Month: May 2024

San Diego Housing Market: Boom or Bust?

A row of colorful houses with green lawns on a sunny day. There is a sidewalk in front of the houses with trees lining the street. This is a typical scene in a suburban neighborhood.

The local housing market in San Diego has been booming, having witnessed a continuous rise in prices for many years. However, with the debt market volatility and the possibility of recession, some are concerned. As a San Diego housing market player, you need to know where things are based on historical data rather than just speculation.

This article focuses on exploring the significance of past housing cycles in San Diego. By examining the ups and downs of these cycles, we gain valuable insights into how the future might unfold.

Here are three key lessons learned from past San Diego housing cycles:

  • Sustainable Growth vs. Speculative Bubbles – San Diego’s current evolution, which is supported by a diverse economy and job market, is very unlike the housing bubble of 2008, a speculative crisis. Hence, the market is probably stable.
  • Limited Inventory, Steady Demand – San Diego’s limited land area contributes to a tight supply and consistently high prices. This holds especially true in a market where demand steadily increases from both existing residents and newcomers, making it less vulnerable to sudden price fluctuations.
  • Interest Rates Matter – Rising interest rates, currently in vogue, have a tendency to temper a bubble market. While this may decelerate the pace of price growth, a crash is unlikely, particularly given San Diego’s robust fundamentals.

A look at the numbers – a decade of steady growth

Let’s take a closer look at some recent data to understand the current market dynamics. According to Zillow, the median sales price of a single-family home in San Diego County in April 2024 was $932,000, representing a 6.5% increase compared to April 2023.

While this shows continued price growth, the rate of increase has moderated slightly compared to previous years. Additionally, the number of days homes stay on the market before selling remains low, averaging around 14 days in March 2024, which indicates continued strong buyer demand.

Looking ahead – a more balanced perspective

While the future is uncertain, historical context suggests San Diego’s housing market is likely to experience short-term fluctuations rather than the boom-and-bust cycles of the past. The city’s unique economic strengths and limited land availability create a market with inherent stability.

Experts in the field, like those at the San Diego Association of Realtors, generally don’t predict a housing market crash based on current market conditions. However, it’s important to stay informed as economic factors can change.

Need Legal Advice?

Considering buying or selling a home in San Diego’s market? Protect your investment with Hoffman & Forde, Attorneys at Law. We have extensive experience in real estate law and can guide you through the process.

Contact us today for a consultation at (619) 546-7880 and our intake specialist will converse with you and collect the essential information needed to assess your matter.