Mid-April and the spring market is fully underway. Here's my honest read on what's happening across the communities I cover — Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, La Jolla, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Cardiff, and Carlsbad — and what it means if you're making a move in the next 90 days.
Spring Is Here — and So Are Buyers
Buyer activity has picked up meaningfully in the first two weeks of April relative to Q1. I'm seeing more scheduled showings, more pre-qualification conversations, and more serious inquiry than at any point since last fall. The combination of spring seasonality, some stabilization in jumbo mortgage rates, and a persistent sense among buyers that "waiting" has cost them opportunity is driving engagement.
The buyers I'm working with right now are decisive. They've watched this market for 12–18 months and they understand that the best properties don't sit. When the right home comes available, they're ready to move — and that's the only way to win in this market.
Del Mar — April Inventory Watch
Del Mar opened April with limited active inventory in the 92014 zip code, consistent with what we've seen throughout Q1. The $2M–$4M range has the most available inventory; $5M+ is very scarce. I'm tracking several potential listings in the $3M–$6M range that haven't hit the market yet — buyers targeting Del Mar should be in regular contact with their agent to get ahead of these.
La Jolla — Broad-Based Activity
La Jolla is showing activity across all sub-markets in April. Bird Rock and La Jolla Shores are the most active in the $2M–$3.5M range. The Village condominiums are seeing renewed interest from buyers who want coastal lifestyle without the maintenance burden of a larger home. La Jolla Farms and upper Muirlands ($5M+) remain more patient but are seeing qualified showings from serious buyers.
Solana Beach and Encinitas — Value Play Buyers
These two communities are increasingly attracting buyers who want coastal San Diego lifestyle without the Del Mar or La Jolla price premium. Lomas Santa Fe in Solana Beach and Olivenhain in Encinitas are the sub-markets getting the most out-of-area buyer attention. If you own in either of these communities and have considered selling, April through June is historically your best window.
- Spring buyer pool is fully active — showings are up meaningfully vs. Q1
- Supply remains the limiting factor across all communities
- Off-market and Coming Soon are where the best early opportunities are
- RSF estate buyers from LA are actively touring — estate sellers should be ready
"Spring 2025 in San Diego: more buyers than homes, and that equation favors sellers who move now."