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 continues to show strong demand, with total sales reaching 42, a 31.8% increase from the previous year. Active listings stand at 100, reflecting a slight decrease from 107 in April 2026, indicating a competitive environment for buyers.

Market Analysis

The San Diego housing market remains firmly in favor of sellers, as evidenced by a months of inventory (MOI) of just 2.1, down from 2.5 in April 2026. The sales-to-new-listings ratio (SNLR) is a robust 80.8%, suggesting that homes are selling quickly and that demand is outpacing supply. The increase in total sales from 40 in May 2025 to 42 in May 2026, despite a decrease in active listings, underscores the ongoing pressure on the market as buyers compete for limited options.

Property Type Analysis

In May 2026, detached homes accounted for the majority of sales with 29 transactions, while attached properties, including townhouses, saw 13 sales. The detached market continues to attract buyers, reflecting a preference for single-family homes in the current climate. However, the attached market has experienced a decline in closed sales year-over-year, indicating a potential shift in buyer preferences or pricing challenges in that segment.

Regional Highlights

Focusing on the Encinitas area (zip code 92024), the detached market shows a median price of $2,699,000, with closed sales up 31.8% year-over-year. Conversely, the attached market has seen a decline in closed sales by 23.5% year-over-year, with a median price of $1,175,000, suggesting that buyers may be more cautious in this segment as prices stabilize.

For Buyers

Potential buyers are encouraged to act swiftly in the current market, as the low inventory levels and high sales-to-new-listings ratio indicate that desirable properties are selling quickly. It is advisable for buyers to be pre-approved for financing and to work closely with a knowledgeable REALTOR® to navigate the competitive landscape.

For Sellers

Sellers should take advantage of the current market conditions by pricing their homes competitively and preparing for a quick sale. With a strong demand and low inventory, homes that are well-presented and priced appropriately are likely to attract multiple offers, potentially leading to favorable sale terms.