San Diego Region Sees Modest Rent Increases, Continued Demand for Rental Housing

For Immediate Release

San Diego Region Sees Modest Rent Increases, Continued Demand for Rental Housing as Vacancy Rates Drop
 

New Housing Permits Signal Future Relief in City of San Diego
 

MEDIA CONTACT: Tanya Castaneda | 619.764.9874 | tanya@prmconsult.com

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. (July 1, 2025) –  The Southern California Rental Housing Association (SCRHA) today released the results of its 2025 Vacancy and Rental Rate Survey, revealing a modest increase in rents across San Diego County and a continued tightening of available rental units.

After a sharp drop in 2024, rents in 2025 have risen by an average of 4.1% countywide compared to the previous year, according to the point-in-time survey conducted in March 2025. (SCRHA releases the rental pricing data only after it is at least three months old to avoid influencing real-time pricing, in compliance with federal antitrust guidelines.)

The City of San Diego experienced a slightly higher increase of 9.3%, but both trends follow a year of significant rent declines and elevated vacancies. Rents in the region had dropped by over 7% between 2023 and 2024, offering some relief during that period.

“SCRHA’s long-standing survey helps housing providers navigate changing market conditions with reliable, consistent data,” said Alan Pentico, Executive Director. “While rents have risen modestly, they remain below 2023 levels in many areas, and the City’s progress on new housing is an encouraging sign.”

Economists say that adding more homes to a market increases both availability and affordability. Recognizing the housing shortage, the City of San Diego has prioritized policies to encourage more homebuilding. As a result, the city permitted about 8,500 new homes in 2024, a major increase from prior years.

The 2025 survey also recorded a continued decrease in vacancy rates. Region-wide availability dropped to 3.6%, down from 6.36% in 2024. In the City of San Diego, the vacancy rate decreased to 3.12%, compared to 4.22% last year.

“Our survey confirms what many housing providers have been experiencing firsthand: renewed demand and lower vacancies, but also cautious optimism as new housing development begins to catch up,” Pentico added.

SCRHA collects its survey data every March from rental property owners and managers throughout San Diego County, providing point-in-time data. For the 2025 survey, SCRHA received responses representing nearly 4,900 rental units.

The SCRHA has been tracking rental and vacancy rate data in the San Diego region since the 1950s, providing a consistent resource for understanding trends in the rental housing market. 

ABOUT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION:
The Southern California Rental Housing Association is the region’s leading trade association serving the rental housing industry. We provide education and advocacy to individuals and companies who own, manage, or provide services to the rental housing industry throughout Southern California. For over 100 years, Southern California Rental Housing Association has provided members anda the industry with education and training, networking opportunities, and critical legislative advocacy. As a leader in the industry, the Southern California Rental Housing Association represents more than 2,400 members and is one of the most highly respected rental housing associations. Affiliated with the National Apartment Association, our mission is to create a thriving rental housing community through advocacy, education, and collaboration. For more information, visit www.socalrha.org.

Alan Pentico
Executive Director, Southern California Rental Housing Association