Southern California Regions Lead in Low ‘Underwater’ Mortgage Rates
The San Diego Union-Tribune reported on Southern California regions with the lowest number of 'underwater' mortgages, a situation where homeowners owe more on their mortgage than their home is worth.

San Diego, CA, August 18, 2026 —
Southern California is showing a positive trend in its housing market, with certain regions reporting the lowest numbers of homeowners with ‘underwater’ mortgages. This financial situation, often referred to as being ‘upside down’ on a mortgage, occurs when a property owner owes more on their home loan than the current market value of their house.
The San Diego Union-Tribune highlighted these specific areas as indicators of a strengthening housing market, suggesting increased property values and reduced financial risk for a significant portion of homeowners in these locales. While the report from the San Diego Union-Tribune identifies these regions, specific names of the areas with the lowest rates of underwater mortgages were not detailed in the provided summary.
The exact percentage of homeowners affected in these leading regions was also not specified in the summary. This metric is crucial for understanding the full scope of the positive trend. The trend indicates a beneficial economic climate for homeowners in these parts of Southern California, potentially allowing for easier refinancing, selling, or borrowing against home equity without facing significant financial shortfalls.
The absence of specific data points, such as the names of the regions or the precise percentages, means a comprehensive regional comparison cannot be detailed. However, the overall narrative points towards a healthier mortgage landscape in select Southern California communities. Further details would be necessary to ascertain the full impact and the underlying factors contributing to this favorable market condition.
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