hold, with 18 analysts rating the stock as a Buy or Strong Buy,24 rating it Hold, and 4 rating it Sell or Strong Sell. The mixed ratings reflect uncertainty about near-term direction.
From a valuation perspective, ESS trades at a trailing P/E of 28.7x and forward P/E of 50.7x. The forward PEG ratio of 13.69 reflects a premium valuation. Analysts expect EPS to grow -34.1% over the next year.
Our proprietary valuation model, which blends historical multiples with forward estimates, suggests a base-case price target of $304.50, with bear and bull scenarios of $191.84 and $401.21 respectively. Model confidence stands at 54/100, reflecting moderate uncertainty in projections.
Investment Context: Price targets represent analyst expectations for the next 12 months and should be considered alongside your own research. Targets are based on analysts' assumptions about earnings growth, margins, and market conditions which may change. For sector-specific context, view other Real Estate stocks.
Analyst Sentiment Comparison
Industry Peer AnalysisAvg Peer Upside
+117.2%
Industry Consensus
Avg Forward P/E
46.4x
(Growth Premium)
Peers with Coverage
10 / 10
Active Analyst Tracking
| Company | Market Cap | Price | Target | Upside Potential | Rating | Fwd P/E | Analysts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 EQREquity Residential | $26.3B | $70.15 | $70.82 | +1.0% | Hold | 47.6x | 46 |
 AVBAvalonBay Communities, Inc. | $27.7B | $195.39 | $194.17 | -0.6% | Hold | 33.3x | 42 |
 UDRUDR, Inc. | $13.4B | $41.24 | $39.50 | -4.2% | Buy | 49.5x | 38 |
 CPTCamden Property Trust | $12.3B | $117.58 | $112.16 | -4.6% | Hold | 71.8x | 41 |
 MAAMid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. | $16.5B | $141.71 | $142.00 | +0.2% | Buy | 41.6x | 37 |
 IRTIndependence Realty Trust, Inc. | $4.1B | $17.35 | $19.50 | +12.4% | Buy | 118.7x | 27 |
 ELMEElme Communities | $139M | $1.56 | $19.00 | +1117.9% | Hold | — | 8 |
 NHINational Health Investors, Inc. | $3.7B | $77.31 | $82.83 | +7.1% | Hold | 21.9x | 19 |
 CBRECBRE Group, Inc. | $42.1B | $143.73 | $178.00 | +23.8% | Buy | 18.6x | 20 |
 JLLJones Lang LaSalle Incorporated | $15.4B | $332.57 | $395.50 | +18.9% | Buy | 14.4x | 12 |
ESS — Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying ESS stock.
What is the ESS stock price target for 2026?
Wall Street's consensus price target for ESS is $292.92, -1.8% from its current price of $298.32. The below-market target from 46 analysts suggests limited near-term appreciation.
Is ESS a buy, sell, or hold?
ESS has a consensus rating of "Hold" based on 46 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is mixed, with 24 Hold ratings making up the largest segment. The consensus 12-month price target of $292.92 implies -1.8% downside from current levels.
Is ESS stock overvalued or undervalued?
At a forward P/E of 50.6873x, ESS trades at a premium valuation. The consensus price target of $292.92 (-1.8% downside) suggests analysts may view current valuations as stretched.
How high can ESS stock go?
The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $320 for ESS, while the most conservative target is $277. The consensus of $292.92 represents the median expectation. Our quantitative valuation model projects a bull case target of $401 based on optimistic growth and margin assumptions. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.
How many analysts cover ESS stock?
ESS is heavily covered by Wall Street, with 46 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 0 have Strong Buy ratings, 18 have Buy ratings, 24 recommend Hold, and 4 have Sell or Strong Sell ratings. Higher analyst coverage generally indicates greater institutional interest and more reliable consensus estimates.
What is the ESS stock forecast?
The 12-month ESS stock forecast based on 46 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $292.92, with estimates ranging from $277 (bear case) to $320 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Hold". Our proprietary valuation model produces a base case fair value of $305, with bear/bull scenarios of $192/$401.
What is ESS's fair value based on fundamentals?
Our quantitative valuation model calculates ESS's fair value at $305 (base case), with a bear case of $192 and bull case of $401. The model uses discounted cash flow analysis, historical growth rates, and margin mean-reversion to project FY+2 earnings, then applies an appropriate P/E multiple. The model confidence score is 54/100.
What is ESS's forward P/E ratio?
ESS trades at a forward P/E ratio of 50.7x based on next-twelve-months earnings estimates compared to a trailing P/E of 28.7x. The higher forward P/E suggests near-term earnings pressure. A forward P/E is useful for comparing valuations when earnings are expected to change significantly.
Should I buy ESS stock?
Analysts are cautious on ESS, with 4 Sell ratings and a price target of $292.92 (-1.8% from current price). The "Hold" consensus suggests careful evaluation before buying. This information is for educational purposes only. Always conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Why do ESS price targets vary so much?
ESS analyst price targets range from $277 to $320, a 15% tight range reflecting strong analyst consensus. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $292.92 consensus represents the middle ground. Our model's $192-$401 range provides an independent fundamental perspective.
Consensus-Based Analysis Tools
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