San Rafael, CA Housing Market
Hot MarketMetro-level monthly sale metrics for rental investors — prices, inventory, pace, and negotiation signals. Figures represent the San Rafael, CA metro area.
Data period: May 2026
Market snapshot
- Median sale price
- $1.61M
- Median days on market
- 21 days
- Months of supply
- 2.0
- Active inventory
- 576
- Homes sold
- 289
- Sale-to-list ratio
- 104.0%
- Listings with price drop
- 29.2%
- Data month
- May 2026
Pair this view with the rental property calculator, DSCR calculator, and cap rate calculator — or browse all calculators.
Rental Investor Snapshot
Labels below come from monthly sale-market indicators only. True cash flow requires local rent, taxes, insurance, vacancy, and expense assumptions — model those in the rental calculator, then sanity-check against sale-speed signals here.
- Market temperature
- Competitive
- Buyer leverage
- High
- Pricing signal vs. U.S. median
- Harder buy-in vs. U.S. median (price only)
- Investor fit (heuristic)
- Appreciation · Negotiation
Watch-outs
- High median sale prices raise buy-in and tighten margin for error.
- Low inventory with tight supply often means more competition on offers.
- Elevated price cuts can signal negotiation room — verify condition, rents, and comps street-by-street.
- Fast markets reward speed; avoid waiving contingencies without a plan.
Suggested next step: Run a rental property analysis with your own rent, financing, vacancy, and expense assumptions — then sanity-check against this market's sale-speed and negotiation signals.
Hot Market
Homes are selling quickly with strong competition among buyers.
San Rafael, CA market summary
The San Rafael, CA metro area housing market is heating up. As of May 2026, the median home sale price is $1.61M, down 5.0% year-over-year. Homes are spending a median of 21 days on the market, 0.0% shorter than a year ago.
There are 576 homes for sale — 19.0% fewer than last year. With 2.0 months of supply, this is a seller's market. 353 new listings were added during this period, down 12.4% year-over-year.
Homes are selling for 104.0% of their list price on average, indicating buyers are paying above asking. 56.1% of homes sell above their asking price. 29.2% of listings have had a price drop.
Market Opportunity Score
Based on current market conditions
47
Contributing Factors
How This Market Compares
vs. National Median
vs. California Median
Investor takeaway
This is a highly competitive market. Be prepared to move quickly and potentially offer above asking price. A significant share of sellers are cutting prices, which can signal motivated sellers and potential deals. Prices are 259% above the national median. Model rent-to-price and expenses carefully before assuming cash flow.
San Rafael, CA market trends
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Detailed market metrics
Median list price
$1.65M
Price per sq ft
$847
Sale-to-list ratio
104.0%
Months of supply
2.0
Sold above list
56.1%
Price drops
29.2%
New listings
353
↓ 12.4% YoY
Pending sales
311
Off market in 2 weeks
45.3%
San Rafael, CA housing market FAQs
What is the median home price in San Rafael, CA?
For the latest published month, the median sale price in San Rafael, CA is $1.61M. Median means half of homes sold above that price and half below — it is a useful benchmark, not a rule for every listing.
Is San Rafael, CA a buyer's or seller's market?
With about 2.0 months of supply, conditions often favor sellers (inventory is relatively tight versus sales pace). Buyers may need to move quickly and keep offers competitive.
How long do homes stay on the market in San Rafael, CA?
For the latest published month, the median days on market in San Rafael, CA is 21 days — half of homes went pending faster and half slower.
Is San Rafael, CA good for rental property investors?
Sale-market stats show how competitive buying is (speed, negotiation, inventory). They do not prove rent performance. San Rafael, CA can still work for rentals if the numbers work on a deal-by-deal basis — use local rent comps, financing, vacancy, and expenses in the rental property calculator.
How should investors analyze a rental property in San Rafael, CA?
Start with purchase price, financing, rent, vacancy, operating expenses, and capital repairs. Stress-test rates and rent. Will It Flow’s rental property calculator is built to translate those inputs into cash flow, DSCR, cap rate, and cash-on-cash return for San Rafael, CA deals.
Compare more California metro markets
Explore nearby sale-market pace and pricing, then run a shortlist through the rental property calculator.
Los Angeles, CA
$940K · 42d on market
Riverside, CA
$593K · 49d on market
San Diego, CA
$925K · 24d on market
Sacramento, CA
$608K · 20d on market
Oakland, CA
$1.00M · 17d on market
Anaheim, CA
$1.26M · 38d on market
San Jose, CA
$1.61M · 16d on market
San Francisco, CA
$1.79M · 15d on market
National context
Step up to the U.S. housing market hub for national trends, then browse top metro markets by sales activity.
Underwrite a San Rafael, CA deal with real numbers
Use Will It Flow for cash flow, DSCR, cap rate, and cash-on-cash return — free and fast.
Housing market data provided by Redfin, a national real estate brokerage. Not financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making investment decisions.