San Diego County Housing Market Update: September 2026 Numbers for North County
"Is now a good time?" is the question I hear most. The honest answer depends on the numbers, so here are the newest ones. The September 2026 data was released in early October.
The Big Picture: Prices Up, Sales Down
Countywide, the September 2026 median sales price for all property types was $910,000, up 1.7% from $895,000 in September 2025 (San Diego MLS data via Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® Monthly Indicators, Sept. 2026).
The split between home types is the real story:
| September 2026, San Diego County | Detached | Attached (condos/townhomes) |
|---|---|---|
| Median sales price | $1,079,000 (+5.8% YoY) | $670,000 (−0.2% YoY) |
| Closed sales | 1,112 (−13.9%) | 625 (−14.0%) |
| Pending sales | 1,082 (−16.8%) | 618 (−14.4%) |
| Inventory | 2,950 (−12.9%) | 2,734 (+5.8%) |
| Months of supply | 2.4 | 4.0 |
| Days on market | 37 | 44 |
| % of original list price received | 97.7% | 97.2% |
Source: GSDAR Monthly Indicators, September 2026.
In plain English, single-family homes are still scarce and gaining value. Condos and townhomes are flat, with more choices and more time on market.
North County Specifics
The North San Diego County REALTORS® (NSDCAR) Marketwatch report for September 2026 breaks out the regions (CRMLS data, current as of Oct. 4, 2026; NSDCAR Marketwatch):
| September 2026 | Median price | 1-yr change | Days on market | Closed sales (1-yr change) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North San Diego County | $1,020,000 | +4.6% | 38 | 804 (−14.0%) |
| Metro San Diego | $937,564 | −1.8% | 33 | 563 (−13.7%) |
| East County | $780,000 | −1.5% | 29 | 283 (+0.4%) |
| South County | $830,000 | +1.2% | 31 | 127 (−33.5%) |
| San Diego County overall | $900,000 | +1.2% | 34 | 1,809 (−14.2%) |
North County posted the strongest price growth of any region in the county. North County sellers also received 96.9% of their original list price, and homes took 38 days to sell, the same as a year earlier.
Note: GSDAR and NSDCAR use slightly different data sets, so their countywide medians differ ($910,000 vs. $900,000).
Why Are Sales Falling If Prices Are Rising?
Affordability. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 7.40% for the week of October 15, 2026, compared with 6.27% a year earlier (Freddie Mac PMMS). GSDAR's Housing Affordability Index for detached homes fell from 43 to 38 year over year. Fewer buyers can make the numbers work. Many owners with low-rate mortgages are also staying put, which keeps detached inventory tight and supports prices.
Nationally, the picture is softer. NAR reported 1.62 million homes for sale heading into September, a 4.9-month supply and the highest level in over ten years (as cited in the GSDAR September report). San Diego County's 3.0 months of supply (all types) is still tight by comparison.
What This Means for Sellers
- Detached homes in North County are in a good position. With prices up 4.6% and only 2.4 months of supply countywide for detached homes, a well-priced home still sells.
- Pricing matters more than ever. With pending sales down nearly 17%, overpriced listings sit. The sellers getting 97–98% of list price are the ones who priced right from day one.
- Condo and townhome sellers face more competition. Attached inventory rose 5.8% and months of supply hit 4.0. Expect to compete on condition, price, and possibly buyer incentives.
What This Means for Buyers
- Condos and townhomes are where you have leverage. Flat prices, more inventory, and 44 days on market mean room to negotiate.
- Detached buyers should be prepared. Get fully pre-approved, know your payment at today's rates, and be ready to move on the right house.
- Fall and winter mean less competition. Pending sales are down, so fewer buyers are bidding against you.
What I'm Watching Next
Over the next few months, I'm watching three things. First, whether the expected December Fed hike pushes mortgage rates higher. Second, whether rising condo inventory starts to pressure attached-home prices. Third, how the new FAIR Plan rates affect buyer demand in fire-prone pockets like Fallbrook and the Escondido foothills. I'll post an update when the October numbers come out next month, so check back. You can also ask me to email you the monthly report for your neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are home prices dropping in San Diego County? Not overall. The countywide median rose 1.7% year over year in September 2026. Detached homes rose 5.8%, and attached homes slipped 0.2%.
What is the median home price in North County San Diego? $1,020,000 in September 2026, up 4.6% from a year earlier, according to the NSDCAR Marketwatch report.
How long are homes taking to sell? North County averaged 38 days on market in September 2026. Countywide, detached homes averaged 37 days and attached homes 44.
Is inventory rising? Detached inventory fell 12.9% year over year, and attached inventory rose 5.8%.
Want Numbers for Your Neighborhood?
Countywide numbers are a starting point, but Vista isn't Carlsbad, and Fallbrook isn't Oceanside. Call me for a free, no-pressure analysis of your street or the neighborhoods you're considering.
Data reflects September 2026 reports released in October 2026.
Eddie Lagunas, Broker Associate, eXp Realty | DRE #01273510 | 760-521-4880
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