San Diego Property Market and Real Estate Guide

(San Diego, California - CA, USA)

The Californian city of San Diego lies on the Pacific coast, close to the Mexican border, and is the ninth-largest US city. Its economy is dependent on heavy and light industry, defense, agriculture and tourism. An excellent national and international air, road, sea, and rail transport network is in place, linking San Diego's huge port - home to a massive US Navy base and fleet.

The city is built on mesas (flat-topped hills) separated by hills and deep canyons, and has many neighborhoods. Traditionally, developments have concentrated on the mesas and are separated by the canyons, resulting in car-centered, low-density communities. The unspoilt canyons and state parks give a 'green' feel and the city is divided in an east-west direction by the San Diego River. A number of its 100-plus neighborhoods have beachside locations.


San Diego property prices are comparatively high, with less than 20 percent of the population able to afford a middle-range home. The US mortgage and economic crisis in 2008 resulted in prices falling by more than 25 percent and a high number of repossessions, mainly due to speculative purchases before the crash.

In the downtown area, lofts and condos are popular, and the beachside districts have a wide selection of condos, beach houses and family homes. Inland, modern homes, cedar cabins, upscale properties and even ranches are available. Many homes and condo blocks have swimming pools.

Renting Serviced Apartments

Extended-stay serviced apartments and condos aimed at corporate clients are easily available across the city, with many located in aparthotels offering amenities such as business suites, swimming pools and fitness centers. A 30-day stay is the minimum requirement and prices represent a saving over rates at local hotels.

Buying Apartments and Houses

There are no restrictions on foreign purchase of a holiday home in San Diego, although six months each year is the maximum permitted stay. For long-term residency, a social security number and either a Green Card or work permit are required.

A lawyer and realtor are necessary and the straightforward process shouldn't take more than two months, with your realtor responsible for all negotiations and arrangements. Once you've found your home, a legal 'intent to purchase' contract is signed by both parties, and an agreed deposit is lodged. Once all property and lien searches and the home inspection have been completed, a final contract is issued and signed, the balance of the agreed price is paid and the property is re-registered. Final service charges should not exceed between six and eight percent of the purchase price.

Real Estate Agents

There are thousands of real estate agencies in San Diego. Those below have all recently won awards for their services based on survey results.

Check out the following San Diego estate agents:

San Diego North County Real Estate
Address: 2382 Faraday Avenue, Suite 160, Carlsbad, San Diego, California CA, 92008, USA
Tel: +1 750 828 4475
Email: bridget@sellingnorthcounty.com
Website: www.sellingnorthcounty.com
This agency links with a network of other realtors, giving an exceptional selection of properties across the city.

Keller Williams Realty
Address: 6005 Hidden Valley Road, Suite 200, Carlsbad, San Diego, California CA, 92011, USA
Tel: +1 760 579 8490
Email: whitney@mastersrealestate.com
Website: www.mastersrealestate.com
This realtor is linked with Masters Real Estate Group and promises excellent personal service.

Homes San Diego
Address: Prudential California Realty, 2365 Northside Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, California CA, 92108, USA
Tel: +1 858 829 1989
Email: deb@propertybydeb.com
Website: www.propertybydeb.com
Deborah Engle has won 'Best Agent' at Prudential California Realty for two years in a row.