Greater San Diego REALTORS®: March 2026 Sees Sales Decline Amidst Tight Sellers' Market

Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® — March 2026

Total sales for March 2026 reached 22, a 34.8% decrease compared to the previous year, according to the Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS®. The market remains a sellers' market with 2.9 months of inventory.

Market Analysis

The Greater San Diego housing market experienced a notable shift in March 2026, with total sales dropping to 22, down from 26 sales in February 2026 and significantly lower than the 27 sales recorded in March 2025. New listings totaled 40, while active listings stood at 70. The sales-to-new-listings ratio (SNLR) of 55.0% indicates that over half of new properties entering the market are quickly absorbed by buyers, underscoring persistent demand.

Months of inventory (MOI) for March 2026 was 2.9 months, an increase from 2.3 months in February 2026 but comparable to the 2.8 months seen in March 2025. This low level of inventory continues to characterize the market as favoring sellers. Despite the year-over-year decline in sales, the tight supply environment suggests that well-priced properties continue to attract buyer interest.

Property Type Analysis

A breakdown of property types reveals divergent trends within the Greater San Diego market. Detached homes accounted for 15 sales, while attached/townhouse properties saw 7 sales. In the Vista East (92084) area, detached homes recorded 15 closed sales, a 34.8% decrease year-over-year, with a median price of $900,000, representing a 10.9% decline from the prior year. The months of supply for detached homes in this area was 2.9 months.

Conversely, attached properties in Vista East (92084) experienced a robust 250% increase in closed sales year-over-year, totaling 7 sales. The median price for attached homes in this segment rose 3.2% year-over-year to $720,000, with a tighter months of supply at 1.8 months. This suggests stronger demand and price appreciation for attached housing options in this specific submarket.

Regional Highlights

Data from the Vista East (92084) area provides specific insights into regional dynamics. Detached homes in Vista East saw 38 new listings and 15 closed sales, with a median price of $900,000. This median price reflects a 10.9% decrease compared to the previous year, and closed sales were down 34.8% year-over-year. The inventory for detached homes in this area was 63 units, with 2.9 months of supply.

In contrast, the attached segment in Vista East (92084) recorded only 2 new listings but achieved 7 closed sales. The median price for attached properties reached $720,000, marking a 3.2% increase year-over-year. Closed sales for attached homes in this area surged by 250% from the prior year, with a very tight 1.8 months of supply, indicating strong buyer competition for these properties.

For Buyers

In this sellers' market, characterized by 2.9 months of inventory, buyers should be prepared for competitive conditions. Securing pre-approved financing is crucial for making strong offers. Buyers may find more favorable conditions or opportunities for price appreciation in attached properties, particularly in areas where they demonstrate lower months of supply and positive year-over-year price growth.

For Sellers

With the market favoring sellers and a 55.0% sales-to-new-listings ratio, sellers maintain a strong position. Pricing strategies should be informed by recent sales data, especially for detached homes where median prices have seen year-over-year declines in some areas. Highlighting unique property features and ensuring properties are market-ready can help attract strong offers in this competitive environment.