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 experienced a notable decline in sales, with total transactions falling to 10, a 33.3% decrease compared to May 2025. New listings increased to 23, contributing to a total of 35 active listings and a months of inventory (MOI) of 2.9, indicating a seller's market.

Market Analysis

The San Diego real estate market is currently characterized by a limited supply of homes, with 35 active listings available in May 2026. Despite the increase in new listings, the total sales remain low, reflecting a challenging environment for buyers. The sales-to-new-listings ratio (SNLR) stands at 43.5%, suggesting that while sellers are listing properties, the demand is not keeping pace, resulting in a slower sales velocity. The market conditions indicate that sellers still hold an advantage, but the significant year-over-year decline in sales raises questions about buyer sentiment and market stability.

Property Type Analysis

In May, detached homes accounted for 4 of the total sales, while attached homes, including townhouses, saw a slightly higher volume with 6 sales. The data indicates a stronger performance in the attached property segment, which may be attributed to more affordable pricing and increased buyer interest in lower-maintenance living options. The median price for detached homes was reported at $815,000, while attached homes had a median price of $532,750, reflecting a diverse market catering to different buyer preferences.

Regional Highlights

The 92083 zip code, which includes Vista West, shows distinct trends with 11 new detached listings and a median price of $815,000, down 15.9% year-over-year. In contrast, the attached market in the same area has seen a median price increase of 7.6%, indicating a potential shift in buyer preference towards more affordable attached living options. This divergence highlights the importance of localized market analysis within the broader San Diego region.

For Buyers

Potential buyers are encouraged to act decisively in the current market, as the limited inventory may lead to competitive bidding situations. With a months of inventory at 2.9, buyers should be prepared to make swift offers on properties that meet their criteria, especially in the attached segment, which is currently experiencing more favorable price trends.

For Sellers

Sellers should leverage the current market conditions by pricing their homes competitively and ensuring they are well-presented to attract potential buyers. With a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 43.5%, it is crucial for sellers to differentiate their properties through effective marketing strategies to capture buyer interest in a market that is showing signs of slowing sales.