San Diego County Real Estate Market Update: January 2026
What Home Sellers Need to Know Right Now
As we move into 2026, many San Diego homeowners are asking the same question: Is this a good time to sell? January’s data offers some clear—and very interesting—answers.
Despite seasonal slowdowns and shifting buyer behavior, the San Diego County single‑family home market continues to show signs of resilience, especially for sellers who price and position their homes correctly.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and what it means if you’re considering selling this year.
Active Listings Remain Historically Low
Active housing inventory across San Diego County continues to lag following the close of 2024. In fact, January 2025 recorded just 2,345 active single‑family homes for sale—the lowest level since February 2022, when inventory bottomed out at 2,216 homes.
What’s even more notable is the year‑over‑year comparison:
- Active listings are down over 30% compared to January of last year
- Inventory remains well below historical norms
For sellers, this is a critical takeaway: limited supply still favors well‑prepared listings, particularly in desirable neighborhoods and price points.
New Listings Surge in January—But Still Lag Year Over Year
January typically brings a seasonal jump in new listings, and 2026 was no exception.
- New listings increased month‑over‑month from 985 to 1,685
- That’s a significant spike from December’s numbers
- However, new listings are still 22% lower than January 2024
This tells us two things:
- Sellers are re‑entering the market after pausing during the holidays (a common strategy).
- Even with that influx, overall supply remains constrained—supporting home prices.
Homes Are Taking Longer to Sell—And That Matters
Another important trend for sellers to understand: homes are spending more time on market than they have over the past five years.
Some of this is seasonal. Buyer activity typically slows from October through December, and many serious buyers don’t re‑engage until late January or February. However, this year’s numbers stand out even when compared year‑over‑year.
What does that mean?
- Motivated sellers who remained on the market through the holidays may now be more flexible
- Pricing and presentation matter more than ever
- Strategic positioning can be the difference between sitting and selling
It’s also worth noting that many homeowners intentionally pull listings in November and relist in January to avoid open houses and showings during the holidays—contributing to January’s data anomalies.
Months of Supply Ticks Down Again
Months of supply declined again in January compared to December, reflecting the continued shortage of homes available for buyers.
While this may seem counterintuitive given slower sales, it makes sense:
- The number of new listings coming to market at the end of 2025 continued to fall
- Buyer demand remained steady enough to absorb well‑priced homes
With January’s spike in new listings, February’s supply reading is expected to increase slightly, which may create a narrow window of opportunity for sellers to stand out before spring competition ramps up.
Homes Are Selling at 97% of List Price
Even with longer days on market and fewer listings, pricing integrity remains strong.
On average, San Diego County single‑family homes are selling for about 97% of their original list price—a sign that the market is still well‑balanced and appropriately priced.
For sellers, this means:
January 2025 Sales Snapshot: Price Range Matters
January’s closed sales also highlight the diversity of San Diego County’s housing market:
- Highest Sale: $22,250,000
La Jolla | $6,695 per square foot
- Lowest Sale: $266,000
Borrego Springs | $176 per square foot
From luxury coastal estates to desert communities, demand exists across price points—underscoring the importance of a tailored pricing and marketing strategy.
What This Means If You’re Thinking of Selling
This is not a one‑size‑fits‑all market. Sellers who understand local conditions, buyer expectations, and current inventory dynamics are best positioned to succeed.
If you’re curious about:
- Your home’s current market value
- Timing your sale for maximum exposure
- How to position your property in a slower‑moving but supply‑constrained market
I’m available for a personalized home consultation to walk through your goals and create a clear plan.
The San Diego housing market remains dynamic, interesting, and full of opportunity—especially for informed sellers.
Let’s talk about what this market means for your home.
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Thinking of Selling in San Diego? Here’s What the January 2026 Housing Market Is Really Telling Us
San Diego County Real Estate Market Update: January 2026
What Home Sellers Need to Know Right Now
As we move into 2026, many San Diego homeowners are asking the same question: Is this a good time to sell? January’s data offers some clear—and very interesting—answers.
Despite seasonal slowdowns and shifting buyer behavior, the San Diego County single‑family home market continues to show signs of resilience, especially for sellers who price and position their homes correctly.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and what it means if you’re considering selling this year.
Active Listings Remain Historically Low
Active housing inventory across San Diego County continues to lag following the close of 2024. In fact, January 2025 recorded just 2,345 active single‑family homes for sale—the lowest level since February 2022, when inventory bottomed out at 2,216 homes.
What’s even more notable is the year‑over‑year comparison:
For sellers, this is a critical takeaway: limited supply still favors well‑prepared listings, particularly in desirable neighborhoods and price points.
New Listings Surge in January—But Still Lag Year Over Year
January typically brings a seasonal jump in new listings, and 2026 was no exception.
This tells us two things:
Homes Are Taking Longer to Sell—And That Matters
Another important trend for sellers to understand: homes are spending more time on market than they have over the past five years.
Some of this is seasonal. Buyer activity typically slows from October through December, and many serious buyers don’t re‑engage until late January or February. However, this year’s numbers stand out even when compared year‑over‑year.
What does that mean?
It’s also worth noting that many homeowners intentionally pull listings in November and relist in January to avoid open houses and showings during the holidays—contributing to January’s data anomalies.
Months of Supply Ticks Down Again
Months of supply declined again in January compared to December, reflecting the continued shortage of homes available for buyers.
While this may seem counterintuitive given slower sales, it makes sense:
With January’s spike in new listings, February’s supply reading is expected to increase slightly, which may create a narrow window of opportunity for sellers to stand out before spring competition ramps up.
Homes Are Selling at 97% of List Price
Even with longer days on market and fewer listings, pricing integrity remains strong.
On average, San Diego County single‑family homes are selling for about 97% of their original list price—a sign that the market is still well‑balanced and appropriately priced.
For sellers, this means:
January 2025 Sales Snapshot: Price Range Matters
January’s closed sales also highlight the diversity of San Diego County’s housing market:
La Jolla | $6,695 per square foot
Borrego Springs | $176 per square foot
From luxury coastal estates to desert communities, demand exists across price points—underscoring the importance of a tailored pricing and marketing strategy.
What This Means If You’re Thinking of Selling
This is not a one‑size‑fits‑all market. Sellers who understand local conditions, buyer expectations, and current inventory dynamics are best positioned to succeed.
If you’re curious about:
I’m available for a personalized home consultation to walk through your goals and create a clear plan.
The San Diego housing market remains dynamic, interesting, and full of opportunity—especially for informed sellers.
Let’s talk about what this market means for your home.