Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® March 2026 Market Report: Sales Surge Over 50%, Benchmark Price Reaches $712,500

Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® — March 2026

The Greater San Diego housing market experienced a significant surge in sales activity during March 2026, with total sales increasing by 53.8% year-over-year. The Composite Benchmark Price for the region stands at $712,500, marking a robust month-over-month increase as the market firmly favors sellers.

Market Analysis

The Greater San Diego market demonstrates strong seller-friendly conditions in March 2026. The Composite Benchmark Price rose to $712,500, an increase from $685,000 in February 2026, though it remains below the $770,000 recorded in March 2025. Total sales reached 30, a substantial increase from 18 sales in February 2026 and 20 sales in March 2025, reflecting heightened buyer activity.

Supply dynamics indicate a tightening market. New listings totaled 48, contributing to 70 active listings, an increase from 56 active listings in February 2026 and 67 in March 2025. Months of Inventory held steady at 2.2 months, matching March 2025 levels but up from 1.7 months in February 2026. The Sales-to-New Listings Ratio (SNLR) of 62.5% further underscores the strong demand relative to new supply, reinforcing the current sellers' market conditions, according to figures published by the Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS®.

Property Type Analysis

A breakdown of sales by property type reveals that detached homes accounted for 20 sales in March 2026, while attached/townhouse properties saw 10 sales. The market for detached homes in the 92020 El Cajon area, for example, recorded 20 closed sales with a median price of $1,055,000, representing a 7.1% year-over-year increase in median price and a 53.8% increase in closed sales. These properties spent an average of 23 days on market and sold at 100% of list price.

Attached properties in the 92020 El Cajon area saw 10 closed sales with a median price of $428,000. This segment experienced a 15.2% year-over-year decrease in median price, despite a 66.7% increase in closed sales. Attached homes spent an average of 65 days on market and sold at 97% of list price, indicating varying dynamics within different property segments.

Regional Highlights

In the 92020 El Cajon region, detached homes show robust performance with 35 new listings and 20 closed sales. The months of supply for detached homes stands at 2.2 months, aligning with the overall market's tight inventory. The median price for detached homes in this area is $1,055,000, with properties selling quickly and at full asking price.

Conversely, the attached market in 92020 El Cajon, while experiencing a significant increase in closed sales, shows a higher months of supply at 3.6 months. With 13 new listings and 10 closed sales, the median price for attached homes is $428,000. The longer days on market and slightly lower percentage of list price received suggest a more balanced, though still active, environment for attached properties in this specific submarket.

For Buyers

In this competitive sellers' market, buyers should be prepared for swift decision-making and potentially multiple-offer situations. Securing pre-approval for financing is crucial, and working closely with a REALTOR® to identify new listings quickly can provide a competitive edge. Flexibility on terms and a clear understanding of your budget are key to navigating the current landscape.

For Sellers

Sellers are well-positioned in March 2026, with strong buyer demand and a high Sales-to-New Listings Ratio. Pricing strategies should reflect current market values, and presenting a well-maintained property can maximize interest and offers. With inventory at 2.2 months, sellers can expect properties to move efficiently, particularly for detached homes, which are selling at 100% of list price in some areas.