How Long Have You Lived in Your Home in San Diego
One key factor in your home’s equity growth is how long you’ve lived in it—known as homeowner tenure. This is the average amount of time homeowners stay in their homes before deciding to sell or relocate. Between 1985 and 2009, homeowners typically moved every six years.
However, recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that this average has increased. Today, homeowners stay in their properties for an average of 10 years.

Why is this significant? The longer you stay in your home, the more equity you build. This happens through paying down your mortgage and as home values rise. Especially in a market like San Diego, where home prices have steadily appreciated over the past decade, the combination of your mortgage payments and increased property values can lead to a substantial amount of equity. If you’ve lived in your San Diego home for several years, you could be sitting on a significant financial asset.
How Home Prices in San Diego Appreciate Over Time
Home prices tend to increase significantly over time, and this appreciation can have a major impact on your financial situation. For example, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), home values have experienced consistent growth across the country, including in San Diego (see graph below).
What does this mean for you as a homeowner? While appreciation rates vary depending on your location, the typical homeowner who has lived in their house for five years has likely seen a value increase of around 60%. If you’ve owned your home for 30 years, you might have seen the value more than triple over that period.
This accumulated home equity can be a powerful asset whether you’re planning to downsize, relocate to a new neighborhood in San Diego, or move closer to loved ones. In any case, your equity provides you with financial flexibility and opens up new opportunities for your future.
Final Thoughts on Your Home Equity Growth in San Diego
If you’re curious about how much equity your San Diego home has accumulated over the years and want to explore how you can leverage it to purchase your next property, the McT Real Estate Group is here to help. With the San Diego market constantly evolving, knowing your home’s equity is key to making informed decisions. Let’s connect today, and we’ll guide you through the process to maximize the potential of your hard-earned equity.