San Francisco property prices: where the market stands in 2026

Median price, one-year change, income needed to buy and rules for a foreign buyer: the state of the San Francisco property market in 2026.

The Remoters editorial team

Published on

6 November 2024

Updated on

6 October 2026

Positive client review with photo, 5-star rating, BFM TV, Le Parisien and France 2 logos on a blue background.

San Francisco remains one of the most expensive property markets in the United States, and prices rose sharply again in 2026. According to the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.), the median price of a single-family home sold in San Francisco County reached $1,875,000 in August 2026, up from $1,500,000 a year earlier: an increase of 25%. In July, it even hit $2,050,000.

These monthly figures vary a lot, because the number of sales is low and the mix of properties sold changes from one month to the next. The underlying trend, however, is clear: supply is scarce and demand is strong, driven in part by the wealth created in artificial intelligence.

Key figures in 2026

Median price of a single-family home (San Francisco County): $1,875,000 in August 2026, +25% over one year according to C.A.R.
Median price in the San Francisco Bay Area (region): $1,272,000 in August 2026, almost unchanged over one year (-0.2%).
Active listings: -53.6% over one year in San Francisco in August, the biggest drop among the counties tracked by C.A.R.
Time to sell: 34 days median in August 2026 in the county, with unsold inventory equal to 1.3 months of sales.

Why prices are rising

The Guardian reported in June 2026 that in March the median sale price in San Francisco exceeded $2 million according to a report from the Compass network, 18% more than a year earlier, with an average of 29 days between listing and sale, the fastest pace since spring 2022. The professionals interviewed attribute this tension to employees of artificial intelligence companies, some of whom may have sold part of their shares, and to the prospect of stock market flotations that could bring in new buyers. Competition is fiercest at the top end of the market.

How much you need to earn to buy

In its second-quarter 2026 affordability index, C.A.R. uses a median price of $2,150,000 for a single-family home in San Francisco. With a 20% down payment and an effective rate of 6.54%, the monthly payment, including insurance and taxes, comes to $13,390, which requires a minimum annual income of $535,600. Only 18% of households could afford a home at the median price, compared with 20% a year earlier. Only neighbouring San Mateo County requires a higher income in California.

Two hands exchanging keys, with icons and text about support, reviews and human availability.

The neighbourhoods: from prestige to more affordable areas

Prices vary widely from one neighbourhood to another, and there is no recent official statistic by neighbourhood: the differences below describe profiles, not guaranteed prices. For a specific property, compare recent sales on the same street with the help of a local professional.

Pacific Heights and Russian Hill: prestige

Period homes, bay views and residential streets: these are among the most expensive addresses in the city. This is also where competition between wealthy buyers is strongest.

Noe Valley and Cole Valley: a village feel

Popular with families and expats, these green residential neighbourhoods offer local shops and quiet. Prices are high and supply is limited.

Mission District and Hayes Valley: central and lively

The Mission, shaped by Latino culture, and Hayes Valley, central and full of shops, attract young professionals. There are more apartments and condos than single-family homes.

SoMa: the tech district

South of Market Street, SoMa is home to offices, newer buildings and condos. Convenient for working downtown, it is one of the expensive areas to rent.

Sunset, Richmond and Excelsior: more affordable

In the west, the Inner and Outer Sunset and the Richmond are residential, family-friendly and close to the ocean. In the south, the Excelsior is one of the most accessible neighbourhoods. These areas remain the most realistic entry point for a first purchase.

What if you rent out your property?

For a purchase intended for rental, rents give an order of magnitude: about $2,500 per month for a studio, $3,400 to $3,828 for a one-bedroom and around $5,400 for two bedrooms. Part of the housing stock is subject to the city's rent increase limits (Rent Ordinance): check whether the property you have in mind is covered before buying, as it affects profitability.

Together we will find your home

Person in a hat pulling an orange suitcase while travelling.

Get help!

Buying in San Francisco as a foreigner

A French national can buy property in the United States without resident status. The obstacles are mostly practical:

Financing: without a US credit history, getting a local loan is harder and the terms are stricter. Plan for a large down payment, or financing from France.
Competition: in a market where properties sell within a few weeks, you need to be able to make an offer quickly, with proof of funds or a loan agreement already in hand.
Resale: when a foreign seller sells US real estate, the buyer must in principle withhold 15% of the sale price and pay it to the federal tax authority under the FIRPTA rule. This is not an additional tax, but an advance payment on the tax due on the capital gain: include it in your exit calculation.
Taxation and structure: property tax, tax on rental income, the France-US tax treaty, buying in your own name or through a company: have your project validated by a tax adviser before signing.

The steps of a purchase

Set the budget, including the down payment, financing, transaction costs and annual taxes.
Target neighbourhoods according to use: home, rental or pied-à-terre.
View and make an offer: offers above the asking price are common when the market is tight.
Go through the escrow period: a trusted third party holds the funds during the checks (inspection, title, financing).
Sign and complete the sale (closing), then register the deed.

From a distance, each step demands responsiveness and a presence on the ground. A Remoters home finder based in San Francisco can target properties to your budget, view them for you, help you prepare the offer and support you through to signing, alongside your legal and tax advisers. The first conversation and the quote are free.