San Diego Real Estate: October's Market - Navigating New Trends & Staging Strategies

San Diego Housing Market Update – Week Ending October 12, 2025

As we step deeper into October, the San Diego housing market continues to keep us on our toes! Last week, we talked about a surge in "new" listings that were likely rebranded older properties. This week's data provides even more clarity on that trend.

While Newly Pending Sales for detached homes dipped by a notable 6.4% this week, and **Newly Sold** numbers were down 13%, the Median Sold Price remained resilient. This suggests that while buyers may be taking a moment to evaluate the increased inventory, serious transactions are still moving forward at solid values.

For attached homes (condos/townhomes), the picture is even more pronounced. We saw a significant 35% jump in Newly Pending Sales – a powerful rebound! However, with New Listings down 19%, this could point to a healthy absorption of available inventory. While the Median Sold Price adjusted slightly, the market's activity indicates a strong underlying demand.

These shifts highlight a market that's less about dramatic changes and more about strategic staging and informed decision-making. It's not just about a "fresh listing" anymore; it's about the right strategy to meet the market where it is. Let's dive into the specifics...

🏠 DETACHED HOMES – Week Ending October 12, 2025

Data for San Diego County detached homes for the week ending October 12, 2025. Source: SDMLS | Analysis by Matt O'Brien, Realtor.

For detached homes, New Listings showed a decrease of 9.5% this week, after last week's unexpected jump. This indicates the "re-listing" trend might be settling, giving buyers a clearer view of truly new inventory. Newly Pending Sales saw a 6.4% decrease from last week, now sitting at 250. However, this figure is still 13% lower than the same period last year. Newly Sold homes also declined by 13% this week but remain slightly up by 13% compared to October 2023, showing long-term strength. The Median Days on Market extended to 29 days, up 8 days from last week, suggesting properties are taking a little longer to find their buyer. Impressively, the Median Sold Price for detached homes held strong at $980,000, which is down 6.7% from last week but still up 5.6% from October 2023, showcasing resilient values year-over-year. Overall Active Inventory remains stable at 3,250, a slight decrease of 0.15% from last week.

🏢 ATTACHED HOMES (Condos/Townhomes) – Week Ending October 12, 2025

Data for San Diego County attached homes for the week ending October 12, 2025. Source: SDMLS | Analysis by Matt O'Brien, Realtor.

The attached market shows some interesting shifts. New Listings saw a 19% decrease this week, after a significant jump last week, now at 230. This could indicate a healthier absorption of properties rather than a simple re-listing cycle. A strong rebound in Newly Pending Sales, up 35% this week to 171, is a key indicator of renewed buyer activity, and this figure is 33% higher than October 2023! Newly Sold homes remained steady with a minor 0.78% increase this week. The Median Days on Market increased by 5 days to 31, suggesting a slightly longer sales cycle. The Median Sold Price for attached homes held firm at $682,500, up 5.5% from last week and maintaining close to last year's figures (down only 0.36%). Active Inventory for attached homes saw a minor decrease of 1.9% this week, now at 2,475, but remains 33% higher than last year, still offering ample choices for buyers.

💡 What This Means for You

🔵 For Buyers

The detached market offers more time to evaluate as Median DOM increased. With fewer truly "new" listings and a slight dip in pending sales, competition might ease. However, act decisively on well-priced attached homes, as the surge in pending sales suggests quick movement. The stable median prices across both sectors underscore underlying value. This is a strategic window to find your next home.

🟢 For Sellers

Pricing and presentation remain paramount. While detached homes are taking longer to sell, strong median prices mean your equity is holding. For attached properties, the robust pending sales indicate strong buyer interest – ensure your property is competitively priced and expertly staged to capture this demand. The market is discerning; quality and strategy win.

🟠 For Homeowners

Your property values, especially for detached homes, are proving resilient with median prices holding steady year-over-year. The market is active, with consistent sales volume. This is a good time to assess your home's current value and consider any upgrades that could enhance its appeal if you plan to sell in the near future, aligning with the "strategic staging" theme.

💰 For Investors

The attached market shows intriguing signs of strong buyer absorption, with pending sales up significantly while new listings are down. This could signal opportunities for quicker returns on well-positioned condo/townhome investments. In both sectors, properties with strong staging and competitive pricing are moving, emphasizing the importance of condition and market appeal.

📞 Ready to Make Your Move?

The San Diego real estate market in October is nuanced, moving beyond simple listing counts to reveal strategic shifts. Understanding these trends, from re-listing tactics to robust pending sales, is crucial for success. If you're ready to explore your options, whether buying, selling, or investing, let's connect and strategize.