San Diego Housing Market Update: Spring 2026
Published February 24, 2026. The figures in this post were current then. See today's numbers on the community pages.
Updated Oct 14, 2026: the figures are as of February 2026 and now cite their sources.
Spring 2026 Market Snapshot
The San Diego housing market is entering spring 2026 in a transitional state. After two years of elevated interest rates, the market is finding a new equilibrium, and it is creating opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
Key Numbers
- Median Home Price: $900,000 (San Diego County closed sales, January and February 2026, CRMLS)
- Active Listings: Up 6% year over year in February (4,132 vs 3,910, Realtor.com)
- Days on Market: 38 days in February, about the same as spring 2025 (36 to 38, Realtor.com)
- Mortgage Rates: Around 6.0% for a 30-year fixed (Freddie Mac's weekly average was 5.98% to 6.11% in February)
What This Means for Buyers
More inventory means more choices and less pressure. You are no longer competing with 15 offers on every home. Well-priced homes still move quickly, but there is room to negotiate, especially on homes that have been on the market for 30+ days.
Tip: Get pre-approved before you start shopping. Sellers still favor buyers who can close quickly and cleanly.
What This Means for Sellers
Pricing accurately is more important than ever. The days of listing high and waiting for a bidding war are behind us in most neighborhoods. Homes that are staged well, photographed professionally, and priced at or just below market value are still selling within two weeks.
Tip: Consider a pre-listing inspection. Removing surprises from the process makes your home more attractive to buyers.
North County Spotlight
Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Oceanside continue to be among the strongest markets in the county. Coastal proximity, good schools, and lifestyle appeal keep demand high. Inland areas like Escondido and San Marcos are seeing the most inventory growth, which is great news for first-time buyers.
Looking Ahead
Expect a busy spring and summer. If the Fed continues to signal rate stability, buyer confidence will grow. The best time to buy is when you find the right home, trying to time the market rarely works out.
Have questions about the market? Contact us for a no-obligation conversation about your real estate goals.
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