ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC.

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Filed by the Registrant☒

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant☐

Check the appropriate box:

☐ Preliminary Proxy Statement

☐ Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

☒ Definitive Proxy Statement

☐ Definitive Additional Materials

☐ Soliciting Material pursuant to § 240.14a-12

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

N/A

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):

☒ No fee required.

☐ Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

☐ Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

Dear Stockholder:

You are cordially invited to attend the virtual 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Essex Property Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”)

The attached notice of annual meeting and proxy statement describe the matters expected to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting. We urge you to review these materials carefully.

This year we are again furnishing proxy materials to our stockholders over the Internet. On or about March 31, 2026, we are mailing to most of our stockholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials containing instructions on how to access our notice of annual meeting, proxy statement, and 2025 Annual Report to Stockholders and how to vote. Some stockholders may, if they have so previously requested, receive these materials via email or paper copies by mail. If you only received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials by mail, the notice of annual meeting also contains instructions on how you can receive a paper copy of the proxy materials and 2025 Annual Report.

Please use this opportunity to participate in the Annual Meeting by voting on the proposals to be presented. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting virtually, please authorize your proxy via the Internet prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on May 11, 2026, or if you are receiving a paper copy of the proxy statement, by telephone or by completing, signing, dating and returning a proxy card. Authorizing your proxy over the Internet, by telephone or by mailing a proxy card will ensure that your shares are represented at the Annual Meeting. Please review the instructions contained in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials regarding each of these options. If you attend the Annual Meeting virtually, you may vote online, even if you have previously mailed your proxy card.

Your vote is important to us and we appreciate your continued support of the Company.

Sincerely,

ANGELA L. KLEIMAN

2026 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TIME:10:00 a.m., Pacific Time

Meeting Details

The virtual 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Essex Property Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), will be held online atwww.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/ESS2026 on May 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., Pacific Time, for the following purposes:

The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on February 25, 2026, as the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof.

The Company will hold the Annual Meeting in a virtual-only meeting format again this year. Information on how to participate in the Annual Meeting is listed on page 12 of the accompanying proxy statement.

Your Vote is Important

Whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting virtually, we urge you to submit your proxy and vote as promptly as possible to ensure your representation and the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting. You may authorize a proxy to vote your shares via the Internet until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on May 11, 2026, or, if you have received and/or requested a paper copy of our proxy materials, by telephone or by mail, by completing, signing, dating and returning the proxy card in the envelope provided. If you attend the Annual Meeting virtually, you may continue to have your shares voted as instructed on your proxy or you may withdraw your proxy at our Annual Meeting and vote your shares online. Your proxy is revocable in accordance with the procedures set forth in the proxy statement.

By Order of the Board of Directors and on behalf of the Secretary of the Company,

ANGELA L. KLEIMAN

San Mateo, California