In a significant stride for the housing landscape of San Diego, the city has reported permitting nearly 8,800 new homes in 2024. According to the 2025 Annual Report on Homes, this marks a boom in residential development, continuing a two-year trend of increased housing production to tackle the housing shortage and affordability issues that mirror those in other Californian cities nationwide.
Most permitted homes cluster around transit hubs and everyday necessities, supporting the city’s climate goals and addressing fair housing concerns. These numbers reflect a surge exceeding 40% from earlier periods in the state's current housing cycle, and when compared to the previous decade, the improvement is notable. Mayor Todd Gloria highlighted this growth, saying, per the City of San Diego, “San Diego is making real progress in tackling our housing crisis. We’re not just building more homes, but building them in the right places — near jobs, schools, transit, and opportunity.” Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera echoed these sentiments, emphasizing, “The progress highlighted in this report shows what’s possible when we prioritize people over profits and make bold, pro-housing decisions.”
Of particular note is the fact that a significant number of these homes qualify as affordable housing. As per the city’s report, 97% of income-restricted units and 85% of all homes permitted are within San Diego's most accessible transit areas. Innovative city programs such as Complete Communities: Housing Solutions and Affordable Home Density Bonus have contributed, accounting for 4,538 homes permitted in the last year, including 16% as income-restricted. The city also greenlit more than 2,285 accessory dwelling unit (ADU) homes.
City Planning Director Heidi Vonblum detailed the broader strategy, “Through updated community plans and innovative programs, we’re laying the foundation to increase housing supply and affordability across all neighborhoods and for people of all incomes.” Development Services Department Director Elyse Lowe touted their streamlined processes, committed to “reviewing and permitting thousands of new homes with less red tape for crucial affordable housing projects.” Mayor Gloria’s executive order to expedite affordable housing projects claims credit for one in six homes permitted over the past two years, which were approved within eight business days or less, as per the City of San Diego.
