San Diego Housing Market 2026: Why Buyers and Sellers May Not Want to Wait
Why Waiting May Not Make Buying—or Selling—Any Easier
More choices and negotiating power for buyers. Strong equity and near-record prices for many sellers.
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Call 858-330-3595 Text 858-330-3595There is no perfect real estate market. There is only the market we have—and the strategy we use to make it work for you.
Today’s San Diego market is giving qualified buyers something they have not had in years: more homes to choose from, more motivated sellers and more opportunities to negotiate.
At the same time, many homeowners still have substantial equity, and single-family home prices remain close to record levels. That combination can create a real opportunity for people who need or want to move now.
San Diego Is Not One Housing Market
Single-Family Homes
In June 2026, San Diego County recorded 1,572 closed single-family home sales, compared with 1,363 one year earlier. The median sale price reached $1,100,000, up from $1,050,000 in June 2025.
The median successful sale went under contract in 12 days, homes closed at an average of 100% of their final list price, and the average sale price reached $683 per square foot.
Condos and Townhomes
San Diego County recorded 670 condo and townhome sales in June. The median sale price was $647,000, the median market time was 26 days, and attached homes closed at approximately 99% of their final list price.
Condos and townhomes are currently more price-sensitive, especially when buyers are comparing HOA fees, insurance costs, special assessments, location and condition.
How Can Homes Sell in 12 Days When Expected Market Time Is Near 100 Days?
These numbers measure two different parts of the market.
Median days on market measures only the homes that successfully sold. These are often the best-priced, best-presented and most desirable properties.
Expected market time compares all active listings with the number of homes entering escrow during the previous 30 days. It estimates how long current buyer demand would take to absorb the available inventory.
The right homes can still sell quickly, but the market is taking much longer to absorb everything that is available.
This is good news for prepared buyers. It means there are listings sitting because of price, condition, presentation or seller motivation—and those homes may offer room to negotiate.
Why I Would Not Keep Waiting to Buy
If you are renting and have been waiting several years to purchase, buying has not become easier.
In hindsight, it would have been better to buy five years ago when mortgage rates were near 3%. But buyers cannot go back and purchase at yesterday’s price or yesterday’s interest rate.
The practical question is: Can you comfortably afford a home today?
You do not have to buy your dream home first. Buy what you can responsibly afford, begin building equity and improve your position over time. If mortgage rates decline later, you may be able to refinance.
Buyers currently have opportunities to negotiate:
- A lower purchase price
- Seller-paid closing costs
- A temporary or permanent mortgage-rate buydown
- Repairs or repair credits
- More favorable inspection and closing terms
- An assumable mortgage or off-market home
Waiting for rates to fall is not automatically the best strategy. Lower rates could bring more buyers back into the market, increase competition and reduce the negotiating leverage available today.
Why I Would Not Keep Waiting to Sell
If I needed a different home today, I would seriously consider selling now.
San Diego single-family home prices remain close to all-time highs. Many owners have accumulated substantial equity, and correctly priced homes are still attracting serious buyers.
Once you sell, you become the buyer—and the additional inventory may allow you to negotiate a better deal on your replacement home.
You may not get everything you want on the sale, but you may gain it back when you purchase your next home.
A move-up buyer, downsizer or relocating homeowner may benefit from:
- Selling while values remain strong
- Using accumulated equity toward the next purchase
- Negotiating a lower price or seller credits on the next home
- Buying before selling with the right program
- Comparing a traditional sale with a market-value cash offer
The market is less forgiving of overpricing. Sellers who launch with the right price, preparation and marketing can still perform well. Sellers who start too high may lose their strongest opportunity during the first few weeks.
The Right Time Is Personal
The best time to buy or sell is not determined only by a chart. A growing family, retirement, job change, inheritance, relocation, financial pressure or a desire for a different lifestyle may matter more than trying to perfectly time the market.
When the timing is right for your life, we adapt to the current market and build the strategy most likely to produce the best outcome for you.
Free Home Price and Net-Proceeds Review
Find out what your home may sell for, what you could walk away with after expenses and which simple improvements may help you net more.
| Selling-price range | Estimated net proceeds |
| Current competing homes | Recommended simple improvements |
| Estimated market time | Traditional and cash-sale options |
Get a Full Market Value Cash Offer
Compare an as-is cash offer with your estimated net proceeds from a traditional open-market sale.
Call 858-330-3595 Text 858-330-3595George Lorimer
Questions about buying or selling? Call 619-846-1244 or send George a text.
ProWest Properties | DRE# 01146839
Cash offers, guarantees and related programs are subject to property review, qualification and applicable conditions. Market statistics are countywide summaries. Individual neighborhoods, price ranges and property types may perform differently.