San Diego County’s housing market remained resilient in August, but the headline numbers tell only part of the story. Prices continued to rise overall, while fewer homes changed hands and conditions differed noticeably between detached and attached properties.
Across all property types, the median sales price rose 7.1% year over year to $965,000. At the same time, closed sales declined 17.1% and the number of homes for sale fell 10.0%. Nationally, existing-home sales edged down 1.7% from July to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.06 million, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.
August 2026 Home Prices in San Diego County
The median sales price increased 4.7% from a year earlier to $1,120,000 for detached homes. The median price for attached homes was $670,000, nearly unchanged with a 0.1% year-over-year increase, according to the San Diego Association of REALTORS® August 2026 report.
Year to date, the detached-home median is $1,100,000, up 2.6% from the same period in 2025. The attached-home median is $665,000, down 0.7%. That contrast is important: countywide appreciation does not mean every property type or neighborhood is moving at the same pace.
August 2026 Sales and Inventory in San Diego County
Closed sales fell sharply from August 2025. Detached-home closings declined 17.6% to 1,118, while attached-home closings decreased 16.3% to 596. Pending sales also slowed, falling 14.0% for detached homes and 8.2% for attached homes.
Inventory moved in opposite directions. There were 2,883 detached homes for sale at the end of August, down 20.7% year over year. Attached inventory increased 4.6% to 2,767 homes. That left San Diego County with a 2.3-month supply of detached homes and a 4.0-month supply of attached homes.
In practical terms, detached-home sellers generally faced less direct competition, while condo and townhome sellers had more competing listings to account for. Buyers also had more choice in the attached market than in the detached market.
August 2026 Days on Market Until Sale
Detached homes took an average of 35 days to move from listing to an accepted offer, down 10.3% from 39 days a year earlier. Attached homes averaged 44 days, up 2.3% from 43 days.
Detached sellers received an average of 98.0% of their original asking price, while attached sellers received 97.2%. Well-prepared and accurately priced homes can still attract serious buyers, but the sales figures show that demand is selective rather than indiscriminate.
Mortgage Rates for San Diego Home Buyers
As of September 3, 2026, the average U.S. rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 6.71%, according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey. The average 15-year fixed rate was 6.04%.
Mortgage rates remain a major affordability factor. Buyers should compare lenders and obtain an updated preapproval before touring homes, since even a small rate change can affect purchasing power and the monthly payment. Freddie Mac noted that purchase demand remained relatively stable as buyers adjusted to changing market conditions.
What August’s Market Means for San Diego Home Sellers
August was not simply a strong market or a slow market—it was a segmented one. Detached-home prices rose while inventory tightened, yet sales activity declined. Attached-home prices were nearly flat, inventory increased, and homes generally took longer to secure an offer.
For sellers, pricing and presentation are especially important. A detached home may benefit from limited supply, but fewer completed sales mean buyers are still careful. Condo and townhome sellers should pay close attention to recent comparable sales, competing listings, monthly HOA costs, and property condition before setting a price.
If you’re considering selling a San Diego home, I can help you interpret the numbers for your neighborhood and property type—not just the countywide average. Call 619-417-0774 or get in touch for a personalized home-value and market review.
Sources: San Diego Association of REALTORS® August 2026 Monthly Indicators report, current as of September 5, 2026; Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, September 3, 2026. Market statistics are based on San Diego MLS data. Mortgage rates are national averages and individual rates vary.
