Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® Reports July 2026 Market Trends

Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® — July 2026

In July 2026, the Greater San Diego real estate market experienced a significant decline in sales, with total transactions dropping to 23, a 39.3% decrease from the previous year. The active listings increased slightly to 70, while the months of inventory rose to 1.9, indicating a seller's market despite the downturn in sales activity.

Market Analysis

The San Diego real estate market in July 2026 reflects a complex interplay of supply and demand dynamics. With total sales falling to 23 from 40 in July 2025, the market is experiencing a notable contraction. However, the increase in active listings to 70 suggests that sellers are still willing to enter the market, potentially in response to favorable conditions for sellers, as indicated by the 59.0% sales-to-new-listings ratio (SNLR). This ratio indicates that nearly 60% of new listings are being absorbed by buyers, maintaining a competitive environment despite lower overall sales figures.

The months of inventory at 1.9 indicates that the market remains tight, favoring sellers. A lower months of inventory figure typically suggests a quicker turnover of properties, which can lead to upward pressure on prices. However, the absence of benchmark price data for this month complicates the assessment of price trends. The market appears to be stabilizing, with sellers still in a strong position, albeit with a cautious buyer sentiment due to the year-over-year sales decline.

Property Type Analysis

In July 2026, detached homes accounted for the majority of sales with 17 transactions, while attached homes, including townhouses, saw 6 sales. The performance of detached homes remains relatively robust compared to attached properties, which experienced a steeper decline in closed sales year-over-year, down 57.1%. The median price for detached homes is reported at $820,000, while attached homes have a median price of $482,500. This price disparity reflects the ongoing demand for single-family homes in the region, which continue to attract buyers despite the overall market slowdown.

Regional Highlights

Regionally, the El Cajon area, identified by zip code 92019, shows distinct trends with 27 new listings and 22 pending sales, indicating a healthy level of buyer interest. The median price for detached homes in this area is $820,000, which is a decrease of 7.2% year-over-year. The inventory remains tight with a months supply of 1.9, suggesting that while sales are down, the demand for homes in this region continues to be strong, particularly for detached properties.

For Buyers

For buyers navigating the current market, it is essential to act decisively given the competitive nature of available listings. With a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 59.0%, buyers should be prepared to make competitive offers, particularly on detached homes, which are in higher demand. Conducting thorough research and being pre-approved for financing can enhance a buyer's position in negotiations.

For Sellers

Sellers are encouraged to leverage the current market conditions, as the low months of inventory indicates a favorable environment for listing properties. Pricing homes competitively and ensuring they are well-presented can attract buyers quickly. Given the recent decline in sales, sellers should be prepared for potential negotiations and remain flexible to adjust their expectations based on market feedback.