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 shows signs of continued seller dominance, with a composite benchmark price of $770,000. Total sales decreased by 4.3% year-over-year, totaling 32 transactions, while active listings rose slightly to 70.

Market Analysis

The San Diego real estate market remains competitive for sellers, evidenced by a strong seller's net listing ratio (SNLR) of 72.7%. With only 1.5 months of inventory available, the market is experiencing tight supply, which continues to favor sellers despite a slight decline in sales compared to the previous year. The total sales figure of 32 is down from 34 in May 2025, indicating a modest contraction in buyer activity, likely influenced by rising interest rates and economic uncertainties.

Property Type Analysis

In May, detached homes accounted for the majority of sales, with 22 transactions, while attached homes, including townhouses, saw 10 sales. The market for detached properties remains robust, reflecting ongoing demand despite the overall sales decline. The contrasting performance of property types highlights the varying buyer preferences and price sensitivities within the market.

Regional Highlights

Regionally, the El Cajon area demonstrates notable trends, with detached homes showing a median price of $836,500 and a strong closed sales rate of 100% of list price. Conversely, attached properties in the same region have a median price of $495,000, indicating a more balanced market with a months supply of 4.7, suggesting more options for buyers in this segment.

For Buyers

Prospective buyers are encouraged to act swiftly in the current market environment, as the low inventory levels may lead to competitive bidding situations. It is advisable to secure pre-approval for financing and to be prepared to make quick decisions on properties that meet their criteria.

For Sellers

Sellers should leverage the current market conditions by pricing their homes competitively and ensuring they are in excellent condition to attract buyers. With the strong SNLR and limited inventory, well-presented homes are likely to receive multiple offers, potentially driving up sale prices.