Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® Market Report – May 2026

Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® — May 2026

In May 2026, the Greater San Diego real estate market experienced a notable decline in sales, with total transactions dropping to 10, down 37.5% from 17 sales in May 2025. The active listings increased slightly to 40, resulting in a months of inventory of 2.8, indicating a seller's market.

Market Analysis

The San Diego real estate market is currently characterized by a limited supply of homes, with 40 active listings available. This represents a slight increase from the previous month, where there were 39 active listings, but a significant decrease from 50 listings in May 2025. The months of inventory stands at 2.8, suggesting that homes are selling relatively quickly, as a balanced market typically has around 4-6 months of inventory. The sales-to-new-listings ratio (SNLR) of 58.8% further indicates that demand is outpacing supply, which is beneficial for sellers despite the overall decline in sales volume compared to last year.

Property Type Analysis

The market for detached homes remains the sole active segment, with all 10 sales occurring in this category. There were no sales of attached or townhouse properties during the month, reflecting a stark contrast in activity levels. The lack of new listings for attached properties may contribute to the overall decrease in sales, as buyers have fewer options in this segment. The detached market shows resilience, with a median price of $1,235,000 and a days on market (DOM) of 15, indicating strong buyer interest despite the year-over-year sales decline.

Regional Highlights

Regionally, the Alpine area reflects similar trends, with 17 new listings and 12 pending sales, although closed transactions remain at 10. The inventory of detached homes in Alpine is 34, with a months supply of 2.8, mirroring the overall market dynamics in San Diego. The year-over-year median price for detached homes in Alpine has increased by 17.3%, suggesting that while sales volume may be down, prices are holding steady or even appreciating in certain areas.

For Buyers

Prospective buyers in the Greater San Diego area should act swiftly due to the limited inventory and competitive market conditions. With a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 58.8%, homes are selling quickly, and buyers may need to be prepared to make offers promptly. Engaging with a knowledgeable REALTOR® can provide insights into available properties and help navigate the current market landscape.

For Sellers

Sellers are in a favorable position given the current market dynamics, with a months of inventory at 2.8 indicating strong demand. To maximize their selling potential, homeowners should consider pricing their properties competitively and ensuring they are well-prepared for showings. With the right marketing strategy, sellers can attract serious buyers and capitalize on the current demand.