If you’re thinking about when to buy a San Francisco condo, this spring could be your moment. The combination of favorable mortgage rates, attractive pricing in select SF neighborhoods, and seasonal inventory boosts makes Spring 2026 one of the strongest buying opportunities we’ve seen in years for condo buyers in San Francisco.
Why Is Spring a Good Season to Buy a Condo in San Francisco?
Spring has always been the busiest season for San Francisco real estate, and for good reason. More homes hit the market during these months, giving condo buyers the widest selection of San Francisco highrise condo buildings and condo listings to choose from. While fall brings another brief spike in listings around September and October, spring offers the most sustained period of inventory and activity.
For buyers who travel during summer months or over the holidays, spring is a natural time to house hunt and transition to a new home if you find something you love. The weather improves, open houses are easier to attend, and sellers are motivated to list before the market slows down in summer. Early 2026 data shows the spring market is already starting earlier than usual, with new listings launching in January rather than waiting until after the Super Bowl.
Views from The Metropolitan at 355 1st St.
Are San Francisco Condos Still Priced Below Their Peak?
The San Francisco condo market is still selling below peak pricing from 2019-2020, creating real opportunities for buyers who missed out on earlier market cycles. According to data from SFARMLS and Infosparks, here’s how median sale prices compare.
SF Condo Median Sale Price in 2019 (12-month rolling average Jan-Dec):
- All San Francisco: $1,205,000
- Hayes Valley: $1,150,000
- Mission Bay: $1,617,000
- South of Market: $955,000
SF Condo Median Sale Price in 2025 (12-month rolling average Jan-Dec):
- All San Francisco: $1,145,000
- Hayes Valley: $1,190,000
- Mission Bay: $1,061,500
- South of Market: $725,000
While the market for single-family homes in San Francisco has been consistently tight and competitive, there are still neighborhoods where condo buyers can get a deal. If you were kicking yourself in 2020 for not buying in 2015, well, now’s your chance.
Some areas like Hayes Valley, a hotspot for AI tech companies, have seen price appreciation. But others like South of Market (SoMa) offer an attractive entry point and future upside potential based on the current market for buyers looking to get their foot in the door of SF real estate ownership.
Areas like SoMa, South Beach, and Mission Bay also offer some of SF’s best lifestyle options including dining, events, nightlife and new amenities. These neighborhoods are worth exploring through our neighborhoods page if you’re thinking about buying a condo in SF. With over 20 years of experience specializing in these areas, Robyn Kaufman is a top San Francisco Realtor for condos who understands the nuances of each neighborhood and can help you identify the best value opportunities.
Luxury SF highrise condo living.
What Are Current Mortgage Rates for San Francisco Condo Buyers?
Mortgage rates as of early 2026 are hovering around three-year lows, making financing more accessible for condo buyers. While not the record-low rates of the pandemic era, the current national average on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is in the low 6% range, which historically is quite reasonable. Pair that with attractively priced condos in neighborhoods like SoMa and Mission Bay, and you can see why we think this spring season will be the strongest we’ve seen in years.
San Francisco homebuyers also benefit from better loan products and competition for their business. We often see SF condo buyers secure rates well below the national average you see in headlines for a variety of reasons, including jumbo loan rates on luxury properties, buyers’ established banking relationships and credit, and alternative financing types like adjustable rate loans. These can be great options if you don’t see yourself being in the home for the rest of your life.
If you have a lender, now is a good time to check in and refresh your pre-approval to see what this new lower-rate environment looks like for you. If you don’t have a lender yet, we’re happy to recommend local options who understand the SF condo market.
Whether you’re searching through our property search tool or curious about what your current property might be worth through our complimentary home valuation, the numbers are working in buyers’ favor right now.
Find your perfect condo with SFHIGHRISES.com.
Ready to Buy a San Francisco Condo This Spring?
Spring 2026 brings together favorable mortgage rates, pricing opportunities in key neighborhoods, and the seasonal inventory boost that makes San Francisco real estate shopping easier. As award-winning agents who rank in the top 1.5% nationwide by sales volume, our team specializes in helping condo buyers navigate the competitive SF market with insider knowledge of highrise buildings and new developments.
If you’re ready to explore your options or want to discuss which San Francisco neighborhoods offer the best value for your situation, contact us today. We’re here to help you find the perfect condo and negotiate the best terms for your purchase.
For current listings and market updates, explore our website to see why we’re known as the best condo agents in San Francisco for buyers looking to invest in this market. You can also explore resources for buyers and learn more about selling your current property if you’re looking to upgrade. Feel free to reach out with any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!
