Inventory Tightens as Holidays Approach and Rates Drop

San Diego Housing Market Update – Week Ending November 16, 2025

Is this the seasonal slowdown we expected, or is there something else at play? This week, San Diego’s housing market began its typical holiday descent. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, sellers are naturally pulling back, shifting their focus from listing homes to hosting dinners. New listings dropped significantly across the county as the holiday season officially overtakes the market's attention.

However, this seasonal lull coincides with a major financial opportunity. Mortgage rates have dipped to around 6.12% (Source: CBS News), their lowest level in recent memory. This creates a unique dynamic: inventory is tightening just as purchasing power is expanding. If you are looking for a home, the selection might be slimmer, but the financing terms are getting sweeter.

🏠 DETACHED HOMES – Week Ending Nov 16, 2025

Data for San Diego County detached single-family homes. Source: SDMLS | Analysis by Matt O'Brien, Realtor.

The holiday effect is in full swing for single-family homes. New listings dropped 21% this week, falling to just 262 homes countywide. This isn't necessarily a sign of market weakness but rather a reflection of the calendar. Sellers typically retreat in mid-November to avoid having their homes on the market during the festivities.

Despite the drop in fresh inventory, underlying value remains robust. Since weekly sales data can be volatile, we look to the 4-week moving average for a clearer picture of pricing trends. The current 4-week moving average for detached homes is $1,050,625, which is up slightly from the previous 4-week average of $1,034,375. When we compare this to the same period last year, where the 4-week average was approximately $1,045,000, we see a market that is holding its value remarkably well despite the seasonal shift.

🏢 ATTACHED HOMES (Condos/Townhomes) – Week Ending Nov 16, 2025

Data for San Diego County attached homes. Source: SDMLS | Analysis by Matt O'Brien, Realtor.

The condo market also saw a notable decrease in activity, with new listings dropping 30% week-over-week. Again, this isn't a crash; it is the holidays. Homeowners are simply pressing pause on their selling plans until the New Year. Interestingly, buyer demand in this sector is holding up better than expected. Pending sales actually ticked up slightly (3.2%), suggesting that buyers looking for affordable entry points are still very much active.

Pricing in the attached market remains stable as well. The current 4-week moving average for sold prices is $678,800, showing a modest increase from the previous 4-week average of $673,862. Comparing this to last year's 4-week average of roughly $684,000, prices are essentially flat. This stability, combined with the drop in inventory, means competitive tension could remain for the best listings even as the year winds down.

💡 What This Means for You

🛒 For Buyers

Less Noise, Better Rates. The drop in inventory means you have fewer options to scroll through, but the drop in rates to 6.12% means you can afford more home than you could just a few months ago. Use this holiday distraction to your advantage. While other buyers are busy with turkeys and travel, you can face less competition for the homes that remain.

💰 For Sellers

The Stage is Yours. With so many sellers pulling their homes off the market for the holidays, the "competition" just vanished. Inventory is tightening, which puts a spotlight on the homes that are left. If your home is well-presented and priced correctly, you won't just be another listing; you will be one of the only listings. This is your chance to shine and capture the attention of serious buyers who are motivated to close before year-end.

🪺 For Homeowners

Steady as She Goes. The data confirms that our market is resilient. Despite the seasonal slowdown in activity, prices are holding steady (and even ticking up slightly on the 4-week trend). Your equity is safe, and the market is behaving exactly as a healthy, normalized market should in November.

📞 Ready to Make Your Move?

The holidays can actually be one of the smartest times to make a move. Serious buyers are out there, and serious sellers are making deals happen. Whether you want to strategize for a purchase in this lower-rate environment or position your home to stand out while inventory is low, let's connect.