San Diego Real Estate Market Update: March 2026

If you've been watching the San Diego housing market and wondering what's actually happening out there, the March 2026 data gives us a pretty clear picture. It's not a frenzy, and it's not a slowdown. It's a market that's finding its footing, and understanding the numbers helps you make smarter decisions whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or simply keeping tabs on the neighborhood.

Here's a straightforward look at what the data shows.

Median Sales Price: $890,000

San Diego County's median sales price came in at $890,000 in March 2026, up 0.6% compared to the same time last year. That's not a dramatic jump, but it is meaningful. Prices have held steady and continued to inch upward, which tells us that demand remains present even as the market has evolved from the intense pace we saw a few years ago.

For coastal communities like Point Loma, Ocean Beach, and the surrounding neighborhoods, prices have historically tracked at or above county medians given the limited inventory and the lifestyle those areas offer. The broader county trend of sustained value is consistent with what we see closer to the water.

Homes Are Selling Close to List Price

One of the more telling stats in any market is how close buyers are paying to what sellers originally asked. In March 2026, the average closed sale came in at 98.3% of original list price. That means well-priced homes are still selling within a very tight range of their asking price.

This is good news for sellers who price strategically from the start. It also signals to buyers that there isn't a lot of room for low-ball offers on homes that are priced correctly. The days of sellers accepting 10% or 15% below asking are not what this market reflects right now.

Days on Market: 42 Days

Homes in San Diego County spent an average of 42 days on market in March 2026, which is up 13.5% year over year. To put that in plain terms: homes are taking a bit longer to sell than they did this time last year.

This isn't cause for alarm. What it reflects is a market that has normalized after a period of unusually compressed timelines. Buyers have more time to think, schedule inspections, and make considered decisions. Sellers who understand this shift are preparing their homes more thoughtfully before listing and pricing with realistic expectations rather than hoping for a bidding war in the first weekend.

In coastal San Diego, desirable and well-presented properties in neighborhoods like Point Loma and Ocean Beach still tend to move faster than the county average. Location and condition continue to matter enormously.

Inventory: More Choices Than a Year Ago, But Still Limited

Active listings across San Diego County sat at 5,419 in March 2026, down 9.4% from last year. New listings came in at 3,405, also down 7.8% year over year. Sold listings, however, rose to 2,067, an increase of 8.1% compared to March 2025.

What does that combination tell us? Fewer homes are coming onto the market compared to last year, but more homes are actually closing. That's a market where buyers who are serious are getting deals done, and where sellers who list aren't sitting idle for long if they've prepared and priced well.

The dip in active and new listings is worth watching. If inventory continues to contract heading into late spring, we could see renewed upward pressure on prices as more buyers compete for fewer homes.

What This Means for Coastal San Diego

The county-wide data sets the stage, but coastal San Diego has its own dynamics. Point Loma, Ocean Beach, and the neighborhoods along the water operate within a smaller, more relationship-driven market. Homes here don't turn over quickly because people who live here tend to stay. When something does come available, there's usually real interest.

Spring is historically one of the more active seasons for real estate in San Diego. The combination of steady prices, limited new supply, and a meaningful uptick in closed sales suggests that buyers who have been waiting are starting to move. That momentum typically builds through April and May.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median home price in San Diego right now?

As of March 2026, the median home price in San Diego County is $890,000. That represents a 0.6% increase compared to March 2025, showing steady but modest price growth heading into the spring season.

Is it a buyer's or seller's market in San Diego in 2026?

San Diego in spring 2026 leans toward sellers, but with more balance than we've seen in recent years. Active inventory is down 9.4% year over year and homes are still selling at 98.3% of list price, which favors sellers. However, the increase in days on market to 42 days gives buyers a bit more breathing room than they had previously.

How long are homes sitting on the market in San Diego?

The average days on market in San Diego County was 42 days in March 2026, up 13.5% from the same period last year. This reflects a normalized pace rather than a sign of weakness. Well-priced, well-presented homes in desirable coastal neighborhoods are still moving faster than the county average.

Are home prices going up in San Diego?

Yes, but at a measured pace. The median sale price rose 0.6% year over year to $890,000 in March 2026. This isn't the double-digit appreciation of 2021 or 2022, but it shows continued upward movement supported by limited inventory and steady buyer demand.

The Bottom Line

March 2026 paints a picture of a stable, functioning market. Prices are up modestly. Homes are selling close to list. Days on market have stretched slightly, giving both sides a bit more breathing room. And while inventory remains constrained, the increase in sold listings tells us that the market is active and transactions are happening.

If you've been on the fence about what this market means for your specific situation, the best thing you can do is get current information specific to your neighborhood and your goals. I'm happy to walk you through what the numbers look like for your area. You can reach me at Shirin@TheSDHome.com or call me at 858.750.5753.

Shirin Kheshti is a Broker Associate with Coldwell Banker West, specializing in coastal San Diego real estate with nearly 20 years of experience in Point Loma, Ocean Beach, and the surrounding communities. Data sourced from San Diego MLS via ShowingTime, March 2026.