← Back to Blog
Market Trends
What Are Home Prices Like in San Francisco, Hawaii Right Now in September 2026
By Srikanth Kumar Chanakya
September 15, 2026 · 10 min read
If you are wondering what home prices are like in San Francisco, Hawaii right now in September 2026, the short answer is this: the market has shifted meaningfully over the past twelve months, and the numbers vary quite a bit depending on property type and location within the island. This article breaks down current median prices, what is driving them, how different property types compare, and what buyers and sellers should realistically expect heading into the fall season.

1. The Current Price Picture in San Francisco, Hawaii: September 2026
Home prices in San Francisco, Hawaii are sitting in a period of measured correction after several years of sharp appreciation. The frenzy that characterized 2021 through early 2023 has eased, and the market in September 2026 reflects a more balanced dynamic where sellers still hold some leverage, but buyers have more room to negotiate than they did two or three years ago.
Median Home Prices Right Now
As of September 2026, the median sale price for a single-family home in San Francisco, Hawaii is tracking in the range of $850,000 to $950,000, depending on the specific neighborhood and proximity to the waterfront or major amenities. Condominiums are generally priced lower, with medians in the $450,000 to $600,000 range for updated units in well-maintained complexes. These figures reflect closed sales over the most recent 90-day window, which gives a more reliable read than list prices alone.
For additional statewide context, the Hawaii Realtors statewide housing trends page publishes monthly closed-sale data broken down by island and property type, which is a useful reference point when comparing San Francisco, Hawaii figures to the rest of the state.
How Prices Have Moved Over the Past Year
Compared to September 2025, median single-family prices in the area are down approximately 4 to 7 percent, which mirrors a broader statewide softening trend. That said, the decline has been gradual rather than dramatic. Properties that are priced accurately and show well are still receiving competitive offers, sometimes within the first two weeks on market. The correction has mostly punished overpriced listings and properties with deferred maintenance, not the overall inventory.
Days on market have stretched compared to a year ago. In September 2025, well-priced homes in the area were moving in 18 to 25 days on average. As of September 2026, that average has extended to roughly 35 to 45 days, giving buyers more time to conduct due diligence without feeling rushed into a decision.
2. What Are Home Prices Like Across Different Property Types
Property type makes a significant difference in what you will pay in San Francisco, Hawaii in September 2026. The island's housing stock spans older plantation-era homes, mid-century ranch-style properties, newer construction townhomes, and high-rise condominiums, and each segment has its own price dynamics right now.
Single-Family Homes
Single-family homes remain the most sought-after property type in San Francisco, Hawaii. Entry-level homes, typically older structures on smaller lots ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 square feet, are currently priced between $700,000 and $800,000. Mid-range homes with updated kitchens, newer roofs, and larger lots of 7,000 to 10,000 square feet are trading in the $850,000 to $1.1 million range. Luxury properties closer to the water or on elevated lots with ocean views are listed from $1.3 million upward, with some oceanfront parcels exceeding $2.5 million.
Older plantation-style homes with original character but dated systems are generating strong interest from buyers willing to renovate. These properties often sit in the $650,000 to $750,000 range and represent one of the more accessible entry points into the single-family market in the area right now.
Condominiums and Townhomes
Condominiums in San Francisco, Hawaii cover a wide price spectrum depending on building age, amenities, and location. Studio and one-bedroom units in older complexes without resort amenities are currently available in the $280,000 to $380,000 range. Two-bedroom units in complexes with pools, fitness centers, and covered parking are trading between $450,000 and $600,000. Larger three-bedroom condominiums in newer buildings with ocean or mountain views are priced from $650,000 to $900,000.
One important factor to evaluate with condominiums is the monthly homeowners association fee, which in San Francisco, Hawaii can range from $400 to over $1,200 per month depending on the building and its amenities. These fees affect your total monthly housing cost and your borrowing capacity, so they deserve careful attention during your search.
Land and Vacant Lots
Vacant land in San Francisco, Hawaii is a smaller but active segment of the market. Residential lots in established neighborhoods with utilities already at the street are currently priced from $250,000 to $500,000 depending on size and topography. Agricultural-zoned parcels, which are common across parts of the island, can range from $150,000 for smaller acreage to well over $1 million for larger tracts with water access or coastal proximity. Buyers interested in building should factor in construction costs, which on a Hawaii island run significantly higher than mainland averages due to shipping costs for materials.
3. What Is Driving Home Prices in San Francisco, Hawaii in 2026
Several converging forces are shaping what home prices look like in San Francisco, Hawaii right now in September 2026. Understanding these forces helps both buyers and sellers make more confident decisions rather than reacting to headlines that may not reflect local conditions.
Inventory Levels and Listing Activity
Active inventory in San Francisco, Hawaii has increased compared to September 2025, but it remains below pre-pandemic norms. More listings on the market give buyers more options and reduce the pressure to make rushed decisions. At the same time, the overall supply is not so elevated that it has created a true buyer's market. Sellers who price strategically are still achieving reasonable outcomes; it is the overpriced listings that are sitting and accumulating price reductions.
New construction activity in the area is limited by available land and permitting timelines, which has kept the supply of brand-new homes relatively tight. This constraint continues to provide a floor under prices even as demand has moderated from its peak levels.
Interest Rates and Buyer Demand
Mortgage rates in September 2026 are hovering in the 6.2 to 6.6 percent range for a 30-year fixed loan, which is lower than the peaks seen in late 2023 but still meaningfully above the sub-3 percent rates that defined the pandemic era. This rate environment has reduced the purchasing power of many buyers compared to three years ago, which is one reason median prices have softened. A buyer who could afford a $1 million home at 3 percent can afford roughly $800,000 at today's rates with the same monthly payment.
Demand from mainland buyers and international purchasers continues to play a role in San Francisco, Hawaii's market. The island's combination of year-round mild weather, proximity to the ocean, and access to Hilo International Airport keeps it on the radar for buyers relocating from high-cost mainland cities. Cash purchases, which are less sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, continue to represent a meaningful share of closed transactions.
Local Economic Factors
The local economy in and around San Francisco, Hawaii is anchored by tourism, healthcare, agriculture, and a growing remote-work population. Visitor arrivals to the Big Island have stabilized in 2026 after a recovery period following earlier disruptions, which supports the short-term rental segment and keeps demand for investment properties active. Remote workers who relocated to the island during the pandemic years have largely stayed, adding a layer of sustained demand that was not present before 2020.
4. How San Francisco, Hawaii Fits Into the Broader Hawaii Market
San Francisco, Hawaii's price levels make more sense when you view them alongside what is happening across the state in September 2026. The Big Island has historically offered more affordable entry points than Oahu or Maui, and that gap has persisted even as prices have adjusted across all islands this year.
Statewide Context
According to the Hawaii Housing Market Update from The Agency Team Hawaii, price drops in 2026 have been most pronounced in the luxury and investor segments, while the primary-residence market has shown more resilience. That pattern holds true in San Francisco, Hawaii as well, where move-in-ready homes priced for owner-occupants are holding value better than vacation-oriented or investment properties.
Oahu's median single-family price remains well above $1 million, and Maui's market is still recovering from the effects of the 2023 Lahaina fire on housing supply and demand. The Big Island, and San Francisco, Hawaii specifically, offers a lower cost of entry while still delivering the lifestyle and climate that draw people to Hawaii in the first place. That relative affordability continues to attract buyers who have been priced out of Oahu or Maui.
What Neighboring Areas Are Doing
Hilo, which sits roughly 30 miles north of San Francisco, Hawaii along Highway 11, has seen median prices in the $550,000 to $700,000 range for single-family homes as of September 2026. Pahoa and the Puna District to the east offer some of the most affordable homes on the island, with entry-level properties available below $350,000, though buyers in those areas should research lava zone classifications carefully before committing. Kona on the west side of the island commands a premium, with median prices running $100,000 to $200,000 higher than comparable properties in the San Francisco, Hawaii area, largely due to its drier climate and resort infrastructure.
Understanding these price differences across the island helps buyers calibrate their expectations and identify where their budget stretches furthest for the features that matter most to them. If you are weighing different parts of the Big Island, you may also find it useful to read through the complete buyer's guide for San Francisco, Hawaii for a deeper look at what the local market offers.
5. What This Market Means for Buyers and Sellers Right Now
Knowing what home prices are like in San Francisco, Hawaii in September 2026 is only useful if you translate that knowledge into action. The current market rewards preparation and realistic expectations on both sides of a transaction.
Advice for Buyers in September 2026
Buyers have more leverage right now than at any point since 2019, but that leverage is not unlimited. Properties that are priced correctly and in good condition are still moving at or near asking price. The opportunity lies in identifying listings that have been sitting on the market for 45 days or more, where sellers are more likely to negotiate on price, closing cost contributions, or repair credits.
Getting pre-approved before you start touring homes is essential in this market. Even though competition has eased, sellers in San Francisco, Hawaii still want to see proof of financing before engaging in serious negotiations. A pre-approval letter from a lender familiar with Hawaii real estate transactions, including the unique title and conveyance tax considerations that apply to island properties, puts you in a much stronger position.
Buyers should also factor in Hawaii's General Excise Tax implications on new construction, property insurance costs which have risen sharply across the state in 2026, and the cost of a thorough home inspection that includes a roof assessment and pest inspection, both of which are particularly important in Hawaii's humid climate.
Advice for Sellers in September 2026
Sellers in San Francisco, Hawaii who price based on 2022 or 2023 comparable sales are going to be disappointed. The market has adjusted, and buyers are doing their research. A pricing strategy anchored to the most recent 90 days of closed sales in your specific neighborhood and property type is the most reliable path to a timely sale.
Presentation matters more in a market with extended days on market. Homes that are professionally photographed, decluttered, and show evidence of recent maintenance, fresh paint, clean landscaping, and functioning appliances, are consistently outperforming comparable listings that are presented without that level of care. Investing $2,000 to $5,000 in preparation before listing can meaningfully reduce the time your home sits on the market and the depth of any price negotiation.
Sellers should also be prepared to offer concessions that were rare in 2021 and 2022. Closing cost contributions of 1 to 2 percent of the purchase price, repair credits following inspection, and flexibility on closing timelines are all tools that can keep a deal together in the current environment without requiring a large price reduction.
FAQ
What is the median home price in San Francisco, Hawaii in September 2026?
As of September 2026, the median sale price for a single-family home in San Francisco, Hawaii is in the range of $850,000 to $950,000, depending on lot size, condition, and proximity to the coast or major amenities. Condominiums are trading at lower medians, generally between $450,000 and $600,000 for updated two-bedroom units in complexes with standard amenities. These figures reflect closed transactions over the most recent 90-day period and give a more accurate picture than active list prices, which can skew higher. Prices have softened approximately 4 to 7 percent compared to September 2025, in line with broader statewide trends. Entry-level single-family homes, particularly older plantation-style properties, are available starting around $650,000 to $700,000.
Is it a good time to buy a home in San Francisco, Hawaii right now?
The September 2026 market in San Francisco, Hawaii offers buyers more options and more negotiating room than at any point in the past four years. Days on market have extended to roughly 35 to 45 days on average, which gives buyers time to conduct thorough due diligence without the pressure of competing offers on every property. Mortgage rates in the 6.2 to 6.6 percent range are higher than pandemic-era lows, which affects purchasing power, but buyers who have saved a solid down payment and secured pre-approval are in a strong position. Whether the timing is right depends on your personal financial situation, your intended use of the property, and how long you plan to hold it. Consulting with a local expert like Srikanth Kumar Chanakya can help you evaluate specific properties against current market data before committing.
How do home prices in San Francisco, Hawaii compare to the rest of the Big Island?
San Francisco, Hawaii sits in the middle of the Big Island's price spectrum as of September 2026. Hilo to the north has slightly lower medians for single-family homes, generally in the $550,000 to $700,000 range. The Puna District to the east is the most affordable area on the island, with some properties available below $350,000, though lava zone risk is a significant factor buyers must research independently. Kona on the west coast commands a $100,000 to $200,000 premium over comparable San Francisco, Hawaii properties, driven by its drier climate and resort-oriented infrastructure. San Francisco, Hawaii's combination of price point, access to Highway 11, proximity to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and the amenities of the greater Hilo region makes it a distinct option within the Big Island market.