Are home prices in the College Area still rising, and is now a good time to buy or sell?
Yes. The College Area real estate market remains healthy and competitive, with home values holding steady to slightly higher than last year, homes selling relatively quickly, and nearly half of sellers receiving offers above asking price. Melina Rissone can help you use this data to decide whether buying, selling, or waiting makes the most sense for your goals.
What the Latest College Area Market Data Shows
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the College Area, understanding current market conditions can help you make smarter decisions. Recent market activity shows a market that continues to favor well-positioned sellers while still offering opportunities for buyers who are prepared and strategic.
The data includes 267 properties across the 92115 ZIP code, with 133 completed sales and 93 active listings currently available. This gives us a clear picture of how the market is performing as we move through the spring selling season.
Several key trends stand out:
- Median sold price: $768,000
- Median days on market: 16 days
- Median price per square foot: approximately $660
- Active inventory: 93 homes
- Nearly 46% of sold homes closed above asking price
Together, these numbers indicate that buyer demand remains strong, particularly for homes that are priced appropriately and presented well.
Home Prices Continue to Show Strength
One of the biggest questions homeowners ask is whether property values are still increasing.
The answer appears to be yes.
The median sold price in the market reached approximately $768,000. Compared with sales that closed during 2025, prices have edged higher, demonstrating continued resilience despite higher mortgage rates and economic uncertainty.
This is encouraging news if you’re considering selling a home in the College Area. Buyers remain willing to pay competitive prices for homes that meet their needs, especially properties that are updated, move-in ready, or located near major employment centers and universities.
For buyers, rising values reinforce the importance of entering the market with a long-term perspective. Waiting for significant price declines has not proven to be an effective strategy in many San Diego neighborhoods, and the College Area continues to show steady demand.
Homes Are Still Selling Quickly
Another sign of a healthy market is how quickly properties are going under contract.
The median days on market for sold homes was just 16 days. In practical terms, that means many homes are receiving serious interest within the first few weeks of being listed.
Fast-moving inventory creates challenges for buyers who are not fully prepared. Financing, pre-approval, and quick decision-making can make a significant difference when competing for desirable properties.
For sellers, this level of demand creates an opportunity to attract strong offers early in the listing process. Working with an experienced local professional such as Melina Rissone can help ensure your pricing and marketing strategy are aligned with current buyer expectations.
Nearly Half of Homes Sold Above Asking Price
One of the clearest indicators of buyer demand is the percentage of homes selling above asking price.
In the latest data, roughly 46% of all completed sales closed above list price.
That tells us buyers are still competing for desirable properties. While bidding wars may not be as widespread as they were during the market frenzy of previous years, multiple-offer situations remain common for well-priced homes. At the same time, not every listing is receiving aggressive offers. Buyers have become more selective, and homes with pricing, condition, or location challenges may spend longer on the market. This creates an environment where strategy matters more than ever.
Inventory Is Improving but Still Relatively Balanced
Inventory remains one of the most important factors shaping the local housing market.
There are currently 93 active listings available in the College Area. Based on recent sales activity, the market is carrying roughly four months of inventory.
Generally speaking:
- Less than four months favors sellers
- Four to six months is considered balanced
- More than six months favors buyers
With inventory sitting near the balanced range, the market is no longer experiencing the extreme shortages seen in recent years. However, there is still not enough supply to create significant downward pressure on prices.
For buyers, this means there are more choices available than there were during peak competition periods.
For sellers, it means presentation, pricing, and marketing are becoming increasingly important as buyers gain more options.
Different Property Types Are Performing Differently
Not all segments of the market are behaving the same way.
Single-family detached homes continue to command the highest prices, with median sales approaching the upper $900,000 range.
Condominiums remain the most affordable entry point into homeownership within the College Area market, with median sales around the mid-$400,000 range.
Townhomes occupy the middle ground, appealing to buyers seeking additional space while maintaining affordability relative to detached homes. This segmentation creates opportunities for different types of buyers.
First-time buyers may find condos and townhomes particularly attractive, while move-up buyers continue to drive demand in the detached home segment.
If you’re unsure which segment best aligns with your goals, Melina can help you evaluate current opportunities and identify neighborhoods that fit your budget and needs.
What Buyers Should Know Right Now
If you’re buying a home in the College Area, today’s market requires preparation but not panic.
While competition remains healthy, buyers generally have more negotiating power than they did during the most intense seller-market conditions.
A few recommendations include:
- Obtain full loan approval before beginning your search
- Act quickly when desirable properties become available
- Focus on long-term value rather than short-term market fluctuation.
- Consider properties that may need cosmetic updates to reduce competition
The good news is that inventory levels have improved enough to provide buyers with more choices and time to evaluate options carefully.
What Sellers Should Know Right Now
If you’re selling a home in the College Area, market conditions remain favorable, but expectations should be realistic.
Buyers are informed and have more options than they did several years ago. Homes that are overpriced often experience longer market times and price reductions.
- Successful sellers are focusing on:
- Strategic pricing
- Professional photography
- Strong online marketing
- Property preparation before listing
Melina works closely with sellers to position properties effectively so they attract the highest possible level of buyer interest.
What to Expect for the Rest of 2026
Looking ahead, the most likely scenario is continued market stability. Inventory has increased modestly, but demand remains strong enough to support current pricing levels.
Employment growth, limited housing supply, and the continued desirability of central San Diego neighborhoods should help support home values throughout the year.
While mortgage rates will continue influencing affordability, there is currently little evidence suggesting a significant correction in the College Area housing market.
Instead, buyers and sellers should expect a market characterized by moderate appreciation, healthy transaction volume, and balanced negotiating conditions.
Final Thoughts
The College Area real estate market remains active, competitive, and remarkably resilient. Home prices are holding firm, homes are selling quickly, and buyer demand continues to support strong values across much of the area.
Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up, downsizing, or considering an investment property, understanding local market trends can help you make informed decisions.
If you’d like personalized guidance or want to know what your home is worth in today’s market, schedule a conversation with Melina Rissone. She can help you understand how current market conditions affect your specific goals and provide a free, data-backed market value report customized to your property, neighborhood, and local market trends.
