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 recorded a total of 22 sales, a 31.3% decrease from the same month last year. New listings increased to 41, while active listings stood at 78, resulting in 2.5 months of inventory, indicating a seller's market.

Market Analysis

The San Diego real estate market continues to experience a notable shift as total sales drop significantly compared to the previous year. With only 22 sales in May 2026, the market is down from 33 sales in April 2026 and 16 sales in May 2025. Despite the decline in sales, the increase in new listings to 41 suggests that sellers are still motivated to enter the market, contributing to a relatively low months of inventory figure of 2.5. This indicates that while demand may be softening, supply is also tightening, creating a competitive environment for available properties.

Property Type Analysis

Sales for detached homes and attached/townhouse properties were equal in May 2026, with both categories recording 11 sales each. The detached market shows a median price of $1,875,000, while attached properties have a median price of $1,029,990. The year-over-year performance for detached homes reflects a decrease of 31.3% in closed sales, while attached properties have seen a remarkable increase of 266.7% in closed sales, highlighting a potential shift in buyer preference towards more affordable attached housing options.

Regional Highlights

In the 92008 zip code, which includes Carlsbad Northwest, the market dynamics reveal a competitive landscape with a median price of $1,875,000 for detached homes and $1,029,990 for attached homes. The inventory levels for detached homes are at 34, leading to a months supply of 2.5, while attached homes have a higher months supply of 3.9 with 44 active listings. This disparity suggests that buyers may find more options in the attached market, while detached homes remain in higher demand despite fewer sales.

For Buyers

Prospective buyers are encouraged to act promptly in the current market, as the low months of inventory indicates that desirable properties may not remain available for long. Buyers should consider exploring attached housing options, which have shown a significant increase in sales, potentially offering better value in the current market environment.

For Sellers

Sellers are advised to take advantage of the current market conditions by pricing their properties competitively and ensuring they are well-prepared for showings. With a relatively low inventory, sellers can benefit from heightened buyer interest, but should remain aware of the overall decline in sales and adjust their expectations accordingly.