Greater San Diego REALTORS®: March 2026 Market Sees Sales Surge 26.3% Year-Over-Year Amidst Tight Inventory

Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® — March 2026

The Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® reports a robust March 2026, with total sales reaching 44, marking a significant 26.3% increase compared to the previous year. Months of inventory remained tight at 1.3, indicating a continued sellers' market. The Sales-to-New-Listings Ratio (SNLR) stood at 95.7% for the month.

Market Analysis

The Greater San Diego market experienced a notable uptick in activity during March 2026. Total sales reached 44, a substantial increase from 31 sales in February 2026 and a 26.3% rise compared to the 34 sales recorded in March 2025. This surge in sales activity, coupled with a limited supply, underscores the competitive nature of the market.

New listings for March totaled 46, closely matching the number of sales. Active listings stood at 73, a slight decrease from 76 in February 2026 and a more significant drop from 81 in March 2025. This trend contributes to the low Months of Inventory (MOI), which was 1.3 in March, down from 1.4 in February and a considerable reduction from 2.0 in March 2025. The consistently low MOI and a high SNLR of 95.7% firmly establish the market as favorable to sellers.

Property Type Analysis

Property type performance varied in March 2026. Detached homes accounted for 24 sales, while attached/townhouse properties saw 20 sales. For detached homes, the median price in the 92078 zip code was $1,355,000, experiencing a year-over-year decrease of 6.6%, while sales for this type increased by 26.3% year-over-year. Attached properties in the same zip code recorded a median price of $700,000, with sales climbing by 33.3% year-over-year.

Both detached and attached properties demonstrated strong market absorption, with an average of 33 days on market for each. Detached homes sold for 98% of their list price, while attached properties achieved 98.5%. Detached homes had 28 units in inventory with a 1.3 months' supply, whereas attached properties had 45 units in inventory with a 2.6 months' supply, indicating slightly more options for attached buyers.

Regional Highlights

Focusing on the 92078 zip code (San Marcos South), the market reflects broader regional trends of high demand and limited supply. Detached homes in this area recorded 24 closed sales, with a median price of $1,355,000. These properties spent an average of 33 days on the market and sold for 98% of their list price. The months' supply for detached homes in this specific area was 1.3, mirroring the overall market's tight inventory.

Attached properties in the 92078 zip code saw 20 closed sales, with a median price of $700,000. Similar to detached homes, they spent 33 days on the market and achieved 98.5% of their list price. The months' supply for attached homes in this region was 2.6, suggesting a slightly more balanced, though still competitive, environment compared to detached properties.

For Buyers

In a market characterized by low inventory and strong competition, prospective buyers should prioritize pre-approval for financing to strengthen their offers. Acting swiftly when a suitable property becomes available is crucial, as homes are selling quickly and close to asking price. Buyers may also consider exploring a wider range of neighborhoods or property types to increase their options.

For Sellers

With the market favoring sellers, homeowners considering listing their property are in a strong position. To maximize appeal and achieve optimal sale prices, sellers should focus on professional staging and competitive pricing strategies. Given the low months of inventory, well-presented homes are likely to attract multiple offers and close efficiently, as evidenced by the high Sales-to-New-Listings Ratio reported by the Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS®.