Housing Inventory Restocks After the Holidays

by Matt O'Brien

Market Update for the Week Ending January 11, 2026

A photorealistic image of a man in a modern, bright San Diego kitchen restocking a wooden shelf with gourmet groceries, symbolizing the seasonal replenishment of housing inventory. — San Diego County Real Estate Market Update for the week ending Jan 11, 2026. Image generated by AI.

The holiday season has officially concluded, and the San Diego housing market is beginning its annual process of restocking inventory. This transition is a normal, healthy part of the real estate cycle as sellers who paused for the festivities return to the market.

While the number of available homes is increasing, the early data for 2026 reveals significant insights into how buyers are claiming these new listings and how property types are performing differently as we enter the new year.

🏠 DETACHED HOMES: Buyer Readiness and Fast Action

San Diego County Detached Homes data for week ending January 11, 2026. New listings rose to 345, while 157 homes went into contract. Notably, 42 homes were snatched up in 14 days or less with a median market time of just 6 days. The 4-week median sold price is $1,067,500. — Data for San Diego County detached single family homes for the week ending 01/11/26. Source: SDMLS | Analysis by Matt O'Brien, Realtor.

New listings for detached homes rose to 345 this week. This is a standard seasonal replenishment, and it is worth noting that this figure is actually 3.9% lower than the same week last year. The market is not being flooded, but rather returning to a more traditional post holiday flow.

Market Activity and Speed
We saw 157 homes go into contract this week. When we look at the 4-week running average of 164, we can see that demand is holding steady as we transition out of the holiday lull. What is most impressive is the readiness of current buyers. Out of the 157 total sales, 42 of those homes were claimed in 14 days or less. Even more striking is that the median time on market for that specific group was only 6 days. While the overall market allows for some breathing room, this shows that a significant number of buyers are fully prepared to act with urgency when the right property appears.

Pricing Trends
To maintain a clear view of market value and avoid weekly spikes from one off luxury sales, we prioritize the 4-week running average for prices. The current 4-week median sold price is $1,067,500. This smoothed data shows that single family home values are starting the year on firm footing. It is also interesting to note the gap between asking prices and sales. Currently, active detached listings have a median price of $1,239,000, while the homes actually going into contract are closer to $910,000.

The Takeaway: Preparation is the key to success right now. The fact that over 25% of this week's sales happened in under two weeks proves that well positioned homes are finding their buyers almost immediately.

🏢 ATTACHED HOMES: More Options and Increasing Leverage

San Diego County Attached Homes data for week ending January 11, 2026. Inventory is up 25% year-over-year at 1,851 units. 18 properties went under contract in 14 days or less with a median market time of 5 days. The 4-week median sold price is $684,207. — Data for San Diego County attached homes for the week ending 01/11/26. Source: SDMLS | Analysis by Matt O'Brien, Realtor.

The attached market, including condos and townhomes, saw 306 new listings this week. This sector is rebuilding inventory more aggressively than the detached market, and total active inventory has grown to 1,851. This is a significant 25% higher than a year ago.

Market Activity and Speed
Total sales for the week reached 96 units, which is a healthy jump above our 4-week average of 83. Within that group, 18 properties went under contract in 14 days or less. Much like the detached market, these fast moving units had a median time on market of just 5 days. Even in a market with more options, the most compelling condos are moving at a very rapid clip.

The Inventory Factor
The 25% increase in condo inventory compared to last year is providing buyers with much more leverage. Several factors are contributing to these homes sitting longer, including rising HOA fees and complex insurance requirements that can sometimes limit the pool of available buyers. Because there are so many more options to consider, it naturally takes longer for buyers to evaluate their choices. This increased supply is reflected in the pricing, with the current 4-week running average for the median sold price sitting at $684,207.

The Takeaway: Condo buyers currently enjoy significantly more leverage and choice than they have in recent years. For sellers in this space, standing out among the increased competition is essential to finding a buyer quickly.

💡 What This Means For You

🛒 For Buyers

The inventory restock is providing the variety you likely missed in December. Our data shows a split reality. You have time to evaluate the broader market, but for the most desirable listings, the window of opportunity is about 5 to 6 days. Being fully pre-approved and ready to tour is what allows you to compete for those high-demand properties.

💰 For Sellers

In the detached market, demand is actively meeting the new supply. In the condo market, you are competing in a much larger field of options. Regardless of property type, the homes that find success in under 14 days are those that are priced accurately and presented impeccably from day one.

🪺 For Homeowners

The 2026 market is beginning with a predictable, steady rhythm. We are seeing a healthy replenishment of homes without an oversupply in the detached sector. While condo values are navigating some supply side pressure, the overall San Diego market remains resilient as we transition into the busier spring months.