Howard Smith’s San Diego Housing Report – July 2026

Data sources: SDAR Monthly Indicators for July 2026 and Freddie Mac PMMS.

July 2026 snapshot: what happened in San Diego

July was a mixed but still resilient month for the San Diego housing market. Median prices increased for both detached homes and attached homes, and closed sales were up year-over-year. At the same time, pending sales softened, which may point to a slightly slower pace heading into late summer.

The biggest supply story remains detached inventory: there were fewer detached homes available than a year ago, keeping that part of the market relatively tight.

Quick numbers year-over-year

Detached homes

  • Median sales price: $1,150,000 (+4.6% YoY)
  • Closed sales: 1,349 (+2.4% YoY)
  • Pending sales: 1,318 (-2.5% YoY)
  • Days on market: 33 days (-8.3% YoY)
  • Inventory: 3,097 homes (-24.7% YoY)
  • Months of supply: 2.5 months (-26.5% YoY)

Attached homes / condos and townhomes

  • Median sales price: $659,000 (+1.4% YoY)
  • Closed sales: 793 (+12.8% YoY)
  • Pending sales: 702 (-5.0% YoY)
  • Days on market: 43 days (+2.4% YoY)
  • Inventory: 2,884 homes (+1.1% YoY)
  • Months of supply: 4.1 months (-4.7% YoY)

July 2026 home prices in San Diego County

San Diego home prices continued to rise in July.

Detached homes reached a median sales price of $1,150,000, up 4.6% from July 2025. Attached homes rose to $659,000, up 1.4% year-over-year.

That’s a notable sign of price strength, especially because closed sales were also higher. Detached closed sales increased 2.4%, while attached closed sales increased 12.8% compared with last July.

Sales activity: closed sales up, pending sales down

July’s sales numbers were split.

Closed sales improved in both categories, which shows that buyers were still completing purchases. However, pending sales fell 2.5% for detached homes and 5.0% for attached homes.

Pending sales are accepted offers, so a decline can suggest buyer activity may be easing in the near term. This does not mean the market is weak, but it does suggest buyers may be more selective as affordability remains challenging.

Days on market: detached homes moved faster

Detached homes sold in 33 days, down from 36 days last year. Attached homes took 43 days, up slightly from 42 days last year.

That points to a familiar split: detached homes remain more competitive, while condos and townhomes are giving buyers a little more time.

Inventory: detached supply remains tight

Detached inventory fell 24.7% year-over-year to 3,097 homes, with only 2.5 months of supply. Attached inventory was nearly flat, increasing 1.1% to 2,884 homes, with 4.1 months of supply.

For sellers, tight detached inventory can help support pricing if the home is prepared well and priced correctly. For buyers, it means the best detached listings may still move quickly.

Mortgage rates: Freddie Mac PMMS

Freddie Mac reported the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 6.67% and the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage at 5.96% as of August 13, 2026.

Mortgage rates remain one of the biggest affordability factors for San Diego buyers. Even when prices are stable or rising, a higher mortgage rate can significantly affect monthly payments and buyer purchasing power.

What this means for buyers and sellers

For sellers

July’s data is encouraging, especially for detached homes. Prices are up, closed sales are up, and detached inventory is still tight. But pending sales are softer, so pricing correctly from the start still matters.

A well-prepared home can still perform well, but sellers should avoid overpricing based only on countywide headlines. Neighborhood comps, condition, and buyer demand at the specific price point matter most.

For buyers

Detached homes may still be competitive, especially if they are well-priced and move-in ready. Attached homes may offer more room to compare options, with 4.1 months of supply and slightly longer time on market.

If you are buying, it is important to understand not just the countywide numbers, but the supply, pricing, and negotiation trends in the neighborhoods you are considering.

If you’d like a neighborhood-specific snapshot with recent comps, pricing trends, and a strategy for your timeline, call Howard Smith Real Estate at (619) 417-0774.

Sources: San Diego Association of REALTORS® Monthly Indicators and Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.