San Diego Real Estate
When it comes to real estate, San Diego is a goldmine of opportunities. World-renowned for its bedazzling coastline, year-round sunshine, and vibrant culture – it’s a no-brainer that people are flocking here to stake their claim and call SD home sweet home. But what does the real estate market look like in this sparkling city paradise? We’re here to answer that question and many other inquiries you might have about San Diego real estate.
4489 Van Dyke AvenueSan Diego, CA 92116
Discover the perfect blend of classic charm and modern opportunity in this 1934 Spanish-style 2-on-1 duplex, located on nearly a quarter-acre in the heart of Kensington! This unique property offers unmatched privacy with no neighbors behind you and endless possibilities for living and investment. The main home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,246 sq. ft. of living space adorned with timeless architectural details, and thoughtful updates to the kitchen and bathrooms. Adding to its appeal is a 368 sq. ft. studio with a private entrance, secluded deck, and backyard, generating $1,700/month in rental income. The versatile 368 sq. ft. studio unit could easily be converted into a stunning primary suite for the main home, creating a seamless extension of the living space. With its private entrance, deck, and backyard, this space offers the perfect opportunity to craft a luxurious retreat for additional living area while preserving the charm and functionality of the property. The spacious lot also includes a detached garage that can be converted into an additional unit, making this property an ideal choice for maximizing rental potential or enjoying multi-generational living. Whether you choose to live in the main home and rent out the studio or expand your income with additional units, this Kensington gem offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of history while offsetting your mortgage in one of San Diego's best neighborhoods.
| 2 days ago | Listing updated with changes from the MLS® | |
| 3 days ago | Listing first seen on site |
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Data last update at 2025
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Is San Diego a Good Place for Real Estate?
As if the jaw-dropping natural beauty, fascinating people, or sensational weather isn’t alluring enough, you might be wondering what other factors make San Diego real estate a hot commodity in Southern California. Let’s start with the explosive growth of several booming industries in the area. From biotech to defense, tourism to innovative tech startups – San Diego is a mecca for business enterprise. Then we have the quality of life, which is superior compared to other regions in the state. World-class dining, tons of sizzling entertainment venues, wicked-awesome surfing – there’s no end to the adventures and experiences new residents can enjoy in San Diego. For these and many other reasons, San Diego is a prime place for real estate today.
How to Choose a Real Estate Property in San Diego
This is a bit of a clincher because while there is primo real estate in San Diego to be found, the demand is high, and the supply is low. That’s great for the market, but finding that “just right” home in such a competitive market can be tough. Not to worry, here are a few tips for finding the best San Diego real estate:
- Get Clear About Your Needs and Expectations: Make a clear plan about what you want and what you can afford. This will serve as a roadmap as you search for your dream property in San Diego.
- Research Different Neighborhoods: Did you know there are about 100 different neighborhoods in San Diego? Each one has its own unique traits with pros and cons in each area (don’t worry, we’ll get into different neighborhoods in a minute). Investigating different areas will help you prepare to choose the best property.
- Get a Real Estate Agent: The absolute best way to find your perfect home in SD is to defer to an expert. With all the variables and complexities of the San Diego real estate market, a Realtor can be a godsend in navigating available inventory (and even getting privy to upcoming listings).
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in San Diego
The beauty of San Diego real estate for sale is the diversity. From ultra-urban to beachside bliss, well-heeled neighborhoods to suburban serenity – SD has it all. But which neighborhoods are the best? Well, we’re partial to La Jolla, of course. It has incredible beaches, a charming village atmosphere, and sensational dining and entertainment. For anyone looking for a more vivacious urban vibe, the Gaslamp Quarter can’t be beat. Then there’s North Park, a hip scene with a thriving art life, local craft breweries, and eclectic entertainment venues. Check out our San Diego real estate listing by neighborhood to get a better feel for each area.
San Diego Real Estate FAQs
One of the most significant factors is population growth. At the time of this writing, the population of SD is over 3.3 million, which is a .73% increase from the previous year. Combine this influx with limited real estate inventory, and you’re dealing with a big competitive market that is constantly impacting San Diego real estate. Other factors, such as increased interest rates, economic conditions, real estate taxes, zoning regulations, etc., can also influence the market.
The market fluctuates, but San Diego is experiencing a strong seller’s market at the time of this writing. The demand for homes in SD has been consistently high, with ongoing limited inventory. This creates a robust environment where sellers in SD have the upper hand.
That’s another fabulous aspect of San Diego – we have it all! From ultra-lavish to quaint little bungalows on the beach, real estate here is as diverse as the city itself.
Regardless of multi-million dollar residential property sales, San Diego has a surprisingly low price point for real estate compared to other California cities. For instance, SD’s median home price (to date) is $910,000, whereas CA homes in cities like San Jose and San Francisco fetch a median price of $1.25 million.
More great news on the San Diego real estate front – there are tons of family-friendly neighborhoods with terrific schools sprinkled throughout SD County. For instance, Carmel Valley is appealing to families because of all of its recreational activities for kids, spacious parks, and superior schools. Point Loma is also a gem of an area that attracts families looking for a quiet, coastal neighborhood with the beach just minutes away. A bit of deeper research or a sit-down with your real estate agent will illustrate all the various areas families are craving to settle into in San Diego.
It works very similarly as it does in most other states in the US. The typical process is, first, securing the money for the home or getting pre-approved for a home loan. Once you and/or your real estate agent find the available home of your dreams, it’s time to make an offer. If accepted, you’ll enter into a period of escrow when financing is secured, home inspections are done, and ancillary negotiations are made. Once all the wrinkles are ironed out, real estate documents are prepared and filed, funds are transferred from buyer to seller, and you’ve made a bonafide purchase of real estate in San Diego.
Yes, there are several. For example, the California Building Code establishes requirements for construction projects. SD also has its own set of zoning regulations which establish how land is utilized in different regions of the city. There are also regulations about multi-unit buildings, commercial structures, retail spaces, etc. Talk with your real estate agent to get the whole skinny on SD real estate regulations.
San Diego might be best known for their historic Spanish Colonial revival-style homes, but the city offers up a plethora of other different architectural styles. For instance, you can find hints of Spain and Italy in some Mediterranean-inspired homes. You’ll also find Craftsman, Ranch styles, Tudor-style homes, and Mid-Century Modern. There really is no limit to the imaginative styles of architecture you’ll find in San Diego.
Did you know? You can invite friends and family to your search. They can join your search, rate and discuss listings with you.