About San Diego Real Estate
San Diego is California's second-largest city, known for mild climate, beaches, and a strong military presence. Defense, biotech, and tourism drive a dynamic housing market.
San Diego Housing Market Overview
Coastal communities like La Jolla, Del Mar, and Coronado command prices above $2 million, while inland areas like Chula Vista and Santee offer $600K–$800K entry points. Border proximity creates unique economic dynamics. Limited inventory and steady demand keep prices elevated across most areas.
Mortgage Lending in San Diego
The large military population makes VA loans prevalent—Camp Pendleton, Naval Base San Diego, and MCAS Miramar communities are well-served. Biotech professionals in Torrey Pines corridor benefit from high-income conventional products. The conforming limit covers most purchases outside the luxury segment.
Self-Employed Mortgages in San Diego
Biotech, craft brewing, tourism, and professional services create diverse self-employment. Bank statement and P&L programs provide qualification paths that reflect actual cash flow.
Investment Property Loans in San Diego
DSCR loans work well for Pacific Beach and Mission Beach vacation rentals. North Park and City Heights offer solid long-term rental yields. Multi-family investment is strong throughout the county.
Available Loan Programs in San Diego
Our recommended broker offers the following mortgage programs for San Diego homebuyers and homeowners:
Traditional financing backed by Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac. Lowe...
Government-insured with low down payments and flexible credi...
Zero down payment for eligible veterans, active duty, and su...
Financing above California's $1,209,750 conforming limit for...
Replace your mortgage to lower your rate, change your term, ...
Investment property loans qualified by rental income — no pe...
Comprehensive mortgage solutions for business owners, freela...
Our Recommended Broker for San Diego Mortgages?
Save Financial, Inc. is a trusted California mortgage brokerage (Sponsored by Save Financial, Inc. (NMLS #377740), DRE #01875766) with offices in Newport Beach and Marina del Rey. We have 45 years of combined experience and work with 20+ wholesale lenders to deliver competitive rates across 35 loan programs — including conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, hard money, bank statement, DSCR, and no-income options. Their $500 price guarantee means if they can't beat another lender's written offer for your San Diego mortgage, you receive $500.
Our recommended broker serves San Diego borrowers 7 days a week, 9AM–8PM, from offices in Newport Beach and Marina del Rey. The team speaks English and Spanish.
What to Know Before Buying in San Diego
San Diego's median home price of $925,000 falls well within the $1,209,750 conforming limit, meaning every major loan program applies: FHA with 3.5% down ($32,375), conventional with 5% down ($46,250), VA with zero down for veterans, and CalHFA assistance for first-time buyers. Monthly payments on a $925,000 home with 5% down at current rates are approximately $5,857 including taxes and insurance — often comparable to or less than renting a similar property in the area.
Property taxes under Proposition 13 are approximately $10,175 annually with 2% annual increase caps. The San Diego market rewards prepared buyers — properties in desirable neighborhoods receive multiple offers within 1-2 weeks of listing. Start with pre-approval from a licensed broker who can compare rates across 20+ wholesale lenders. This comparison shopping is free and typically saves 0.125-0.5% on the interest rate compared to going directly to a single retail bank.
San Diego Real Estate Trends & Growth Potential
Home values in San Diego have risen 3-5% annually per CoreLogic data. A $25,000 down payment on a $925,000 home that appreciates 4% yields roughly $20,000 in equity gain in year one — an 80% return on invested capital. This leverage makes homeownership in San Diego a powerful wealth-building tool, especially for buyers using low-down-payment programs. Buyers relocating from higher-cost coastal markets find their budget goes significantly further here.
The investor landscape is favorable — rent-to-price ratios support DSCR loan qualification at 25% down, and cash-on-cash returns of 5-8% are achievable. Self-employed buyers make up a growing portion of San Diego County's market, and bank statement and 1099 programs are commonly used. Whether you're a first-time buyer using CalHFA, a veteran leveraging VA benefits, or an investor building a rental portfolio, San Diego offers accessible entry points across all strategies.