What Rancho Santa Fe Buyers and Sellers Should Expect in 2026

Looking ahead, Rancho Santa Fe homes in both 92067 and 92091 are positioned for a dynamic 2026. The combined October 2025 numbers — including tightening inventory, rising month-over-month prices, and a steady 55-day median time on market — give us several clear signals about where the market is likely headed.

Here’s what you should prepare for:

1. Prices are likely to stabilize or rise modestly

With inventory down year over year and buyer demand still strong in the higher-end segments, Rancho Santa Fe is unlikely to see meaningful price declines. You may not see month-to-month jumps like the dramatic increases of late 2025, but a slow upward trend or stable plateau is the most likely path.

Expect:

• Slight appreciation in the mid-luxury ($4M–$7M) range

• Strong stability in the ultra-luxury tier ($8M+)

• A competitive environment for turnkey $2M–$3M properties

If you’re selling, this stability makes early-year listings attractive. If you’re buying, waiting for prices to “drop” may not produce the results you want.

2. Inventory will remain limited through at least mid-2026

Because both 92067 and 92091 saw year-over-year supply shrink in 2025, 2026 will likely open with fewer active listings than Rancho Santa Fe typically sees.

This creates a predictable pattern:

• Selective buyers will compete harder for the top 10–20 percent of listings

• Well-prepared sellers will get more showings and stronger offers

• Homes needing upgrades will continue to sit longer unless priced correctly

If new construction or refreshed resale inventory enters the pipeline in late 2026, it may give buyers a little breathing room, but early-year pressure is expected to favor sellers.

3. Days on market will likely compress for well-presented homes

A blended median of 55 days is already faster than typical for a luxury market. As long as inventory remains constrained, 2026 should show:

• Faster movement for homes priced in line with the comps

• Longer timelines only for homes that are over-improved or over-priced

• Increased buyer urgency when a standout listing hits the market

The days of 90- to 120-day waits may not return soon unless economic conditions shift dramatically.

4. Expect sharper differences between price tiers

Rancho Santa Fe behaves as multiple micro-markets layered on top of each other. In 2026, this split will likely become even more pronounced:

• $2M–$3M: Fastest-moving tier, strongest competition

• $4M–$6M: Balanced but leaning seller-friendly

• $7M–$9M: Moderate demand; buyers have more negotiation room

• $10M+ ultra-luxury: Very property-specific; timing matters more than broad stats

If you’re unsure which tier your home belongs in, Melina Rissone can evaluate your location, acreage, updates, and community to determine your most realistic range.

5. “Trade-up” and “scale-down” moves will increase

Because 2025 brought strong gains in multiple price brackets, many Rancho Santa Fe residents will enter 2026 with:

• Higher equity

• Clearer lifestyle priorities

• A desire to right-size, whether moving up or simplifying

This typically produces:

• More buyers in the $3M–$5M segment

• Increased demand for renovated homes

• More off-market and private sales, common in Rancho Santa Fe

Melina often helps clients pair a sell-and-buy move to reduce risk, which will become even more important in 2026’s tight inventory environment.

6. Balanced-to-seller conditions will likely continue

A combined months supply of ~6.12 places Rancho Santa Fe on the border of balanced territory, but the direction of change matters more than the number itself.

Both zips posted steep year-over-year declines in supply in 2025, so unless a wave of sellers lists their homes in early 2026:

• Sellers will retain mild leverage

• Buyers will face limited quality inventory

• Pricing will remain firm

• Time-on-market will stay in the 45–65 day range for most homes

The clearest prediction:
2026 will reward sellers who list early and buyers who act decisively.

If you want a personalized 2026 strategy for your Rancho Santa Fe home, Melina Rissone can break down your price tier, zip code, and property type to help you time your move effectively.

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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.