Del Mar Real Estate: Market Overview and What to Know

by Trevor Landress

Del Mar real estate is a small market with big price tags. At the time this article was written, Redfin reported that 19 homes sold in Del Mar in August 2026, up from 11 a year earlier, and that homes sold for 99.9% of list price. Redfin's median sale price for the three months ending August 2026 was $4,100,000. With so few sales, one deal can change the picture.

The short answer

At the time this article was written, Redfin counted 19 Del Mar home sales in August 2026, up from 11 a year earlier.
Homes sold for 99.9% of list price, and the median home took 58 days to sell (81 a year earlier, three months ending August).
Redfin's median sale price was $4,100,000 for the three months ending August 2026, but a handful of sales can move it a lot.
The City of Del Mar reported in 2026 that its short-term rental rules are in effect and that it had met 77% of its housing goal.
Ask about city rules for rentals, flood risk and remodels before you make an offer.

Del Mar by the numbers

Here is what Redfin's Del Mar page showed at the time this article was written.

Measure	Figure	Period
Homes sold	19 (11 a year earlier)	August 2026
Sale price compared with list	99.9% (up 1.5 points)	August 2026
Median days on market	58 (81 a year earlier)	Three months ending August 2026
Median sale price	$4,100,000	Three months ending August 2026
Median price per square foot	About $1,930, up 6.3%	Last 3 months
Redfin Compete Score	49, somewhat competitive	Last 6 months

Redfin said the average home sold about 1% below list price and went pending in about 45 days, while hot homes sold near list price in about 12 days.

The small-market warning

Nineteen sales is a small sample. One very large sale can lift a median, and one smaller sale can pull it down. I do not use a single month to say Del Mar is up or down. The price per square foot is a steadier clue, and it was about $1,930 in Redfin's last three months. Even that number hides big differences between a small condo, a cottage and a large house with a view.

So how should a buyer use this? Look at the pace. Homes sold close to list price, which tells me that well-priced homes got real attention. Then ask your agent for sold homes in your own price range and property type from the last six to twelve months. If you are comparing Del Mar with its neighbors, my guides to La Jolla home prices and Carlsbad vs. Encinitas vs. Oceanside show how I read those markets.

What the City of Del Mar says

The city's own website has useful facts for buyers. I checked these pages on October 11, 2026.

Short-term rentals: On February 5, 2026, the Coastal Commission certified Del Mar's short-term rental rules, which the City Council adopted in 2024. The city said the ordinance took effect right away. It reported 150 registered operators, and permits last two years. If you plan to rent a home out, ask the city about the rules for your address before you buy.
Housing goal: The city's 6th Cycle Housing Element set a goal of 175 homes through 2029. On May 20, 2026, the city said it had reached 77% of that goal, or 135 homes.
Community Plan: The Community Plan was adopted in 1975 and approved by voters as an ordinance in 1976. The city says it serves as the General Plan and aims to protect the sandstone bluffs, Torrey pines and native vegetation.
Flood and storm notices: The city's homepage listed notices about lagoon flood-risk projects and storm precautions at the time this article was written. Ask your agent and your insurance agent how that could apply to a specific home.

I am a REALTOR, not an attorney, so please confirm any rule with the city or an attorney. Rules can change.

A short checklist for Del Mar buyers

Get sold comparisons for the same property type and similar size.
Ask the city about any rule that affects rentals, remodels or additions.
Get an insurance quote early, and ask about flood and storm risk for the address.
Decide your walk-away number before you tour. My guide to winning a multiple offer situation can help.
Plan for taxes, insurance and any HOA dues on top of the loan payment.

This is not a guarantee

Market numbers change every month, and in a small market they change fast. Redfin's page showed other figures that did not line up with the median, so I focused on the sale counts, the pace and the sale-to-list ratio. City rules and projects can also change. I am a REALTOR, not a lender or an attorney, so check the details with the right professional.

My advice for San Diego buyers

Treat one month of Del Mar data with care, because the sample is small.
Compare homes of the same type and size.
Check rental and remodel rules with the city before you buy.
Get a lender quote and an insurance quote early.
Keep your walk-away number in front of you.

Call or text me at (619) 402-4614 or send me a message.

Call or text (619) 402-4614 Contact Trevor Landress

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

What is the median home price in Del Mar?

At the time this article was written, Redfin reported a median sale price of $4,100,000 for the three months ending August 2026. Only 19 homes sold in August, so a few sales can move that number a lot.

Why do Del Mar market numbers swing so much?

Del Mar is a small market. At the time this article was written, Redfin counted 19 sales in August 2026, so one very large or small sale can change the median.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Del Mar?

The City of Del Mar said on February 7, 2026 that the Coastal Commission certified its short-term rental rules and that rental operators need permits. Rules can change, so confirm the details for your address with the city or an attorney.

How much new housing is Del Mar building?

On May 20, 2026, the City of Del Mar said it had reached 135 homes, or 77%, of its goal of 175 homes through 2029.

About the author

Trevor Landress is a San Diego REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker West (DRE# 02126901). He was born and raised in San Diego and has been licensed since 2021.

Trevor helps homeowners sell, guides first-time buyers through the home buying process and assists investors with their next acquisition. His work includes negotiating offers, analyzing market trends, building pricing strategies and running marketing campaigns for his listings.

He serves clients across San Diego County, from coastal communities like La Jolla, Del Mar and Carlsbad to neighborhoods inland.

Trevor is part of the Campbell Group, a three-generation real estate team, and he and the Campbell Group consistently rank as a top producing team at Coldwell Banker West each month. He writes these guides to help San Diego buyers and sellers navigate an ever-changing market.

How I help San Diego home buyers

I guide buyers through the home buying process, from getting ready to make an offer to negotiating terms and reaching the closing table.

How I help San Diego home sellers

I help sellers set a price, prepare and market their home, and work through offers and negotiations to closing.

To talk through your plans, call or text (619) 402-4614 or contact Trevor Landress.

Sources

This guide is general information for San Diego home buyers. It is not legal, tax, lending or financial advice. I am a REALTOR, not an attorney, tax advisor, insurance agent or lender, so please check the details of your own situation with the right professional.