How Is San Francisco Real Estate?
If you’ve been wondering “how is San Francisco real estate right now?” you’re not alone. Buyers, sellers, and even longtime residents ask this question daily. The short answer: San Francisco real estate is resilient, competitive in certain pockets, and full of nuance that numbers alone don’t explain.
Let’s break it down clearly.
1. Prices: Still Among the Nation’s Highest
San Francisco home prices remain some of the highest in the country. While values softened slightly during the tech layoffs and rising interest rates of 2023–2024, the market has proven remarkably durable. In many neighborhoods, especially core areas like Noe Valley, Pacific Heights, The Outer Sunset, and the Richmond District, well-presented homes continue to attract multiple offers.
Why it matters: Buyers should expect competition for move-in-ready homes. Sellers should know that proper pricing and presentation are critical.
2. Inventory: Tight Supply Creates Pressure
Housing supply in San Francisco is limited. Even when interest rates cool demand, the number of available homes doesn’t keep up. Many homeowners with low locked-in rates are staying put, which keeps inventory low and creates a baseline of demand whenever new listings hit the market.
3. Buyers: More Selective but Still Active
Buyers today are cautious and analytical. They want value, not just square footage. Condos and TICs (tenancy-in-common units) are moving, but buyers scrutinize HOA strength, building quality, and location more than ever. Detached homes in family-friendly areas like the Sunset, Parkside, and Bernal Heights are seeing strong activity.
4. Sellers: Strategy Matters More Than Ever
For sellers, the question isn’t just “how is San Francisco real estate?” — it’s “how do I succeed in this market?” The truth:
-
Homes priced correctly generate urgency and competitive bidding.
-
Staging and professional marketing dramatically increase results.
-
Overpricing leads to weeks on market and price reductions.
5. Outlook: Balanced but Uneven
Looking ahead, the San Francisco market is expected to remain steady but uneven. High-demand neighborhoods and move-in-ready properties will perform strongly, while homes with functional or cosmetic challenges may linger without the right pricing and marketing plan.
Key Takeaway
San Francisco real estate isn’t easily summed up in a headline. It’s a market of micro-markets: one home sells in days with multiple offers, while another a few blocks away may sit for weeks. The key is understanding your neighborhood, your property type, and the mindset of today’s buyers.
Thinking of Buying or Selling?
If you’re asking “how is San Francisco real estate” because you’re considering a move, let’s talk. I help San Francisco homeowners understand their home’s value, prepare smartly for the market, and connect with buyers who appreciate the city as much as they do.
Oliver Burgelman
San Francisco & Marin Real Estate Agent
📞 415-244-5846
