Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS®: March 2026 Market Report Shows Sales Increase Amidst Tight Inventory

Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® — March 2026

The Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® reports that the Composite Benchmark Price reached $712,500 in March 2026, marking an increase from the prior month. Total sales climbed to 24, representing a 15.4% year-over-year rise, while months of inventory remained tight at 1.3, indicating a sellers' market.

Market Analysis

The Greater San Diego housing market continued to favor sellers in March 2026, with a low 1.3 months of inventory. Total sales increased to 24, up from 18 in February 2026 and a significant 15.4% increase compared to 16 sales in March 2025. New listings totaled 44, contributing to 57 active listings, which is a slight increase from 52 active listings in the prior month but a decrease from 65 active listings in March 2025. The Sales-to-New-Listings Ratio (SNLR) stood at 54.5%, further underscoring the strong demand relative to new supply.

The Composite Benchmark Price for March 2026 was $712,500, an increase from $685,000 in February 2026. However, this benchmark price is lower than the $770,000 recorded in March 2025. Despite the year-over-year price adjustment, the persistent low months of inventory suggests continued competition among buyers, maintaining upward pressure on prices month-over-month.

Property Type Analysis

In March 2026, detached homes accounted for 15 sales, while attached/townhouse properties saw 9 sales. The sales volume for detached homes in the 92021 zip code (El Cajon) showed a 15.4% year-over-year increase in closed sales, with a median price of $860,000, up 7.5% from the prior year. The months of supply for detached homes in this area was 1.3.

Conversely, attached homes in the 92021 zip code experienced a substantial 200% year-over-year increase in closed sales, reaching a median price of $470,000. However, the median price for attached homes in this specific area saw an 11.3% decrease year-over-year. The months of supply for attached properties in 92021 was 3.6, indicating a more balanced market for this property type compared to detached homes.

Regional Highlights

Focusing on the 92021 zip code (El Cajon), the market exhibited distinct trends for different property types. Detached homes in 92021 recorded 25 new listings and 15 closed sales, with a median price of $860,000. These homes spent an average of 41 days on the market and sold for 100.7% of their list price, reflecting strong buyer interest and competitive bidding.

For attached properties in 92021, there were 19 new listings and 9 closed sales. The median price for attached homes was $470,000, with properties staying on the market for an average of 79 days and selling for 99.2% of their list price. The significant year-over-year increase in closed sales for attached homes, despite a decrease in median price, suggests a shift in buyer preferences or increased affordability driving demand in this segment.

For Buyers

With months of inventory at 1.3 and a prevailing sellers' market, buyers in the Greater San Diego area should be prepared for competitive conditions. Securing pre-approval for financing and being ready to act swiftly on desirable properties are crucial steps. Buyers may also benefit from working closely with a REALTOR® to identify new listings quickly and craft compelling offers.

For Sellers

Sellers in the Greater San Diego market continue to hold an advantageous position due to limited inventory. With a Sales-to-New-Listings Ratio of 54.5% and low months of inventory, properties are likely to attract significant interest. Pricing homes competitively and ensuring they are well-presented can maximize offers and facilitate a smooth transaction in this robust market.