San Diego Housing Market Update: The Last 6 Months (Nov 2025 – April 2026)

Hey folks, it’s your local market guy here with the straight talk on what’s really happening in San Diego real estate. No fluff, no hype—just the data and what it means for you if you’re thinking about buying or selling in one of the best (and toughest) markets in the country.

Over the last six months, we’ve seen the market settle into a mature, resilient rhythm. After the wild swings of the post-pandemic years, San Diego isn’t booming or busting—it’s grinding forward with tight inventory, steady (not explosive) pricing, and buyers who are picky but still very much in the game. Spring brought some welcome energy, but low supply continues to be the dominant story.

The Numbers at a Glance (County-Wide Trends)

• Median Home Prices: Detached single-family homes have held strong or edged higher, landing around $1,050,000–$1,100,000 in recent months (up ~1–2.4% YoY in early 2026 data). Attached homes (condos/townhomes) have been softer, dipping slightly to the $660,000–$670,000 range. Overall county medians have hovered in the $900k–$950k zone depending on the exact slice of data, showing remarkable stability.
• Sales Activity: Slower through the winter (typical seasonal dip), with some YoY declines in late 2025. But March brought a rebound—closed sales up 5.2% for detached and nearly 10% for attached vs. the prior year. Homes are still moving, just not at pandemic frenzy speeds.
• Inventory & Days on Market: Supply remains tight (often 2–3 months for detached homes), though we’ve seen modest increases in listings, especially for condos. Days on market have stretched a bit—into the mid-20s to low-40s—giving buyers a little more breathing room than 2023–2024, but well-priced homes are still seeing multiple offers and quick closings.
• Market Balance: This is a recalibrated seller’s market in most neighborhoods—especially for well-maintained single-family homes in desirable areas. Not the feeding frenzy of a few years ago, but definitely not a buyer’s paradise either.

Seller’s Perspective: Still a Strong Position—if You’re Realistic

If you’re thinking of selling, the last six months have rewarded preparation and realistic pricing. Low inventory means good homes in good locations are still commanding attention. Detached properties have seen the best price stability and slight gains because supply is chronically tight there.

Key advice from the trenches:

• Price it right from day one. The days of wild over-asking and hoping for a bidding war are mostly gone—buyers have more data and more options than before.
• Condition matters hugely. Updated kitchens, baths, and curb appeal are paying dividends.
• Spring momentum was real. If you missed the wave, summer can still work, but don’t sit on the fence too long—more inventory is trickling in.

Bottom line for sellers: Your equity is still solid. San Diego’s desirability (weather, jobs, lifestyle) isn’t going anywhere. Strike while demand is healthy and rates are somewhat stable.

Buyer’s Perspective: Opportunity Exists, But Patience and Strategy Win

For buyers, the last six months have been more forgiving than the insanity of recent years. Slightly higher days on market and a bit more inventory (especially condos) mean you can actually negotiate, inspect thoroughly, and not feel like you’re in a pure sprint.

What I’m telling my buyer clients:

• Focus on detached homes if you can swing it—they’ve held value better.
• Rates have been the big headwind, but any dip below 6% could unlock more activity. Work with a strong lender early.
• Be ready to move fast on the right property. The best ones still go under contract quickly.
• Coastal and North County spots continue to show strength, while some inland areas offer more negotiation room.

This isn’t a crash-and-grab buyer’s market, but it’s far more balanced than it was. Serious, pre-approved buyers who know what they want are closing deals with some concessions that simply weren’t available before.

The Takeaway for San Diego

The last six months confirm what I’ve been seeing on the ground: San Diego real estate is resilient. Prices aren’t skyrocketing, but they’re not falling off a cliff either. Inventory is the throttle—until we get significantly more homes for sale, upward pressure remains, especially for single-family properties.

Whether you’re a seller sitting on equity or a buyer tired of renting, the market rewards action and professionalism right now. No crystal ball, but the fundamentals—limited supply + strong demand from people who want to live here—point to continued stability with modest appreciation ahead.

If you’re thinking about making a move in San Diego, let’s talk. I’ll give you the unvarnished truth based on what’s actually closing, not what the headlines say. The right move at the right time still pays off big in this town.

Reach out anytime—happy to run the numbers on your specific situation.

Here’s to smart decisions in a market that still favors those who are prepared.

— Your San Diego Real Estate Pro