Downtown San Diego Real Estate Update – August 2025: Is Now the Time to Make Your Move?

Are Downtown San Diego home prices holding strong, or is the market shifting?

Right now, the 92101 market is showing steady pricing with brisk activity, and some homes are still drawing above-asking offers. With a median list price of $534,900 and 121 active listings, buyers have more options than earlier this year, but competition is still alive for the best homes. As a top San Diego real estate agent, Melina Rissone says now’s the time to watch trends closely if you’re thinking about buying or selling.

What’s Driving Today’s Downtown San Diego Market?

The downtown condo and loft scene is always a blend of lifestyle and investment value. For August 2025, here’s what stands out:

  • Median list price: $534,900, reflecting stable demand for urban living

  • Median sold price: $502,125, still strong, though slightly below list on average

  • Median price per square foot: $690, showing the premium for location and walkability

  • Median days on market: 26 days, quick by national standards, signaling strong buyer interes.

  • 18.8% of homes sold above asking, a sign that well-presented, well-priced listings still spark bidding wars.

Melina Rissone notes that while the average sale is coming in a bit under list price, the best properties—especially those with views, modern upgrades, or parking—are still commanding top dollar.

For Buyers: More Choices, But Still Act Quickly

If you’ve been waiting for more inventory, you now have 121 active listings to choose from, a welcome increase compared to early summer. But don’t let that lull you into thinking you can wait too long.

Top tips from Melina for buyers:

  1. Get pre-approved before touring: sellers take offers more seriously when financing is ready.

  2. Know your “must-haves” vs. “nice-to-haves”: with quick-moving homes, you need to decide fast.

  3. Watch the price-per-square-foot trend: $690 is the median now, so if you see something under $650 in a good building, it might be a smart buy.

For Sellers: Opportunity to Stand Out

With buyers having more choices, presentation is everything. Melina recommends:

  • Professional photography and virtual tours to highlight unique features.

  • Pricing smartly: not too high to scare buyers off, but with room for negotiation.

  • Listing early in the month so your home is fresh for peak showing times.

Even though the median sold price is slightly under asking, that 18.8% above-asking stat means there’s still a path to multiple-offer situations… if your listing strategy is on point.

Looking Ahead: Downtown’s Fall Market

As we move toward fall, interest rates and local job growth will be key market drivers. With more inventory, buyers gain negotiating power—but sellers who position their property right can still win big.

Melina predicts we’ll see continued stability in pricing through the end of the year, with the potential for slight upticks if mortgage rates dip.

Final Takeaway

Downtown San Diego’s 92101 market is currently balanced, leaning slightly toward buyers in terms of selection but still rewarding sellers who prepare well. Whether you’re buying or selling, your strategy matters more than ever… and timing it right can make all the difference.

If you’re curious about your home’s current market value or want insider guidance on buying downtown, Melina Rissone offers a free, personalized market report for your property and neighborhood. Schedule your call today to see exactly where you stand in the market.

Melina Rissone

Having sold properties for more than 20 years and earning various prestigious awards throughout the course of her career, Melina Rissone has more than earned her reputation as one of San Diego's most skilled and trustworthy real estate brokers selling homes and luxury condominiums. Her loyal clientele would share that Melina brings structure and planning to chaos. She specializes in supporting her clients and their referrals; families and individuals going through divorce and seniors and active adults planning their moves and financial decisions during their retirement years.

  • Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and Institute of Luxury Home Marketing certified.

  • Certified Senior Advisor by the Society of Certified Senior Advisors

  • Cartus Network Inventory Specialist and Cartus Network Marketing Specialist since 2015.

  • RCS-D Designation, a Real Estate Collaboration Specialist for Divorce.

  • SRES Certification through NAR is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist certification.

  • Melina is bilingual in English and German.

  • Recognized as the Top 4% of all real estate brokers in San Diego County in 2021 and the Top 3% of Coldwell Banker International.

  • Coldwell Banker Presidents Elite Award.

  • Recognize as the Top 2% of Coldwell Banker West in 2024.

  • Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and Institute of Luxury Home Marketing Certified.

Melina is on point, extremely resourceful and well connected. She has a very versatile knowledgebase so was able to help guide us in many areas I was not even expecting from an agent. I've referred her to several friends who all reported great experiences. She takes her role in representing her client very seriously so its not like some kind of half time gig thing. She gets it done.

                                                                          -Dan C.