Lifestyle November 14, 2025

Should I Sell My San Diego Home Now or Wait Until 2026?

 

If you’re considering selling, 2025 offers both opportunity and complexity. San Diego’s market is steady but shifting, and the right timing depends less on national headlines and more on your personal goals, equity, and readiness.

 

 

The 2025 Market Snapshot

Homeowners across San Diego are asking the same question: Is now the right time to sell, or is it worth it to wait another year? The truth is, 2025 has become a transition year. It’s not the frenzy of 2021, but it isn’t a downturn either.

Here’s what’s shaping the conversation:

Median home price: around $1 million for detached homes – slightly lower than last year, but still near record highs.

Days on market: averaging 40-45 days, giving buyers more time to decide but still favoring sellers who price right.

Inventory: slowly climbing, with more listings in all neighborhoods across San Diego County. 

 

What that means for you: San Diego remains one of California’s most resilient markets, but sellers must be strategic to capture top value.

 

 

Why Selling in 2025 Still Makes Sense

If you’ve built solid equity or are simply ready for a new chapter, waiting may not add much upside. Here’s why listing now can be a smart move:

1. You’re Sitting on Historic Equity

Homeowners who bought before 2021 have likely gained six figures in appreciation. Even with prices
leveling off, your equity position remains strong.

2. Rates Are Easing – and That’s Your Window

Mortgage rates are drifting down from 2023-2024 highs. Listing before the next surge of buyers gives
you an edge.

3. Demand for Move-In-Ready Homes Is Steady

Buyers across Kensington, Del Cerro, and Allied Gardens still compete for turnkey homes.

 

When Waiting Could Work in Your Favor

If your timeline isn’t set in stone, there are moments when pressing pause can actually set you up for a stronger sale. Maybe your home could use a few meaningful updates or repairs that would boost your return once you do hit the market. Maybe you’re watching interest rates and hoping that a softer environment in 2026 brings more buyers off the sidelines. Or maybe you simply need clarity on your next chapter before committing to a move.

Whatever the reason, waiting can be a smart strategy — as long as you use the time intentionally. Preparing now ensures that when the right window opens, your home is ready to make its best first impression and you’re positioned to step confidently into your next move. 

 

 

The Local Perspective: Neighborhood by Neighborhood 

Every San Diego submarket tells a slightly different story:

Talmadge & Kensington: Historic charm still commands attention.
North Park & Hillcrest: Walkable homes stay in demand.
Mission Hills & La Jolla: Luxury slows but remains strong.
La Mesa & Allied Gardens: Consistent activity and affordability.

That’s where working with us truly pays off.

 

 

How to Decide: The Three-Part Framework

Begin by clarifying your motivation; are you relocating, retiring, or moving up? Next, evaluate your home’s readiness. A pre-listing consultation can reveal small fixes with big impact. Last but not least, run the numbers! When you schedule a consultation with us, we provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to show your home’s realistic value. 

 

What We Recommend…

San Diego’s market in 2025 rewards preparation and realism. If your home is in good condition and
your next move is clear, there’s no need to wait. But if you’re aiming for perfection – timing, rates, or
repairs – start planning now so you can move decisively when the window opens.

With 20+ years of experience across neighborhoods from Mission Hills, Talmadge, to Downtown, we help homeowners succeed no matter the market cycle. If you’re ready, 2025 can be a great time to sell. If you’re still exploring, use this year to prepare, update, strategize, and plan!

 

Ready to Weigh Your Options?

Contact me here for a personalized consultation. Whether you’re in La Jolla, Kensington, Hillcrest, or La Mesa, our insight can help you decide with confidence – now or in 2026.

 


Disclaimer: This article provides general real-estate information and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult licensed professionals.