Home Values in San Diego, CA: A Comprehensive Guide
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Kelsey Morrison Former HomeLight EditorClose
Kelsey Morrison Former HomeLight EditorKelsey Morrison worked as an editor for HomeLight's Resource Centers. She has seven years of editorial experience in the real estate and lifestyle spaces. She previously worked as a commerce editor for World of Good Brands (eHow.com and Cuteness.com) and as an associate editor for Livabl.com. Kelsey holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, and lives in a small mountain town in Southern California.
Wondering about the latest home values in San Diego, CA? Whether you’re contemplating a sale, aiming to ditch PMI, or simply curious about market trends, knowing your home’s worth is key.
In this guide, we’ll explore current home values in America’s Finest City, offer advice on how to get an accurate home value estimate, and provide practical tips to boost your home’s value. Plus, we’ll introduce helpful tools to ensure you get the best price for your San Diego home when it’s time to sell.
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Home values have rapidly increased in recent years. How much is your current home worth now? Get a ballpark estimate from HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes and is not intended to be construed as financial advice. HomeLight always encourages you to consult your own advisor.
Current home values in San Diego, CA
The median home price in San Diego County has surged by over 50% since the start of the decade. According to the Greater San Diego Association of Realtors, the typical home — across all property types— sold for a staggering $950,000 in June 2024, compared to $630,000 in 2020.
Price increases have been even more pronounced in the single-family home market. In June, the median price of a resale single-family home exceeded $1 million for the first time, reaching $1,091,000.
“It was inevitable, and it will surpass that,” said Mark Goldman, a San Diego loan officer and real estate analyst, in a recent interview with The San Diego Union-Tribune.
The table below highlights the sharp rise in home prices in San Diego County over the past five years:
| Year | Median home price | Percent change year-over-year |
| 2024 (June) | $950,000 | +10.5% |
| 2023 (annual) | $845,000 | +3.0% |
| 2022 (annual) | $820,000 | +10.8% |
| 2021 (annual) | $740,000 | +17.3% |
| 2020 (annual) | $630,000 | +8.6% |
Source: Greater San Diego Association of Realtors
This trend isn’t isolated to San Diego; it’s evident across the United States. The Case-Shiller National Home Price Index indicates that nationwide home prices have risen 47% since 2020. This increase has resulted in considerable homeowner equity.
According to ICE’s Mortgage Monitor, the average mortgage-holding homeowner now possesses $299,000 in equity. Homeowners can leverage this equity for home improvements, new property purchases, debt reduction, or retirement savings.
For comparison, the table below shows median home prices in cities near San Diego:
| City | Median home price | Distance from San Diego |
| Coronado | $2,706,700 | 12–20 min (6.1 miles) |
| Bonita | $1,076,000 | 20–45 min (11.3 miles) |
| Del Mar | $2,725,000 | 22–30 min (20.0 miles) |
| Solana Beach | $1,941,300 | 24–35 min (22.4 miles) |
| Poway | $1,141,000 | 28–50 min (22.7 miles) |
| Fairbanks Ranch | $3,950,000 | 28–40 min (24.7 miles) |
| Encinitas | $1,811,500 | 28–40 min (25.6 miles) |
| Rancho Santa Fe | $4,500,000 | 30–40 min (26.0 miles) |
| Carlsbad | $1,461,300 | 35–55 min (34.8 miles) |
| San Marcos | $974,600 | 40-70 min (35.2 miles) |
Home value averages of multiple public transaction sites
Typical travel times 8 a.m. midweek
In the next section, we’ll explain how to estimate the value of your San Diego home.
How to get a home value estimate
If you’re curious about your home’s value in San Diego, there are multiple tools available to help you calculate it.
Use an online home value estimator
The easiest way to get a quick estimate is to use an online home value estimator. These tools pull data from various sources, such as county records, MLS listings, and user-submitted information. HomeLight’s home value estimator stands out by asking seven targeted questions about your property to come up with a more precise estimate. In just two minutes, you can get a preliminary value that provides a solid starting point for your home-selling process.
Request a comparative market analysis
Another effective method is to request a comparative market analysis (CMA) from a local real estate agent. A CMA offers a more detailed look at your home’s value by comparing it with similar homes that have recently sold in your area. This analysis considers factors such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, age of the home, location, and any recent upgrades.
A CMA report often includes charts, graphs, and photos to give you a comprehensive view of your home’s worth. Many agents offer a CMA for free as part of their services, especially if you plan to list your home with them.
When you’re ready to sell, HomeLight can connect you with experienced agents in San Diego. This free service matches you with up to three top agents who don’t pay to be listed, ensuring you get the best possible representation. According to HomeLight’s internal data, the top 5% of listing agents often sell homes for up to 10% more than average agents.
Get a pre-listing appraisal
Sometimes, a pre-listing appraisal is needed to get a more accurate home valuation. This is particularly useful for homes with unique features, those in rural areas with few comparable sales, or properties with large amounts of land. A professional appraisal helps ensure your asking price aligns with your home’s true market value.
A professional appraisal generally costs between $450 and $550, with higher costs for complex properties. Remember, even if you get a pre-listing appraisal, the buyer’s lender will still require their own independent appraisal to determine the loan amount.
How to increase the value of your home in San Diego, CA
If you’re preparing to sell your home in San Diego, making key improvements can significantly increase its value.
Curb appeal: Make enhancing your home’s curb appeal a top priority. A National Association of Realtors study found that 92% of realtors advise sellers to improve their curb appeal before listing their homes. Easy upgrades like lawn maintenance, fresh mulch, a new front door color, and updated outdoor lighting can draw in potential buyers.
Strategic updates: Invest in high-ROI home improvements such as updating kitchens and bathrooms, refinishing floors, and replacing old fixtures. Zonda’s 2023 Cost vs. Value Report highlights that replacing a garage door can recoup 103% of the cost, making it one of the best projects to take on.
Necessary fixes: Take care of essential repairs before listing. Ensure your roof, foundation, plumbing, and electrical systems are in top shape to avoid surprises during inspections. Addressing these issues early can prevent costly negotiations and make your home more marketable.
Decluttering and depersonalizing: A clean, uncluttered space helps buyers envision themselves in your home. According to a HomeLight survey of top agents, decluttering can increase your home’s sale price by $8,000 or more. Removing personal items and excess furniture makes spaces appear larger and more inviting.
Deep cleaning: A meticulous deep cleaning can enhance your home’s appeal and value. According to one HomeLight survey, a thorough cleaning can boost your home’s value by $3,700. Focus on carpets, grout, windows, and less-obvious spots like vents and baseboards to make your home sparkle.
Home staging: Professional home staging can make your home stand out. HomeLight’s data shows that staged homes often sell for up to 13% more. Staging draws attention to your home’s best features and clearly defines the purpose of each room.
Unlock Your Equity and Buy Before You Sell
Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. You can then make a strong offer on your next home with no home sale contingency.
How to buy before you sell in San Diego, CA
If you’re looking into home values in San Diego because you’ve found the home of your dreams, HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell (BBYS) program might be the perfect fit.
BBYS lets you unlock a portion of your current home’s equity to make a non-contingent offer on a new property. If your home is eligible, you can access this equity within 24 hours without any upfront fees. This allows you to buy your new home first and sell your old home while it’s empty, avoiding the stress of moving multiple times.
HomeLight charges a flat fee of 2.4% of your current home’s sale price for this service. If your home doesn’t sell within 90 days after you close on your new home, HomeLight will purchase it and continue to market it. Any profits from the eventual sale, minus HomeLight’s costs, will be returned to you.
Learn all about the benefits of HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program in the video below:
How to find a top agent in San Diego, CA
Maximizing your home’s selling price in San Diego begins with choosing the right real estate agent. HomeLight’s agent matching service makes it easy to connect with top agents in your area. The service is free, takes just a few minutes, and matches you with agents based on their past sales, specialties, and local expertise.
A key metric to consider is an agent’s sale-to-list ratio. This percentage reflects the final sale price relative to the listing price, indicating the agent’s ability to price homes accurately and negotiate effectively.
Before selecting an agent, it’s a good idea to interview at least three candidates. Here are some essential questions to ask:
- How many years have you been in the industry?
- How familiar are you with this neighborhood?
- What types of properties and price ranges do you specialize in?
- What is your average number of days on market?
- What is your commission structure?
- How will you market my home?
- Can you provide client testimonials or references?
Using HomeLight’s agent match tool and asking these questions will help you find a qualified agent who can expertly guide you through the home-selling process.
Get a free preliminary home estimate today
Understanding the value of your home is essential for making informed financial decisions, whether you’re selling, refinancing, or applying for a home equity loan. HomeLight’s free home value estimator provides a quick and accurate estimate of your home’s worth, helping you plan your next steps.
Additionally, HomeLight can connect you with top real estate agents in San Diego who can maximize your home’s sale price. The Buy Before You Sell program lets you buy a new house before selling your current one, providing flexibility and peace of mind. By keeping up with market trends in San Diego and utilizing HomeLight’s tools, you can ensure you get the best value for your home.
Header Image Source: Source: (Mylo Kaye/Unsplash)
- "S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index," Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (June 2024)
- "Most REALTORS® Recommend Improving Curb Appeal, and Homeowners Can Benefit Financially and Emotionally by Remodeling Outdoor Features, NAR-NALP Report Finds," National Association of Realtors (March 2023)
- "Top Agent Insights for End of Year 2023," HomeLight (December 2023)
- " Top Agent Insights for Fall 2022," HomeLight (September 2022)
- "Top Agent Insights for Summer 2023," HomeLight (July 2023)
- "2023 Cost vs. Value Report," Zonda (March 2023)
- "The price of a San Diego home crosses $1 million for the first time", San Diego Union-Tribune (June 2024)
At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict editorial integrity in each of our posts.
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