The San Diego Housing Market numbers are in, and they paint a very revealing picture…
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Prices have softened in several submarkets, with many areas seeing 2–4% year-over-year declines, and far more price reductions than last fall.
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Days on Market continue to rise, with many homes now taking 30–45+ days to sell, which is much longer than the ultra-fast pace of 2021–2023.
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Pending sales remain low compared to historical norms, signaling weaker buyer demand heading into the winter.
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Sale-to-list ratios have slipped, with many homes selling below original asking price or after multiple reductions.
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Inventory is at the highest level we’ve seen in years, especially for detached homes. This is bringing parts of the county closer to balanced market conditions.
Here’s how that’s playing out on the ground in San Diego:
We’re seeing one of the slowest buyer pools we’ve had in years. Affordability is still the biggest barrier - San Diego remains one of the least affordable markets in the U.S, and that’s keeping many would-be buyers on the sidelines.
But the buyers who are active?
They know they hold the leverage.
They’re touring homes, comparing aggressively, and walking away unless the property checks all their boxes. They know that if a listing sits, the price will be reduced because sellers across the county are adjusting their expectations.
Sellers are competing not just with each other, but with new-construction communities offering incentives, rate buydowns, and upgrades to move inventory. With more homes sitting longer, the “wait-and-see” strategy has shifted from buyers to sellers.
So what is actually selling homes in San Diego in 2025 and 2026?
(Hint: it’s not just Instagram, open houses, or fancy marketing…)
What Works Now in San Diego:
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Pricing inside the strongest demand bracket. This opens your listing to more qualified buyers on day one.
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Pricing competitively from Day 1. A strong launch is what creates urgency. Overpricing kills momentum.
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Offering value above the competition. Whether that’s updates, pre-inspections, credits, or strategic prep. Your home must be the obvious choice in today’s inventory-heavy environment.
Most agents are still relying on outdated strategies that no longer work in this shifted market.
Meanwhile, every single one of my buyers this year purchased below asking price or with seller credits, and so many listings are sitting on the market for months because the strategy has changed.
Here’s the truth:
The market isn’t suddenly going to heat up.
Even if rates drop, affordability will still hold buyers back.
If you’re waiting for a miracle… prices may continue adjusting while you wait.
When you’re ready for a proven, no-fluff, data-driven plan to make your move happen in San Diego, just send me this message:
“Home Solution NOW”
