Is Now the Time to Sell in the Central San Diego Real Estate Market?
Are homeowners in City Heights and Central San Diego still seeing strong buyer demand this fall? In a word, yes. Even with prices leveling off after two years of rapid growth, homes in Central San Diego continue to sell quickly, often within just a few weeks.
According to top San Diego agent Melina Rissone, buyer demand remains steady because of limited housing supply and strong interest from both first-time and move-up buyers. For anyone planning to list before the end of the year, this fall offers an ideal mix of motivated buyers and fewer competing listings.
The Market Has Shifted, But Sellers Still Hold the Advantage
The latest MLS data for 92105, which includes a significant part of Central San Diego, shows a median listing price of about $625,000 and a median of just 17 days on the market. While prices have steadied since the spring peak, homes that are priced correctly and presented well continue to sell quickly.
The current inventory supply translates to about 2.5 months’ worth of available homes. That’s below what is considered a balanced market, which keeps sellers in a favorable position as the year winds down.
According to Melina Rissone, this season gives homeowners a strong opportunity to attract serious buyers. Buyer activity usually slows slightly in November, but those still looking now are determined to close before mortgage rates shift again. Listings that are priced right and move-in ready continue to sell fast.
Central San Diego Market Statistics
As of November 2025, there are 47 active listings available, with a slightly lower median active list price of $569,500. This slight difference in pricing may offer strategic opportunities for sellers to competitively price their homes, while buyers can expect some flexibility during negotiations.
Currently, there are 20 new pending listings with a median list price of $624,975, and homes are typically pending after just 17 days on the market. This quick turnaround is echoed in the sold listings data, where the median sold price is $625,000, with homes spending an average of 22 days on market. The sold-to-list price ratio remains strong at 100.36%, indicating that homes are generally selling at or above the asking price
What’s Driving the Market in City Heights
Several Central San Diego communities, including City Heights but also neighboring Oak Park and Fairmount Park, are seeing steady buyer interest due to their affordability and proximity to Downtown. With many homes priced below the county median, these neighborhoods remain appealing to those seeking a central location at a more accessible price point.
For sellers, this means homes that show well and highlight practical upgrades stand out. Buyers in these areas are drawn to features such as private outdoor space, functional layouts, and updated kitchens. Melina Rissone notes that while bidding wars are less common than in 2022, well-presented homes can still attract multiple offers and strong closing prices.
Central San Diego Attractions
What makes City Heights and the rest of 92105 attractive besides its relatively affordable prices? Residents enjoy easy access to Chollas Lake Park, an oasis for outdoor activities like fishing, jogging and cycling.
The community is well-connected by freeways and public transportation, making commuting to downtown San Diego convenient. It’s also just a short drive north for students and staff at San Diego State University. And of course, Balboa Park just a few minutes to the west is a hub of culture and entertainment that attracts many San Diegans as well as tourists the world over.
Pricing Strategies for Today’s Real Estate Market
With homes selling quickly but buyers becoming more selective, pricing and presentation matter more than ever.
Price based on recent activity. Even a small overpricing can cause a listing to linger. Buyers now compare homes carefully and will skip those that seem inflated. And homes that languish on the market for months will cause even the most eager buyers to wonder if that extended time is caused by some underlying issue.
Showcase your home online. Bright, clean, and uncluttered spaces photograph best and create immediate interest. Buyers decide within seconds whether a listing feels worth visiting, and sometimes even from the first photo presented.
Work with a local expert. Having worked extensively in the San Diego metro area for two decades, Melina Rissone knows which micro-markets move fastest and how to position your home effectively against nearby listings.
Real Estate Market Predictions for 2026
While activity may dip briefly right around the holidays, the overall market looks strong. While no one has a crystal ball, the coming year will likely bring steady prices and a healthy pace of sales. And mortgage rates continue to fluctuate, but most buyers remain active as long as rates stay within a manageable range, not too far above the 7% threshold.
If you plan to sell in early 2026, now is the right time to prepare. Simple improvements such as fresh paint, minor landscaping, and even a stylish new welcome mat can make a strong impact. Melina Rissone often helps homeowners develop 60-day action plans that align preparation, pricing, and marketing for the best results once the home hits the market.
Final Takeaway
The 92105 real estate market continues to favor sellers, but success depends on strategy. Homes that are well priced, thoughtfully staged, and comprehensively marketed are the ones that sell fastest and for the strongest returns.
With deep knowledge of San Diego metro neighborhoods like City Heights, Melina Rissone helps homeowners position their properties effectively in this competitive market. Her data-driven approach allows sellers to make confident, well-timed decisions. If you’re curious what your home could sell for in our current market, call or text her today for a free, personalized market value report. You will receive a detailed neighborhood analysis and tailored recommendations for timing and pricing.
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
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.
We were looking to buy a place in SD Northpark and luckily we met up with Melina to show us multiple condo. She is very friendly, personable and very professional agent. We would not hesitate to work with her again.
-Chau N.
