Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS®: March 2026 Market Report Shows Sales Surge Amidst Tight Inventory

Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® — March 2026

The Greater San Diego housing market experienced a notable surge in sales activity in March 2026, with total sales reaching 19, a significant increase from both the prior month and year. This robust demand contributed to a tight market, characterized by 1.9 months of inventory and a prevailing sellers' market condition, according to figures published by the Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS®.

Market Analysis

Total sales for March 2026 reached 19, marking a substantial increase of 13.3% year-over-year compared to 15 sales in March 2025. This also represents a significant rise from the 9 sales recorded in February 2026. The market's Sales-to-New-Listings Ratio (SNLR) stands at 111.8%, indicating strong buyer demand outpacing the supply of new properties entering the market.

Active listings continue to decline, totaling 30 in March 2026. This is a decrease from 36 active listings in February 2026 and 43 in March 2025. The shrinking inventory, combined with increased sales, has driven the Months of Inventory (MOI) down to 1.9, a notable reduction from 2.5 months in February 2026 and 3.0 months in March 2025. These metrics firmly establish a sellers' market condition.

New listings for the month totaled 17, slightly less than the 19 total sales, further contributing to the tightening supply. This dynamic suggests that properties are being absorbed quickly, maintaining competitive conditions for buyers.

Property Type Analysis

Detached homes continue to dominate the market, accounting for 17 of the 19 total sales in March 2026. Attached/Townhouse properties recorded 2 sales during the same period. The strong preference and activity in the detached segment underscore its central role in the Greater San Diego market.

Regional Highlights

In the 91901 Alpine area, detached homes recorded 15 new listings and 17 closed sales in March 2026. The median price for detached homes in Alpine was $920,000, selling at 99.9% of the list price with an average of 43 days on market. Despite a 13.3% year-over-year increase in closed sales for detached properties, the median price experienced a 13.6% year-over-year decrease in this specific area.

Attached homes in the 91901 Alpine area saw 2 new listings and 2 closed sales. These properties had a median price of $457,500, selling at 96.8% of the list price and spending an average of 28 days on market. The attached segment in Alpine demonstrated a substantial 100% year-over-year increase in closed sales, even as its median price saw a 12.9% year-over-year decrease.

For Buyers

In this competitive sellers' market, buyers in Greater San Diego should be prepared to act swiftly and decisively. With low inventory and properties selling quickly, securing pre-approval for financing is crucial. Buyers may also need to consider competitive offers to stand out, given the high demand indicated by the SNLR of 111.8%.

For Sellers

Sellers in the Greater San Diego market benefit from favorable conditions, characterized by low inventory and strong buyer demand. With Months of Inventory at 1.9 and properties selling quickly, sellers should ensure their homes are well-prepared and priced strategically to attract multiple offers. The market's current dynamics suggest a strong opportunity for sellers to achieve their desired outcomes.