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 a seller's advantage, with a composite benchmark price of $642,500. Total sales decreased by 23.1% year-over-year to 42, while new listings rose to 83, contributing to a total of 97 active listings.

Market Analysis

The San Diego real estate market is currently experiencing a notable shift, characterized by a decrease in sales volume and an increase in new listings. With only 42 sales recorded in May, down from 54 in April, the market reflects a year-over-year decline of 23.1%. Despite this downturn in sales, the months of inventory stands at 1.6, indicating that the market remains competitive for sellers, as a lower inventory typically leads to upward pressure on prices. The current seller's market is further supported by a strong sales-to-new-listings ratio (SNLR) of 50.6%, suggesting that new listings are being absorbed relatively quickly.

Property Type Analysis

When examining property types, the detached market recorded 20 sales, while the attached/townhouse segment saw 22 sales. The absence of benchmark prices for these categories limits a detailed price analysis; however, the sales figures indicate a balanced demand across both segments. The attached market, with a higher sales count, may suggest a growing preference for lower-maintenance living options among buyers in the current economic climate.

Regional Highlights

In the Santee area, new listings for detached homes reached 44, with a median price of $850,500, reflecting a competitive market with a 99.4% list-to-sale price ratio. Conversely, the attached homes in the same region had 39 new listings and a median price of $552,500, demonstrating a diverse range of options for buyers. The inventory levels in Santee highlight a tight market, particularly for detached homes, which may influence buyer strategies moving forward.

For Buyers

Prospective buyers are encouraged to act promptly in the current market environment, as the low months of inventory indicate that desirable properties may not remain available for long. Buyers should also consider exploring attached or townhouse options, which may offer more favorable pricing and less competition compared to detached homes.

For Sellers

Sellers should take advantage of the current seller's market by pricing their homes competitively and ensuring they are in optimal condition for showings. With a significant number of new listings entering the market, it is crucial for sellers to differentiate their properties to attract potential buyers quickly.