San Diego Mortgage Rates 2025
Your guide to home loans in San Diego, California.
San Diego, California Mortgage Rates Today
Current San Diego mortgage rates range from 6.20% to 7.50%. As a high-cost area, San Diego County has conforming loan limits of $1,006,250. Given the large military population, VA loans are extremely popular, alongside high-balance conventional and jumbo loans for more expensive coastal properties.
Quick Answer: San Diego mortgage rates are crucial for a diverse range of buyers, from first-time homeowners to active-duty military and luxury purchasers. Understanding San Diego County's specific loan limits and the significant advantages of VA loans is key to financing a home here.
Median Home Price
$925,000
Avg. Days on Market
35
1-Year Appreciation
+6.1%
Most Common Loan
VA / Conventional
Current San Diego Mortgage Rates by Loan Type
Average San Diego Rates This Week
| Loan Type | Rate Range | Down Payment | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| VA 30-Year Fixed | 5.50% - 6.25% | 0% | Eligible veterans, active military |
| 30-Year Fixed Conventional | 6.20% - 7.00% | 5-20% | Homes under $1M, strong credit |
| 30-Year Jumbo | 6.50% - 7.50% | 20%+ | Coastal properties over $1M |
| FHA 30-Year Fixed | 5.75% - 6.50% | 3.5% | First-time buyers, inland areas |
Rates updated October 26, 2025. Your actual rate depends on credit score, down payment, property type, and lender selection.
San Diego Mortgage Payment Examples
Median San Diego Home (Conventional)
Home Price: $925,000
Down Payment: 15% ($138,750)
Loan Amount: $786,250
Interest Rate: 6.70%
Monthly Payment Breakdown:
- Principal & Interest: $5,078
- Property Taxes: $565 ($925k × 0.74%)
- Homeowners Insurance: $167
- PMI: $262
- Total Monthly Payment: $6,072
Annual Income Needed: ~$260,000
Calculate your payment →VA Loan Purchase in San Diego
Home Price: $850,000
Down Payment: 0% ($0)
Loan Amount: $850,000 (funding fee financed)
Interest Rate: 6.125% (VA)
Total Monthly Payment: $5,985
Income Required: ~$185,000/year (VA is more flexible on DTI)
San Diego Home Loan Programs
1. VA Loans in San Diego
With its massive military presence (Naval Base San Diego, MCAS Miramar, Camp Pendleton), VA loans are a cornerstone of the San Diego housing market.
Key Features:
- $0 down payment required, a huge advantage in a high-cost market.
- No monthly PMI, saving hundreds per month.
- No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement.
- More lenient credit and DTI requirements.
Best For:
- Active-duty military personnel and veterans.
- Buyers with limited cash for a down payment.
- Anyone eligible looking to maximize buying power.
2. Conventional Mortgages in San Diego
The high-balance conforming limit of $1,006,250 makes conventional loans a viable option for many properties, especially for buyers with good credit and a down payment.
Key Features:
- San Diego County high-balance limit: $1,006,250.
- Ideal for condos and homes under $1.1M.
- Requires 5-20% down payment.
- PMI is required for loans with <20% down.
Best For:
- Buyers with strong credit (700+).
- Those with savings for a 10%+ down payment.
- Borrowers who are not VA-eligible.
3. Jumbo Loans in San Diego
For luxury and coastal properties in areas like La Jolla, Del Mar, and Coronado priced above $1M, jumbo loans are the standard financing tool.
Key Features:
- For loan amounts above $1,006,250.
- 20-25% down payment is standard.
- Requires excellent credit (720-740+) and significant assets.
- Stricter underwriting than conventional loans.
Best For:
- High-net-worth individuals.
- Buyers of luxury real estate.
- Borrowers purchasing properties over $1.2M.
San Diego Neighborhood Mortgage Guide
North Park
$700K - $1.2M
Home Type: Craftsman SFR & Condos
Schools: Average
Typical Loan: Conventional / FHA
Buyer Profile: Young professionals, creatives
La Jolla
$1.5M - $5M+
Home Type: Luxury SFR & Estates
Schools: Excellent
Typical Loan: Jumbo
Buyer Profile: Executives, high-net-worth
Chula Vista
$600K - $900K
Home Type: Family SFR & Townhomes
Schools: Good
Typical Loan: VA / FHA / Conventional
Buyer Profile: Families, military personnel
Carlsbad
$1M - $2.5M
Home Type: Modern SFR & Beach Homes
Schools: Excellent
Typical Loan: Jumbo / Conventional
Buyer Profile: Families, tech professionals
San Diego County Loan Limits & Taxes
San Diego County 2025 Loan Limits
- Conforming Loan Limit: $1,006,250
- FHA Loan Limit: $1,006,250
- VA Loan Limit: No limit with full entitlement
What This Means for San Diego Buyers: The $1M conforming limit is a significant benefit, allowing many to buy homes without needing jumbo financing. For eligible veterans, the absence of a VA loan limit is a game-changer, enabling $0 down purchases on multi-million dollar homes.
San Diego County Property Taxes
Effective Tax Rate: ~0.74%
- On $925K home: $570/month
- On $1.2M home: $740/month
San Diego-Specific Tax Considerations: Many newer communities, especially in North County and Chula Vista, have Mello-Roos taxes that can add $150-$400+ per month to the tax bill.
Getting Pre-Approved for a San Diego Mortgage
Why Pre-Approval is Critical in San Diego
San Diego's housing market remains competitive. A strong pre-approval letter, especially one showing VA eligibility or jumbo loan qualification, is necessary to compete.
- Stand out in multiple-offer situations.
- Confidently make offers on homes.
- Close faster, which is highly appealing to sellers.
- A "DU" (Desktop Underwriter) approval is the gold standard.
San Diego Mortgage & Housing Market FAQ
What income do I need to buy a home in San Diego?
For a median-priced home of $925,000 with 15% down, you would need a household income of approximately $260,000. For VA buyers with $0 down, income requirements may be more flexible due to the absence of PMI.
Can I use a VA loan for a million-dollar home in San Diego?
Yes. If you have your full VA loan entitlement (meaning you don't have another active VA loan), there is no VA loan limit. You can purchase a home at any price with $0 down, provided you can qualify for the payment.
How much down payment do I need in San Diego?
VA loans require $0 down. FHA requires 3.5%. Conventional loans typically require 10-20% to be competitive. Jumbo loans for properties over $1M require a 20-25% down payment.