Buying a Historic Home in San Diego: Look Beyond the Architecture

There is something special about walking into an older San Diego home and immediately seeing details that would be expensive—or nearly impossible—to reproduce today.

Original hardwood floors. Arched doorways. Built-in cabinetry. Batchelder-style tile. Plaster walls. Wood windows. Courtyards. Craftsman millwork.

Neighborhoods such as Mission Hills, North Park, South Park, Kensington, Talmadge and University Heights contain an extraordinary variety of older residential architecture.

But when I work with buyers considering one of these properties, I encourage them to appreciate the architecture while investigating everything behind it.

Beautiful Does Not Necessarily Mean Updated

A beautifully renovated kitchen tells you relatively little about the plumbing behind the wall.

Older properties can contain systems from several different eras because improvements often occurred gradually.

A 1920s house might have a remodeled kitchen from 2019, electrical work from the 1980s, a newer roof, sections of older plumbing and an addition completed decades after the original construction.

That isn't necessarily a reason not to buy it.

It is a reason to understand what you're buying.

Pay Particular Attention to the Major Systems

During your due-diligence period, the age and condition of the home's electrical, plumbing, sewer, foundation, roof, drainage and HVAC systems deserve careful attention.

Depending on the property, additional specialized inspections may be appropriate.

The objective is not to expect a century-old home to behave like new construction. It is to identify significant conditions before they become expensive surprises.

Investigate Additions and Remodeling

Older San Diego homes have often evolved.

Rooms may have been added. Garages converted. Walls removed. Windows replaced. Outdoor areas enclosed.

Understanding what work was performed—and what documentation exists—can be important.

A beautifully executed addition may add tremendous utility. Poorly executed alterations can create structural, drainage or permitting issues.

Historic Status Requires Property-Specific Research

Do not assume that an older-looking property is historically designated—or that every home within an older neighborhood has the same status.

San Diego has individually designated historical resources as well as historic districts, and individual properties within a district may have different classifications and responsibilities. The City specifically notes that properties within designated districts can differ in whether they individually contribute to the district.

Historic status should therefore be verified for the actual property you're considering.

Original Character Can Be an Asset

Older doesn't automatically mean inferior.

The details buyers love about these homes are often precisely the features that make them distinctive.

The goal should not necessarily be to turn a 1920s Spanish residence into a 2026 tract home. Thoughtful updates that respect the architectural character can preserve what makes the property appealing while improving functionality.

Buy the House With Your Eyes Open

I am a strong believer in informed decisions.

If you fall in love with a historic San Diego home, enjoy that. Just make sure your enthusiasm for the architecture is accompanied by thorough due diligence.

About the author: Christopher Schell, REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker West (CA DRE #01195712), has helped buyers and sellers in San Diego since 1995. Ask Chris a question.