San Francisco Real Estate Market Update: Condos Lead the Comeback in Fall 2025

The city has its spark back, and I am here for it!

City Hall is energized under our new Mayor Lurie, offices are refilling again, and AI is fueling movement across neighborhoods. You heard it here first, condos are the early winner as interest builds into the fall market.

My pulse right now

• The rental market is strong, occupancy is high, concessions are gone, and rents are rising fast, this pulls qualified renters toward ownership. The first place that shows up, condos.
• Condo momentum is real, especially in prime locations near great retail and dining. Proximity to dining and shops matters.
• Updated, move in ready homes are shining.
• Sellers who prepare well, price for today, and lean into great marketing are winning, the right homes still move quickly and cleanly.

Condo snapshot, what is moving now

• Turnkey units with great light, logical layouts, parking, outdoor space, and clean building financials.
• Buildings without tough insurance issues or major systems flags.
• Smart pricing that signals value and invites action, often triggering multiple offers.
• Strong elevator and doorman buildings remain in demand.

Three predictions

1. The bottom of the condo market was spring 2025. Momentum builds through late 2025 into early 2026. Expect competition on well-presented condos that check the boxes, not a frenzy, thoughtful multiple offers for best in class.
2. Luxury remains very active, with the heartbeat on the North side of the city.
3. Rates drift lower in a choppy way, buyers re engage. Even with uncertainty around the final landing spot, buyer psychology keeps normalizing. More accepted reality, fewer pause buttons.

Luxury condo buildings, quick notes:

• Doorman buildings draw buyers who value ease and lifestyle.
• Great views and updated floor plans move fast. Buyers are less excited to take on a major renovation.

For sellers, how to win

• Preparation, light refresh, great staging, pre inspections, and targeted repairs.
• Pricing, set a clear strategy that fits your goal, invite the market in, do not chase it.
• Marketing, cinematic visuals, neighborhood lifestyle, strong digital distribution, and a clear story arc.
• Access, maximize show ability, the easiest homes to see are the easiest to sell.

For buyers, how to win

• Get aligned on must haves and nice to haves, then move quickly when you see a fit.
• Work with a great lender and get fully underwritten early, I can introduce you.
• Focus on location, light, layout, and building health, these hold value in every cycle.
• Ask about private opportunities, not everything lives on the public portals.
• Play the long game, buy the home you want to live in for 7 to 10 years.

Rates and psychology

• Rates are easing, buyer mindset has adjusted to a higher baseline, and even small reductions are welcomed.
• Sellers, price for the market you are in today, let improved rates be upside, not your baseline.

Bottom line
San Francisco is a world class city, and it is having its moment again. AI growth is filling offices, downtown is starting to buzz, and new restaurants like Wayfare are investing in SF. Rents are rising, and that pressure is bringing buyers back into the condo market. Luxury remains confident, fueled by quality, privacy, and views. Rates are trending friendlier. The right preparation and the right plan matter more than ever.

If you want a micro market read on your home, I am happy to share the latest insights, off-market chatter, and a clear game plan that fits your goals.

And as a bonus, I'm sharing my 3 favorite VIEW listings with you right now…. 

2222 Hyde Street #3

• 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom Co-Op in Russian Hill
• A full-floor, tastefully updated co-op with private elevator access and sweeping vistas of the Bay Bridge, Treasure Island, and the city skyline.
• Listed at $2,995,000 by Paul Ybarbo with Sotheby's International Realty

999 Green Street #1804

• 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom Condo in Russian Hill
• This renovated corner residence at The Summit on Russian Hill showcases sweeping city and bay views, contemporary European design, luxe finishes, and terrace access from every room, all within Joseph Eichler’s iconic full-service high-rise.
• Listed at $2,895,000 by Gregg Lynn with Sotheby's International Realty

1725 Kearney Street #1

• 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom Co-Op in Telegraph Hill
• This remodeled two-story Telegraph Hill co-op offers 2,460 sq ft of house-like living with sweeping Bay, Alcatraz, and Coit Tower views, four en-suite bedrooms, modern finishes, and boutique elevator building amenities in a prestigious cul-de-sac location.
• Listed at $3,680,000 by Robert Callan with Sotheby's International Realty

Interested in learning more? Let's chat!