San Diego Real Estate Market Report: April 2026

San Diego Real Estate Market Report: April 2026

Spring is here, and so is one of the most active periods in San Diego real estate. Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or simply keeping tabs on the market, here's an honest look at where things stand in April 2026.

The Big Picture

San Diego's market in spring 2026 is best described as balanced — but still competitive. We've moved away from the frenzied pace of 2021 and 2022, but this is far from a buyer's market. Well-priced, well-presented homes are still moving quickly. Overpriced homes are sitting longer and sometimes requiring reductions.

For buyers, that means more options and less pressure to waive everything. For sellers, it means strategy matters more than ever.

What's Happening With Inventory

More homes are coming to market this spring compared to the past two years, which is a welcome shift for buyers. However, supply remains well below what would be considered balanced — typically 4 to 6 months of inventory. Most San Diego neighborhoods are still sitting well under that threshold.

The result: good homes don't last long. Buyers who are prepared to move quickly are the ones winning.

Home Prices: Stable, Not Dropping

San Diego home prices have stabilized after years of rapid appreciation. We're not seeing the double-digit year-over-year gains of the pandemic era, but we're not seeing meaningful drops either.

What to expect by segment:

• Urban neighborhoods (North Park, South Park, Mission Hills): Prices holding firm with consistent demand
• Coastal communities (La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Del Mar): Strong performance, especially for ocean-view properties
• Family suburbs (Carmel Valley, Scripps Ranch, Rancho Bernardo): Stable, with inventory tight in school-district-driven areas
• South Bay (Chula Vista, National City): Some softening at entry-level price points as affordability pressures weigh on first-time buyers

What This Means for Buyers

If you've been waiting for prices to fall significantly, the data doesn't support that happening in San Diego. What has shifted is the pace — you now have a bit more time to make thoughtful decisions, and sellers are more open to negotiation than they were a few years ago.

The keys to success right now:

• Get fully pre-approved before you start seriously looking
• Know your priorities so you can move decisively when the right home appears
• Work with an agent who has real-time access and neighborhood-level knowledge

What This Means for Sellers

Spring is still one of the best windows to sell in San Diego. Buyer activity is at its seasonal peak, and motivated, pre-approved buyers are actively searching.

The difference between a successful listing and a frustrating one right now comes down to pricing and presentation. Homes that are priced correctly and show beautifully are still achieving strong results. Those that aren't are waiting.

Let's Talk About Your Situation

Every buyer and seller's situation is different, and the overall market data only tells part of the story. What matters most is what's happening in the specific neighborhood and price range you're focused on.