April 2026 Market Update + First Quarter Review - San Diego County Real Estate
- CK Realtor
- Apr 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 19
As we close out the first quarter of 2026, I’m excited to share a snapshot of the San Diego market as we head into our busy spring season.
🏡 End of Q1 Market Snapshot
Detached Homes
$1,020,000 median price
2.6 months of inventory
~30 days on market
Attached Homes
$699,000 median price
2.5 months of inventory
~39 days on market
🏡 What We're Seeing in the Market
From what I’m seeing in the market right now, spring has arrived with a significant surge in activity. Closed sales for detached homes jumped 20.1% this March compared to last year, showing that buyers are out in force as we enter the peak season.
At the same time, the market is becoming more specialized. While buyers are active, they are approaching decisions with more care. Detached homes are taking an average of 30 days to sell—a 15.4% increase in time on market—meaning pricing and condition are now more critical than ever.
The biggest story of Q1, however, is the Inventory Crunch. While you may hear that the market is "leveling off," the supply of attached homes (condos and townhomes) actually plummeted by 40.1% year-over-year. This scarcity is supporting prices, even as buyers become more selective.
Well-prepared, well-priced homes are still the ones moving quickly. In this environment, properties that are "turn-key" are winning, while those that need work or are over-leveraged on price are seeing more hesitation from a cautious buyer pool.
Overall, the San Diego market remains resilient, but it requires a much more strategic approach to pricing and preparation than we’ve seen in recent years.
💡 Homeowner Tip: Prep for a "Fast" Sale
If you’re thinking about selling this year, now is a great time to start preparing.
Focus on these three high-impact, low-cost steps to stand out:
Declutter & Deep Clean: Create a "blank canvas" so buyers can visualize their own lives in your space.
Maximize Natural Light: Bright, airy homes feel larger and more inviting—open those curtains!
Fix the "Small Stuff": Addressing minor repairs signals to buyers that the home has been meticulously maintained.
Explore the Full Market Reports
With sales volume surging by 20% and inventory dropping by 40%, timing and strategy are more critical than ever. Whether you want to capitalize on this inventory crunch or find your next home in this active season, I’m here to help you win.
Call or email me today to discuss your goals.
Christine Kueneke
Broker Associate & Realtor®, DRE #01809365
Certified Probate & Trust Specialist
Century 21 Affiliated | Fine Homes & Estates
Call or Text: 760-613-1626
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