What's Happening in the Downtown San Diego Housing Market?
Is the San Diego 92101 housing market favoring buyers or sellers right now?
If you are buying or selling a home in Downtown San Diego, the data as of late 2025 shows a seller-leaning market with tightening inventory, faster sales, and homes still selling close to asking price.
Based on her two decades of experience in the area, Melina Rissone is uniquely well-positioned to provide insight for this neighborhood. In this update, you will see what the latest numbers mean for your timing, pricing, and negotiation strategy in the Downtown San Diego real estate market.
Bankers Hill, Little Italy, Downtown, East Village Housing Market Snapshot
Near the end of 2025, homes Downtown are selling for about 98% of their asking price, which signals steady demand without extreme bidding wars. Inventory sits at a little under five months of supply, placing the market firmly on the seller’s side of the spectrum, though not overheated.
This combination points to a market where sellers still hold leverage, but buyers who are prepared and well-advised can find opportunities. According to Melina, this is the type of environment where strategy matters more than speed alone.
What’s The Housing Inventory Like in Bankers Hill, Little Italy, Downtown, East Village?
Inventory is one of the most important signals in the Downtown San Diego market, and right now it is moving quickly.
The current 4.8 months of inventory confirms a seller’s market, but the direction of change is just as important as the number itself.
One-month inventory dropped by 11%
Twelve-month inventory declined by 29%
For buyers, this means fewer choices than last year and increased competition for well-priced homes. Waiting too long could mean missing out as options continue to shrink.
For sellers, declining inventory strengthens your position. Less competition allows your home to stand out, especially if it is priced correctly and prepared well. Sellers in 92101 should pay close attention to these shifts, because inventory changes tend to influence buyer urgency before price changes show up in headlines.
If you are planning to sell and buy at the same time in Downtown SD, coordinating the timing of both transactions is critical. In a market with shrinking inventory, selling first can reduce risk, but buying strategies need to be aligned carefully to avoid feeling rushed.
New Listings in Downtown San Diego
New listings offer an early signal of where the market may be headed. In late 2025, there were 45 new listings in 92101, with a median list price around $600,000.
This relatively modest number of new homes reinforces the story of tightening supply. When new listings remain limited, buyers tend to compete more aggressively for homes that check the right boxes.
If you’re buying a home in San Diego, tracking new listings closely matters more than ever. Fresh listings often attract the most attention in the first one to two weeks, and that window can determine whether you have negotiating leverage or not.
If you are selling, this environment works in your favor. With fewer new listings coming to market, your home is less likely to get lost in a crowded field. Melina frequently emphasizes that preparation before listing is key in moments like this, because buyers are quick to compare value when options are limited.
Active Listings and What They Reveal About Pricing in Bankers Hill, Little Italy, Downtown, East Village
There are currently 226 active listings in 92101, with a median list price roughly at $670,000. Active listings provide a real-time look at seller expectations and buyer resistance.
When active inventory stays on the market longer, it often signals overpricing. When it moves quickly, it confirms that buyers agree with current pricing levels. Right now, the balance suggests that buyers are willing to engage, but they are still selective.
For buyers, reviewing active listings helps you understand where the market draws the line. Homes priced in line with recent sales tend to move, while those priced above market can linger.
For sellers, active listings are your competition. Pricing just slightly ahead of comparable homes can reduce showings and delay offers. Melina often reviews active listings with her clients to fine-tune pricing strategies before going live, rather than adjusting after momentum is lost.
Pending Listings in Downtown San Diego
Pending listings provide one of the clearest signals of buyer demand. Near the end of 2025, there were 23 new pending listings with a median list price close to $850,000.
Homes that go pending reflect what buyers are actively choosing, not just what is available. The median days in RPR for pending listings is 43, which suggests that buyers are moving with purpose, but still taking time to evaluate value.
If you are buying, this reinforces the importance of being prepared. Well-priced homes in desirable locations or buildings can still attract multiple offers. Having financing lined up and a clear decision framework can make the difference.
If you are selling, pending activity confirms that buyers are willing to act at current price levels. This is often the moment when sellers benefit from confidence without overreaching on price.
Sold Listings and Price Trends You Should Know in 92101
The sold data tells the final story of where the market truly stands. The median sold price was $770,000, representing a 4% increase from last month.
Homes are selling in a median of 39 days, which is 29% faster than last month. This acceleration is a strong signal that buyer demand has picked up, even as inventory tightens.
For buyers, faster sales mean less room for hesitation. Delays in decision-making can quickly work against you, especially for homes that are priced well and presented effectively.
For sellers, faster sales support confident pricing, but not aggressive overpricing. The market is rewarding realism and preparation, not speculation. The goal is not just to list high, but to sell efficiently and on favorable terms.
Sold-to-list Price Ratio and Negotiation Power
Homes in 92101 are selling for about 98% of their asking price, and this ratio increased 2% month over month.
This tells you that while buyers are not routinely bidding far above asking, sellers are still achieving close to their list prices. Negotiations exist, but they are modest.
If you are buying, this means your offers need to be grounded in current market value. Deep discounts are unlikely unless a home is overpriced or has been sitting for an extended period.
If you are selling, pricing close to market value is your best strategy. Homes priced correctly from the start tend to receive stronger offers and smoother escrows. Melina often works with sellers to position their home where buyers feel confident making clean offers without prolonged back-and-forth.
What This Market Means for Downtown San Diego Home Buyers
If you are buying a home in Downtown San Diego, this market rewards preparation and clarity.
You should expect competition on desirable homes, but not the chaos of extreme bidding wars. Acting decisively, understanding recent sales, and aligning your offer terms with seller priorities can give you an edge.
This is also a market where guidance matters. Having the right agent helps buyers identify which listings are likely to attract multiple offers and which may offer room for negotiation, saving time and frustration.
What This Market Means for Downtown San Diego Home Sellers
If you are selling, conditions are working in your favor. Inventory is down, homes are selling faster, and prices are trending upward month over month.
The key is execution. Pricing accurately, preparing your home thoughtfully, and launching with a strong strategy can help you capture buyer attention early, when it matters most.
Sellers should note that in markets like this, the first two weeks on the market are critical. Strong early interest often leads to better outcomes than chasing the market later.
Strategic Recommendations Based on Recent Trends
Based on the current San Diego 92101 market trends, here are a few practical takeaways.
Price your home competitively to attract serious buyers quickly
Take advantage of faster selling times to negotiate favorable terms
Monitor inventory changes closely, as further declines could increase competition
For buyers, align your timing with new listings to maximize choice
The Bottom Line on the San Diego Real Estate Market
Recent data shows a Downtown San Diego market that is active, competitive, and still favoring sellers. Prices are rising modestly, homes are selling faster, and inventory continues to tighten.
Whether you are buying or selling, the right strategy can make a measurable difference in your results. This is where working with someone who understands both the data and the local nuances becomes invaluable. Melina helps clients navigate these conditions with clarity and confidence, tailoring each plan to the realities of the 92101 market.
If you are considering a move, now is a great time to schedule a conversation and review how these trends apply to your specific goals.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you want to understand what your home could sell for in today’s market, or you are exploring buying opportunities downtown, reach out for a free, data-backed market value report tailored to your property and neighborhood. Melina can help you turn these market trends into a smart, well-timed decision.
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.
