Is buyer demand rising or slowing in University Heights, Normal Heights, and Kensington?
Are home prices and buyer demand rising or slowing in University Heights, Normal Heights, and Kensington right now?
If you are buying or selling in University Heights, Normal Heights, and Kensington, as of 2026 the latest MLS data shows a market that is active, competitive, and still leaning in favor of sellers, especially in the detached home segment. Inventory remains limited, homes are moving at a steady pace, and a meaningful share is closing at or above asking price.
This update by Melina Rissone breaks down what is happening in the 92116 real estate market and what it means for you if you are buying a home in University Heights, Normal Heights, and Kensington.
What the San Diego 92116 Real Estate Market Looks Like In 2026
Based on the 135 active, pending, and sold listings in this MLS export, here is the current snapshot:
85 sold listings
30 active listings
20 pending listings
The majority of activity is in detached homes, which make up 83 of the 135 properties. Attached properties including condos and townhomes account for the rest, creating a diverse mix of options for buyers.
When you look at closed sales, the median sold price is approximately $1,050,000. That gives you a realistic benchmark for what buyers have recently been willing to pay in 92116.
Homes are also selling relatively quickly. The median days on market for sold properties is about 20 days. That means half of all homes are going under contract in less than three weeks. In practical terms, this is not a slow market. Well priced homes are still moving.
For sellers, that is encouraging. For buyers, it means preparation and timing matter.
Pricing Trends in the University Heights, Normal Heights, and Kensington Housing Market
The median list price across sold homes is just under $1,000,000, while the median sold price is slightly higher, around $1,050,000. This tells you something important: many homes are closing at or above their original asking price.
Roughly 41% of sold homes closed above list price. That is a strong indicator of competition, particularly for well prepared, well located properties.
At the same time, not every home is seeing multiple offers. Some properties are selling at or slightly below asking, especially if they are priced aggressively at the start or need updates. This creates a nuanced environment rather than a one size fits all seller’s market.
Melina often explains to clients that pricing strategy is everything in a market like this. List too high and you risk sitting. Price strategically and you increase your odds of strong early activity, which can lead to better final terms.
If you want to understand how your specific property fits into these price trends, this is a good time to schedule a strategy call with Melina.
Inventory and What It Means for You
There are currently 30 active listings in this dataset and 20 pending. With 85 homes sold over the recent period covered in this export, the implied pace of absorption suggests roughly 1.5 to 2 months of supply.
In plain language, that is tight inventory. A balanced market typically has closer to five to six months of supply. At current levels, 92116 remains tilted toward sellers.
For buyers, low inventory means:
Fewer choices at any given time
More competition for updated, move in ready homes
Less leverage in negotiations on highly desirable properties
For sellers, limited supply strengthens your position, especially if your home is detached and located in a high demand pocket of 92116.
Melina has been advising sellers to pay close attention to active competition before listing. Even in a low inventory market, buyers are price sensitive. When you align with the data, you increase your odds of attracting serious offers quickly.
How Fast Are Homes Selling in University Heights, Normal Heights, and Kensington?
Speed is one of the clearest indicators of buyer demand.
The median days on market for sold properties is about 20 days. Pending homes are also moving quickly, with many going under contract in just a few weeks.
However, there is a wide range. Some homes went under contract in under 10 days, while others took 40 to 60 days or more. That spread tells you the market is responsive to pricing and conditions.
If you are buying a home in 92116, you cannot assume you will have weeks to think it over on every property. The homes that show well and are priced correctly tend to move first.
If you are selling a home in 92116, the first two to three weeks are critical. Melina often emphasizes that the launch strategy can determine the entire outcome of the sale. Early momentum frequently translates into stronger negotiating power.
Detached Homes vs Condos and Townhomes in 92116
This dataset includes:
83 detached homes
39 attached properties
9 condos
4 townhomes
Detached homes dominate the market in 92116 and tend to command the highest prices. Many of the top sales in this export are single family properties well above the median price point.
Attached properties, including condos and townhomes, generally trade at lower price points and can offer more entry level access to the neighborhood.
If you are a first time buyer or looking for a lower maintenance option, condos and townhomes may provide opportunity, especially if you are open to slightly longer days on market.
If you are a seller of a detached home, you are operating in the strongest segment of the 92116 real estate market. Melina Rissone frequently helps sellers in this category position their homes to highlight lot size, outdoor space, and lifestyle features that justify premium pricing.
What the Sold Data Tells You About Buyer Behavior
Looking at the 85 sold properties gives you the clearest insight into what buyers are actually doing, not just what sellers are hoping for.
Key takeaways:
Median sold price around $1,050,000
Median days on market about 20 days
Around 41% sold above asking price
Majority of activity in detached homes
Buyers are still willing to compete, especially for homes that are updated, well located, and priced in line with recent comparable sales.
At the same time, the fact that nearly 60 percent did not sell above asking tells you buyers are not ignoring value. Overpricing still creates friction.
Keep in mind that the sold data is your reality check. Active listings show expectations. Sold listings show outcomes.
Practical Tips if You Are Buying in University Heights, Normal Heights, and Kensington
If you are entering the 92116 housing market as a buyer, here are a few data driven recommendations:
Get fully pre approved before touring seriously
Review recent sold comparables before writing an offer
Be prepared to move quickly on homes priced at or below recent median levels
Look closely at properties that have been on the market longer for potential negotiation
Because inventory is tight, waiting for a perfect scenario may limit your options. Melina works closely with buyers to identify which homes are likely to draw multiple offers and which may offer room for strategic negotiation.
Tips For Home Sellers in 92116
If you are selling a home in 92116, the current data works in your favor, but execution matters.
Price based on recent sold data, not just active listings
Prepare your home thoroughly before launch
Focus on the first two weeks as your prime opportunity window
Monitor competing active listings closely
Even in a strong market, buyers compare options. The goal is not simply to list high. The goal is to generate serious interest and convert it into strong offers.
Melina has seen firsthand how thoughtful pricing and preparation can make a measurable difference in final sale price and days on market.
The Bottom Line on the San Diego 92116 Market Trends
The San Diego 92116 real estate market remains active and competitive. Median prices are strong, homes are moving in around three weeks on average, and a significant share are closing above asking price.
Inventory levels suggest continued seller advantage, especially in the detached home segment. Buyers still have opportunities, but preparation and timing are essential.
Whether you are planning on buying a home in 92116 or selling a home in 92116, understanding how these numbers apply to your specific property and price range is critical.
If you are curious what your home could sell for in today’s 92116 real estate market, you can request a free, data backed market value report tailored to your property and neighborhood. Melina Rissone can help you interpret the numbers, plan your timing, and build a strategy that aligns with your goals.
Reach out to Melina today to schedule a personalized market consultation and turn this data into a clear next step.
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
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.
