San Diego Multifamily & Apartment Building Blog

Introduction ADUs dominate headlines, but they are not always the best development choice. In San Diego, the distinction between an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and

Introduction Rent control returned to the forefront in early 2026 with AB 1157, a proposed Assembly Bill that would materially alter California’s statewide rent cap

Part 1: What AB 1154 Changed Effective January 1, 2026, AB 1154 allows: Non-owner-occupied financing for properties with JADUs Consideration of JADU rental income by

Introduction SB 721 is no longer a future concern for San Diego apartment owners. As of January 1, 2026, the law is officially being enforced

With updated fire hazard maps now impacting more San Diego homes, AB 38 defensible space requirements are becoming a real factor in property values, escrows, and buyer decision-making.

2025 was a pricing-reset year for San Diego multifamily, marked by disciplined buyers and selective liquidity rather than distress.
Small-unit demand remained strong due to financing access and optionality, while 5+ unit transactions centered on income durability, positioning owners who exchanged into higher-quality assets best for 2026.

San Diego is in the middle of a significant multifamily supply wave — and it’s beginning to show up in rents, concessions, and vacancy. Learn where this is concentrated and the affects!

With 209 five-plus unit buildings currently sitting on the market and an average 159 days on market, many San Diego sellers are hesitant to list heading into 2026. But capital is still actively seeking well-positioned assets — and with disciplined pricing and a consistent, multi-channel marketing strategy, properties are still trading well below the county average days on market.

Under-market rents don’t just reduce monthly income — they directly compress your valuation, increase buyer leverage, and shift upside away from you and into the buyer’s hands.

When a multifamily property enters probate in San Diego, valuation becomes the foundation of every decision that follows.

San Diego multifamily lending has changed in 2026. Lenders are prioritizing in-place cash flow, tighter DSCR, and conservative assumptions — meaning refinance proceeds may be lower than expected. Understanding how your property underwrites today is critical before refinancing or selling.

In probate and trust sales, uncertainty creates risk. When beneficiaries do not receive consistent communication, assumptions fill the gap. Assumptions lead to conflict. Don’t let this happen to you.

Selling an apartment building through probate is not the same as selling a single family residence. Income property is valued based on performance, risk, and financeability. When trustees approach a multifamily sale emotionally or without specialized guidance, value is often left on the table.

Financing an apartment building is very different from financing a duplex or fourplex. Once a property reaches five units or more, lenders treat it as a commercial asset rather than residential real estate. This shift changes how the property is evaluated, how loans are structured, and what investors must demonstrate in order to secure financing.