San Diego detached home prices hit a median of $1,150,000 in the most recent MLS report — up 4.6% year over year, with days on market actually falling even as prices climb. That's the real number. A Zestimate is not.
Why a Zestimate Isn't Your Home's Value
Zillow's Zestimate is a computer-generated estimate built from public records and broad algorithms — it doesn't know that your kitchen was renovated last year, that your street backs up to a canyon view, or that the comp two doors down sold in a rush sale that dragged the whole block's number down. In a market moving as fast as San Diego's right now, an algorithm working off stale or incomplete data can be off by tens of thousands of dollars in either direction. If you want the fuller breakdown of exactly where Zestimates go wrong, our post on why you shouldn't trust your Zillow estimate covers the mechanics in more detail.
What San Diego's Market Actually Looks Like Right Now
Per the San Diego Association of REALTORS' most recent MLS report:
- Detached home median: $1,150,000, up 4.6% year over year
- Attached (condo/townhome) median: $659,000, up 1.4% year over year
- Days on market: falling for detached homes even as prices rise — well-priced homes are moving faster, not slower
- Sale-to-list ratio: running close to 99%, meaning accurately priced homes are consistently selling near full asking price
That last stat is the one that matters most for sellers: pricing accuracy, not just pricing high, is what actually gets you close to full value.
How a Real CMA Is Different From an Algorithm
A comparative market analysis (CMA) pulls the same underlying data a Zestimate does — but adds what an algorithm can't: recent comparable sales I've personally evaluated, current active competition you'd be pricing against, and an honest read on what your specific home's condition and upgrades are actually worth in today's market. It's the difference between a rough estimate and a number you can actually price a listing around.
The Cost of Pricing It Wrong
Price too high, and a home sits — which, in a market where accurately priced listings are moving quickly, sends a signal to buyers that something's off, even when nothing is. Price too low, and you leave real money on the table in a market where sale-to-list ratios are running close to full price. Both mistakes are avoidable with an accurate starting number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is Zillow's Zestimate in San Diego?
Zestimates are algorithm-generated and don't account for renovations, specific views, or unusual recent sales nearby, which can make them significantly off in a fast-moving market like San Diego's current conditions.
What is the median home price in San Diego right now?
Per the most recent San Diego Association of REALTORS MLS report, the detached home median is $1,150,000 and the attached/condo median is $659,000, both up year over year.
How long does it take to sell a home in San Diego?
Days on market have been falling for detached homes even as prices rise, with well-priced homes continuing to move quickly and sale-to-list ratios running close to 99%.
What's the difference between a Zestimate and a CMA?
A Zestimate is an automated estimate based on public records and broad algorithms. A comparative market analysis (CMA) incorporates recent comparable sales, current competing listings, and an agent's direct evaluation of your home's condition and upgrades.
Get Your Home's Real Number
If you're thinking about selling, the first step isn't a listing photo or a moving date — it's an accurate number to plan around. Request a home valuation and I'll put together a real comparative market analysis based on what's actually happening on your street right now, or take a look at our Sellers page for the full selling process.
This post reflects San Diego Association of REALTORS MLS data current as of August 2026. Market conditions change; request a current valuation before making pricing decisions.