Some home features go in and out of style. Ocean views don’t. Waterfront and ocean-view properties in La Jolla, Del Mar, and across San Diego’s coast consistently outperform the broader market. And that premium isn’t going anywhere.
If you’re thinking about buying a home in La Jolla or buying a home in Del Mar, understanding what a view is actually worth can help you make a smarter decision. Here’s why proximity to water remains one of the biggest drivers of value in San Diego luxury real estate.
- Views sell because they spark an emotional response
At the end of the day, buying a home is personal. And few things hit harder than an unobstructed ocean view. The morning light on the water. The sound of waves. Watching the sunset change colors from your living room.
This emotional pull is why buyers from Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and overseas keep looking at La Jolla and Del Mar. Strong demand for a limited resource means prices stay strong too.
- They’re not making more coastline
This one’s simple: waterfront property is finite. You can build new homes inland, but you can’t create new oceanfront lots. In La Jolla alone, the gap between a full ocean view and a partial peek at the water can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
This scarcity puts a floor under prices. Even when the market dips, premium view properties in San Diego tend to hold their value better than comparable homes further from the coast.
- Sale prices confirm the value of a view
Research shows that water views can add anywhere from 10% to 90% to a home’s value, depending on how good the view is and how close you are to the water. In coastal San Diego, homes with direct ocean views often sell for 25% to 50% more than similar properties just a few blocks inland.
However, not all ocean views are equal. The difference between ‘ocean view’ and ‘ocean glimpse’ can be hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you’re buying luxury real estate in San Diego, understanding these differences is key to knowing whether you’re getting a good deal.
- Waterfront living is about more than what you see
Living near the water isn’t only about the view. It’s about what you can do. Morning beach walks. Sunset paddleboarding. Checking the surf from your deck before heading out.
For buyers looking at homes in La Jolla or Del Mar, you’re not just buying square footage. You’re buying a lifestyle. And for sellers, that lifestyle is part of what makes your property valuable.
- Coastal property holds up when times get uncertain
When the economy gets rocky, people tend to move toward tangible assets that hold real value. Waterfront real estate fits that description. Unlike stocks or crypto, a home with ocean views gives you something you can use, enjoy, and watch appreciate over time.
For buyers thinking long-term, coastal properties in La Jolla and Del Mar have weathered decades of ups and downs. The combination of limited supply, steady demand, and lifestyle appeal makes them a solid store of value.
The bottom line
Whether you’re buying your dream home or getting ready to sell, the value of a view is real and lasting. In San Diego’s coastal neighborhoods, being close to the water isn’t just a nice perk. It’s a financial advantage that grows over time.
Thinking about buying a home in La Jolla or Del Mar? Looking to sell your oceanfront property for top dollar? As a luxury real estate agent in San Diego, I can help you understand exactly what a view is worth and find the right property for your goals. Let’s start the conversation and see what’s possible.