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Is Our Real Estate Market Cooling? What You Should Know
Nenad Sapungin
September 25, 2025
Is the San Diego Real Estate market slowing down? Here’s the truth:
Rates have ticked down slightly recently; MarketWatch reports a dip to 6.57%, which is the the lowest in nearly ten months, offering a small window of opportunity for new buyers and refinancers. That rate drop may boost your affordability. Even a small rate move can change your neighborhood options here in San Diego.
Metric | Recent Trend | What That Means |
|---|---|---|
Median Sales Price (Detached Homes) | ~$1,075,000 — a modest increase year-over-year, but much flatter growth than in past years. | Prices are holding, but momentum is slowing. Big jumps aren’t as common right now. |
Inventory | Detached inventory is up ~8-9%; attached/home-condo inventory even more | More homes to choose from. Buyers have more options, less pressure. |
Days on Market | Detached homes now take ~39 days on market; attached homes ~35 or so. Increases of ~20-40% compared to prior period. | Homes are staying active longer. Less rush, more negotiation room. |
Seller Concessions / Incentives | More homes over $1M are coming with buyer-friendly perks: closing cost credits, rate buydowns, sometimes move-in flexibility. | Sellers are using incentives to stand out. Buyers should know what to ask. |
🏠 What Buyers Should Know
If you’re looking to buy in or near the million‐dollar range, this cooling market gives you more leverage than in the peak frenzy. Here are moves to consider:
Take your time: Homes are staying on market longer. You won’t feel as rushed. Inspect listings that have been active for 30+ days — sometimes those give you more room to negotiate.
Work incentives into your offer: Ask about closing costs, rate buydowns, or seller contributions. Some sellers are more open to perks than lowering prices. Compass San Diego Housing Market
Focus on value, not just location: Upgrades, finishes, condition, layout count more now. A well-maintained home with desirable features may attract more interest than a perfectly located but outdated one.
Be prepared financially: If you want to move quickly when you find something good, have financing lined up and be ready to move. Price negotiation may help, but strong offers win. Even a small rate move can change your neighborhood options here in San Diego, especially since affordability is tight in some areas. I’m happy to walk through neighborhood-by-neighborhood numbers, show how much buying power changes, and help you make a smart move that fits your timeline and goals.
Hit reply or book a strategy call so you can feel confident about what comes next. No pressure, just clarity 📍
🔨 What Sellers Should Do to Stand Out
If you’re thinking of listing in the $1M+ market, this is a different playing field than in crazy-hot times. Here’s how to maximize what you get:
Price smart from the start: Overpricing can lead to your home sitting longer, which may stigmatize the listing. Homes priced right today are still selling within 30-45 days.
Stage & present beautifully: First impressions matter even more when buyers can afford to be picky. Clear clutter, brighten up spaces, fix small cosmetic issues. Buyers will compare heavily.
Use creative offers / incentives: Offering perks like covering a portion of closing costs, perhaps a rate buydown, or flexible move-in terms can make your property stand out without dropping your list price drastically.
Marketing matters: High quality photos, video tours, virtual walkthroughs, highlighting unique features (views, upgrades, proximity to amenities) — make the listing feel premium in every way.
Be ready to negotiate: Homes are not flying off the shelf as they once did. Buyers will expect concessions; being flexible (in inspection, timeline, or minor fixes) can help close faster.
Hit reply or book a strategy call so you can feel confident about what comes next. No pressure, just clarity 📍
Talk Soon, NS
