GLORIA SHEPARD TEAM | COMPASS

Inside the Santaluz Market: A 2026 Perspective

As we step into the first weeks of 2026, the rolling hills and green landscapes of Santaluz remain as breathtaking as ever. While the new year brings fresh energy to our community, it also invites thoughtful questions about the evolving San Diego real estate market.

Whether you are watching the sunset from the Clubhouse or enjoying a morning round on the Rees Jones–designed course, one thing is clear: Santaluz continues to be one of the most resilient and sought-after enclaves in Southern California.


The Santaluz Market: Early 2026

As of January 2026, we are seeing a measured recalibration in the luxury sector. While the broader San Diego market is forecasted to experience steady appreciation of approximately 2%–5% this year, the Santaluz micro-market continues to operate within a category of its own.

  • Selective Inventory. Inventory remains focused rather than abundant. While levels are slightly above recent historic lows, demand for Casitas and Custom Homes continues to be strong.
  • Strategic Pricing. In the $3M–$8M+ range, precision matters. Today’s buyers are sophisticated and payment-aware, rewarding homes that are move-in ready and thoughtfully positioned.
  • Rate Stabilization. With mortgage rates settling into the low-6% range, we are seeing renewed activity from move-up buyers who remained patient through much of 2025.

Looking Ahead: Your Goals for 2026

Real estate decisions are rarely just about timing—they’re about lifestyle, legacy, and what comes next. As local Santaluz experts, our role is to help you navigate each option with clarity and confidence.

  • Selling? A comprehensive equity review paired with a custom 2026 launch strategy designed to position your home thoughtfully in today’s market.
  • Buying? Gain access to off-market opportunities and upcoming listings within the gates—often before they reach the MLS.
  • Advisory & Consulting? Strategic conversations around how broader economic trends, including shifts in Federal Reserve policy, may influence your local property value.
We don’t just work in this market—we live the Santaluz lifestyle. Our goal is to serve as your trusted real estate resource, not just today, but throughout every chapter ahead.

Let’s connect. Whether it’s a casual coffee at the Bistro or a strategic consultation at your home, we’d love to hear what you have planned for 2026. If you’d like a detailed look at how your home’s value has changed over the past year, we’re happy to prepare a custom market analysis for you.

We are always here to help.

Gloria Shepard
Gloria Shepard CA DRE # 01040966

+1(619) 889-8498

16909 Via de Santa Fe, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, 92067-9519, USA

Gloria Shepard

Gloria, a San Diego native, has spent her life exploring its charming coastal towns and villages, from La Jolla, Del Mar, and Solana Beach to Rancho Santa Fe, Fairbanks Ranch, and beyond. As a resident of Santaluz since 2003, she possesses an intrinsic understanding of this spectacular community and its surroundings. With a career in real estate that began in 1989, Gloria has amassed extensive experience across various market segments, including Residential, Luxury Residential, and Real Estate Asset Protection and Recovery.

From 1989 to 2006, Gloria distinguished herself as one of the nation’s top Listing Managers, representing the interests of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development in the marketing and sale of over 18,000 properties across five counties in Southern California. Her vast knowledge and real estate acumen are brought to every transaction, ensuring her clients receive the highest level of service and expertise.

Gloria's clients consistently praise her ability to listen empathetically and understand their real estate goals, wants, and needs. Her keen attention to important details and expert negotiation skills further enhances her reputation as a trusted advisor in the real estate industry. Gloria collaborates seamlessly with attorneys, tax consultants, financial advisors, senior title officers, senior escrow officers, and lending representatives, creating a coalition of expertise that benefits her clients immensely.