To get straight to the point, the median home price in San Diego for 2026 is approximately $1.074 million for single-family homes, which is a 5.8% increase from a year ago. It's understandable to feel anxious about this. For those who have been waiting for home prices to stabilize, this number may still feel overwhelming. However, there are definitely opportunities in the market as well.

According to the San Diego Association of Realtors (SDAR), as of April 2026, the median sale price for existing single-family homes reached $1.074 million (about 1.46 billion won). This is an increase of about $59,000 compared to the median price of $1.015 million in April 2025. Meanwhile, the overall city statistics, which include all types of homes, show that the median price in spring 2026 is around $954,000. Since this figure is a mix of different types, it's more accurate for those considering purchasing a single-family home to refer to the county-wide single-family home statistics.

You may be feeling quite conflicted. The rising prices might lead you to question why you still don't own a home, and whether you should buy now. Let's take a closer look at the market as it stands. The inventory in San Diego for 2026 has increased by 24% compared to a year ago, with approximately 6,400 listings available in the county. The months of supply as of February 2026 is 3.2 months, which is far from the 6 months that indicates a balanced market, but it has more than doubled compared to the pandemic low of 1,656 listings in 2022.

• Median price for existing single-family homes in San Diego County (April 2026): $1.074 million (up 5.8% year-over-year)
• Median price for all housing types in San Diego (spring 2026): approximately $954,000
• Active inventory (May 2026): approximately 6,400 listings (up 24% year-over-year)
• Months of supply (February 2026): 3.2 months (supply shortage)
• 30-year fixed mortgage rate (June 2026): approximately 6.7% to 6.9%

When examining the structural reasons behind the price increases, it's clear that San Diego has limited land available for further development due to its geographical characteristics. The Pacific Ocean to the west, mountainous areas to the east, and the border to the south create physical limitations, while strict zoning regulations continue to constrain supply. Within this structure, even if inventory increases somewhat, prices are unlikely to drop easily. However, the condo and townhome market tells a different story. Due to rising HOA fees, costs for SB 326 building safety inspections, and skyrocketing insurance rates, some older condos have seen price drops of 10-15% from their peak. This is why strategies can vary based on actual demand and budget.

Where does the market stand now? The increase in listings and the longer time homes are staying on the market suggest that there's less urgency to jump into bidding wars. Depending on the neighborhood, the average time on the market has increased by 4 to 13 days. In contrast, areas like North Park, where the months of supply is only 2.0 months and homes are selling at 100.3% of the asking price, are still highly competitive. The perceived market can vary greatly depending on the neighborhood, so it's essential to check neighborhood-specific data separately.

Having lived for 63 years, I've witnessed the real estate market change rapidly on several occasions. When prices rise, it seems like they will never stop, and when they fall, it feels like there's no bottom in sight. However, one principle remains unchanged: you must first clarify your financial situation, living purpose, and holding period before discussing market timing. San Diego is still an attractive market. But the million-dollar question is what kind of home, in which neighborhood, and under what conditions you should buy. (Source: San Diego Association of Realtors (SDAR), Redfin, Norada Real Estate, SD Cash Buyer, FastExpert, as of 2026 / This article does not constitute investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult a professional before making any actual contracts.)