San Rafael Housing Market Report – May 2026
Here's a look at how the San Rafael, CA real estate market performed in May 2026, based on actual sold data from the MLS.
Market Snapshot
- Homes Sold: 87
- Median Sale Price: $1,400,000
- Average Sale Price: $1,595,810
- Average Price Per Sq Ft: $749
- Average Days on Market: 41
- Sale-to-List Price Ratio: 102.3%
Month-Over-Month Trends
Compared to April, the median sale price in San Rafael moved 15.9% up (from $1,207,500 to $1,400,000). The number of homes sold was 14.5% up compared to the prior month (76 vs. 87). Average days on market shifted 28.1% down (57 days to 41 days).
Year-Over-Year Comparison
Compared to May 2025, the median sale price is 7.3% up (from $1,305,000 to $1,400,000). Sales volume is 38.1% up year-over-year.
What This Means
San Rafael's housing market is showing genuine momentum heading into summer, though it's worth parsing what's really driving the action. The median price jumped 15.9% month-over-month to $1.4 million, which is substantial, but this likely reflects improving data collection rather than a sudden market shift—prior months had incomplete sold data. What's more telling is the year-over-year gain of 7.3%, suggesting steady appreciation in the $100,000 range. More importantly, homes are moving faster, with average days on market dropping from 57 to 41 days. That's a meaningful acceleration that suggests genuine buyer interest.
The 102.3% sale-to-list ratio is the real story here. Homes are selling above asking, which hasn't been the norm in many Bay Area markets over the past year. This points to a meaningful supply-demand imbalance—you've got only 205 active listings while 87 homes sold, creating real competition for buyers. The active inventory is priced lower than recent sales (median asking at $1.195 million versus $1.4 million sold), which could mean either strong pricing power for current owners or nervous sellers underpricing. Either way, if you're thinking of buying in San Rafael, expect to move quickly and potentially pay above list.
San Rafael Sales by Zip Code
| Zip Code | Homes Sold | Median Price | Avg $/SqFt | Avg DOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94901 | 49 | $1,350,000 | $727 | 40 |
| 94903 | 38 | $1,465,000 | $776 | 42 |
Sales by Property Type
| Property Type | Homes Sold | Median Price | Avg $/SqFt |
|---|---|---|---|
| SINGLE_FAMILY | 65 | $1,575,000 | $802 |
| CONDOS | 9 | $679,000 | $638 |
| CONDO | 5 | $570,000 | $517 |
| TOWNHOMES | 5 | $1,050,000 | $591 |
| MULTI_FAMILY | 3 | $1,264,000 | $530 |
Sales by Price Range
| Price Range | Homes Sold |
|---|---|
| $300K - $399K | 1 |
| $400K - $499K | 2 |
| $500K - $749K | 10 |
| $750K+ | 74 |
Current Active Listings
As of this report, there are 205 active listings in San Rafael with a median asking price of $1,195,000 and an average of 99 days on market.
Thinking About Selling Your San Rafael Home?
If you're a homeowner in San Rafael considering selling, you have options. While the traditional market is one route, selling directly for cash can save you time, commissions, and the hassle of repairs and showings. We buy houses in San Rafael and throughout Marin County — get a no-obligation cash offer today.