San Francisco's downtown condo market sees historic price plunge to 2014 levels

In downtown San Francisco, the median price of condos has plummeted, reaching levels not seen in over a decade. Compass, a platform offering real estate insights, updated a chart to November 2023, unveiling that downtown condo prices have settled at the same point they were in January 2014, hovering just above the $800,000 mark.
However, the scenario differs outside the downtown area, where condo prices soar well above the $1,200,000 mark, as indicated by Compass's report, shared on social media platform X by investor Rohin Dhar.
The stark contrast in condo prices between downtown San Francisco and other regions reflects downtown's susceptibility to various negative influences, including shifts in economic trends, demographics, and social factors, which have disrupted the supply-demand balance.
Downtown San Francisco stands as the hub for major projects, new condo constructions, office spaces, and high-tech employment. Yet, the landscape has altered significantly post-pandemic, with numerous office spaces remaining vacant as remote work became the norm, prompting tech workers to forego the need for physical proximity to their workplace.
This downturn, compounded by the staggering hike in home prices during the pandemic years, hit San Francisco's housing market hard, aligning with the nationwide correction in real estate. The city experienced a notable decline in new listings and sales, recording a roughly 28% decrease in sales for the year 2023 compared to the previous year. In October 2023, the three-month rolling median condo prices dropped by almost 8% year-on-year. Similarly, single-family home prices witnessed a 1.5% decline in the same period.
The duration and trajectory of this housing price correction in San Francisco remain uncertain. Projections from institutions like Fannie Mae suggest that home sales would reach a trough by early 2024, followed by a gradual recovery. While there's a forecast for a modest decline in mortgage rates in 2024, the road to full recovery is expected to be gradual and cautious.
In summary, downtown San Francisco's condo prices mirroring decade-old figures underscore the impact of pandemic-induced trends and broader market corrections. The city's housing landscape, once buoyant, faces an uncertain trajectory in the coming year, with expectations of a gradual turnaround amidst evolving economic and market conditions.

Next (RERA Registration Number)

San Francisco's downtown condo market sees historic price plunge to 2014 levels

This Month

Overview

Explore

Join Us