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 falling to 9, a 50% decrease from the same month last year. The active listings rose to 23, indicating a tightening supply amid shifting market dynamics.

Market Analysis

The San Diego real estate market is currently classified as a seller's market, with a months of inventory (MOI) of 1.9. This figure suggests that homes are selling quickly, although the total sales have decreased significantly compared to the previous year. The sales-to-new-listings ratio (SNLR) stands at 45%, indicating that while new listings are being introduced, they are not keeping pace with the demand, leading to a competitive environment for buyers. The market's overall activity is tempered by a year-over-year sales decline, reflecting broader economic conditions and buyer sentiment.

Property Type Analysis

In May 2026, detached homes accounted for the majority of sales, with 7 transactions recorded, while attached properties, including townhouses, saw 2 sales. The inventory for detached homes remains relatively low, with 14 active listings, contributing to the competitive nature of this segment. The attached property market, on the other hand, shows a higher months of inventory at 2.7, suggesting a more balanced environment for buyers in this category.

Regional Highlights

Regionally, the 91950 zip code, which encompasses National City, reported 14 new listings for detached homes and a median price of $736,000, reflecting a 3.5% decrease year-over-year. The attached market in the same area saw a median price of $449,500, down 23.3% from the previous year, with a significant drop in closed sales at 66.7%. These trends highlight the varying dynamics within different property types and locations throughout the Greater San Diego area.

For Buyers

Buyers are encouraged to act swiftly in the current market environment, as the low months of inventory indicate that desirable properties may not remain available for long. With a competitive landscape, it is advisable for buyers to be pre-approved for financing and prepared to make strong offers to secure their desired homes.

For Sellers

Sellers should leverage the current seller's market by pricing their homes competitively and ensuring they are in excellent condition to attract potential buyers. With the SNLR indicating a healthy demand, sellers can benefit from strategic marketing and may consider timing their listings to coincide with peak buying seasons.