A Santee apartment community has changed hands for $26.5 million, a transaction that underscores ongoing investor interest in the East County rental market despite broader economic uncertainty.

CBRE brokered the sale of La Roca Plaza, a 100-unit multifamily property located at 10032 North Magnolia Avenue in Santee. The buyer, Casa La Roca Apartments LLC, acquired the asset from La Roca Plaza LP. CBRE's Conor Brennan and Rachel Parsons represented both the buyer and seller in the deal.

The property sits on 4.6 acres and offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans. Community amenities include a pool, playground, central courtyard, onsite laundry, high-speed internet access, and 154 onsite parking spaces.

Santee's appeal to apartment investors continues to grow as coastal San Diego rents push more residents eastward in search of relative affordability. The city's proximity to the San Diego Trolley's Green Line — which connects Santee to downtown San Diego — makes it attractive for commuters and renters alike.

The $265,000-per-unit price reflects the premium that East County multifamily properties now command, a trend that has accelerated over the past several years as housing demand has outpaced supply across the region.