AI Boom and SF Bay Area Real Estate News - Spring 2026 Season

We are seeing, in Marin County, a strong spillover from what has been happening in San Francisco this spring. The San Francisco real estate market has remained strong and has been experiencing high demand and low inventory, with home prices surging in part due to an AI-driven wealth boom and many homes selling over asking. That momentum did not trickle into the suburbs, it came crashing over as a wave. And if you aren't aware of the AI boom yet, its here and its escalating. There is even a Mill Valley home owner who is willing to sell his luxury Strawberry estate for shares in Anthropic.

In Marin, we are now seeing increased activity across the board. The luxury market has picked up, and there is also significant movement in the in the $1M to $2M range. Multiple offer scenarios and over-asking sales have become more common, with median home values still holding well above $1M. In places like Mill Valley, some homes in the luxury sphere are selling $500,000 to $1M over asking.

There has also been notable commercial real estate activity. The iconic Ghirardelli Square has sold, and multifamily development is gaining momentum, particularly in San Rafael, where several new high-rise projects are moving forward. The AI boom is also helping bring back the multifamily market in SF.

Inventory remains limited here in Marin County and the greater San Francisco Bay Area, which continues to drive competition. While this is clearly a seller’s market, buyers should remain encouraged. We have seen similar cycles before, including during the pandemic, and markets do adjust over time. For those looking to enter, it can still be a meaningful opportunity to begin building equity. Buy and wait, don't wait to buy. Spring season is in full swing but the the fall season is a right around the corner and a great time to jump into the market.