Is Del Mar Still a Seller’s Market in 2026?
Does the Del Mar housing market still favor sellers in 2026?
Yes, the Del Mar housing market continues to lean slightly toward sellers due to moderate to low inventory, but longer days on market and price negotiations mean that strategy matters more than ever for both buyers and sellers.
Melina Rissone offers over 20 years of local insight and strategic guidance for buyers and sellers navigating the Del Mar market. This Del Mar update focuses on all of 92014, including single-family homes and condos, so you can make informed decisions when buying or selling a home in Del Mar.
Del Mar Real Estate Market Overview for 2026
As 2026 begins, real estate trends for Del Mar show a market shaped by limited supply and steady demand. Inventory is at just under 4 months, keeping the market balanced but leaning towards seller’s market territory by traditional standards. At the same time, the pace of sales has slowed, with homes taking a median of 63 days to sell.
Home values remain strong. The median sold price is $3,500,000, while homes are selling for approximately 94% percent of their asking price. These numbers point to a market where sellers still hold leverage, but buyers are negotiating more forcefully than in prior years.
And if you were wondering: Yes, that $3.5 million figure does include condos! The sale price for single-family homes alone is an impressive $4.21 million, while the same stat for condos and townhomes is $1.96 million.
What a Seller’s Market in Del Mar Really Means in 2026
With less than four months of supply, Del Mar continues to experience upward pressure on prices, especially in well-located and well-presented homes.
However, Del Mar’s market this year isn’t defined by urgency alone. Buyers are informed, patient, and selective. Sellers who price too aggressively may face longer days on market, while homes priced correctly are still attracting serious interest. If you are buying or selling in Del Mar this year, understanding this balance is critical.
Del Mar Housing Trends and Supply Changes
Housing inventory trends are a key driver of current Del Mar market conditions. Over the past month, inventory declined by 11 percent, and over the past year, total inventory dropped by 20 percent. Fewer homes coming to market continues to support seller-friendly conditions.
There are currently 47 active listings in Del Mar, with a median list price of $4,990,000. This higher median reflects a concentration of luxury listings, which can make the market appear more expensive at a glance. Looking beyond headline numbers helps clarify where real opportunities exist for both buyers and sellers.
New Listings & Pricing Strategy in the Del Mar Market
Recent data shows only 14 new listings from the past two months, with a median list price of $3,249,000. Compared to overall active inventory, new listings are entering the market at more moderate price points, often generating immediate buyer interest.
If you’re selling a home in Del Mar, this underscores the importance of pricing accurately from the start. Homes that align with current buyer expectations are more likely to sell without prolonged price reductions. If you’re buying, new listings often present the best chance to secure a property before competition builds. Either way, Melina’s expertise can help you form the right strategy for this market.
Timing Your Move in Del Mar
Homes in Del Mar are taking a median of 63 days to sell, which is 66% slower than last month. This increase in days on market reflects a more thoughtful buying process rather than a lack of demand.
For sellers, longer timelines mean preparation matters. Professional staging, high-quality marketing, and flexible showing schedules can help reduce time on market. For buyers, extended days on market may signal negotiation opportunities, particularly on homes that have been listed for several weeks.
Pending Sales and Buyer Demand
There are 11 new pending sales with a median pending price of $3,500,000. Pending activity provides insight into where buyer demand is strongest and which price points are seeing movement.
The median days for pending listings is 57, closely mirroring overall days-on-market trends. This indicates steady buyer demand paired with careful decision-making. Competition remains strongest for well-priced homes in desirable locations throughout Del Mar.
Coordinating Selling & Buying in a Seller’s Market
If you plan to sell a home and buy another in Del Mar during 2026, timing becomes especially important. Selling first can clarify your budget but may limit your buying options due to low inventory. Buying first can secure the right property but requires careful financial planning.
This is where working with a local expert makes a difference. Melina helps clients analyze timing scenarios, manage risk, and coordinate transactions so you can move forward with confidence in a competitive market.
Tips for Buying or Selling a Home in Del Mar
Based on current Del Mar market trends, a few strategies stand out:
If you’re selling, price your home based on recent sold data and focus on presentation to stand out. List prices alone may give an inaccurate impression of what’s selling in this market.
If you’re buying, watch new listings closely and be ready to act on well-priced homes. Use days on market as a signal for potential negotiation leverage, especially if a home has been on the market for 6 weeks or longer.
These approaches can help you navigate the Del Mar real estate market more effectively in 2026.
Del Mar Real Estate Market Predictions for 2026
Looking ahead, Del Mar is likely to remain a seller’s market as long as inventory stays constrained. However, longer selling timelines and negotiated outcomes suggest a more balanced dynamic than in previous years.
Staying informed about Del Mar market trends is essential as conditions evolve. Melina closely monitors these shifts and translates them into practical, data-driven guidance tailored to your goals.
Final Thoughts… and Your Next Steps
So, is Del Mar still a seller’s market in 2026? Yes, it’s still leaning that way, but success depends on preparation, realistic pricing, and smart timing. Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding current market conditions puts you in a stronger position.
If you’d like a personalized market value report or want to discuss your options, Melina offers one-on-one consultations tailored to your home and neighborhood. Reaching out now can help ensure you’re fully prepared for your next move in Del Mar.
Melina Rissone, Associated Real Estate Broker Coldwell Banker Global Luxury, Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and Real Estate Collaboration Specialist – Divorce (RCS-D) in San Diego. I help people going through divorce in San Diego figure out what to do with the house—whether you're ready to sell now or just need a neutral opinion. I help seniors looking to retire in San Diego figure out what to do with the house—whether you're ready to sell now or just need a neutral opinion.
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 Rissone is very professional she offed recommendations, and suggestions that I had not thought of. In areas that she was not sure of, Melina provided contact person to obtain clarification. It was a pleasure working with her.
-Beethoven B.
