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 significant year-over-year sales increase of 100%, with a total of 23 properties sold compared to 19 in May 2025. The market remains competitive for sellers, with only 41 active listings and a months of inventory (MOI) of 1.7.

Market Analysis

The Greater San Diego real estate market continues to show strong demand, as evidenced by the 76.7% sales-to-new-listings ratio (SNLR) this month. With only 41 active listings available, the market is characterized by low inventory, which is driving competition among buyers. The total sales volume decreased slightly from 27 in April 2026 to 23 in May, but the year-over-year comparison highlights a robust recovery in buyer activity compared to the same month last year.

Property Type Analysis

In May, detached homes dominated the market with 18 sales, while attached properties, including townhouses, accounted for 5 sales. The lack of benchmark pricing data limits the analysis of price trends; however, the sales figures indicate a strong preference for detached homes in the current market, reflecting buyers' desire for more space and privacy.

Regional Highlights

Regionally, the Kensington and Normal Heights areas show notable trends, with detached homes experiencing a median price of $1,391,500 and a competitive closed sales rate of 100.4% of list price. Conversely, the attached market is facing challenges, with a median price of $592,100 and a year-over-year decline in closed sales by 50%. This disparity suggests that while demand remains high for detached homes, the attached market may require adjustments to attract buyers.

For Buyers

Prospective buyers should remain vigilant in this competitive market, as low inventory levels mean that desirable properties may sell quickly. It is advisable for buyers to be pre-approved for financing and to act swiftly when a suitable property becomes available.

For Sellers

Sellers are in a favorable position due to the current market conditions, with a high sales-to-new-listings ratio indicating strong demand. To maximize their selling potential, sellers should consider pricing their homes competitively and ensuring they are in excellent condition to attract motivated buyers.