Maximize Your Real Estate Investment in San Diego: How SB 9 & SB 450 Can Help You Find the Right Property
By Rayna Mack | San Diego County Real Estate Expert
Looking for a smart way to build equity and income in San Diego’s competitive housing market? Buying an SB 9 investment property in San Diego could be the key to unlocking long-term returns. California Senate Bills SB 9 and SB 450 have created new opportunities for real estate investors and homebuyers to get more out of their property purchase—if you know where to look.
As a seasoned Realtor in San Diego County, I help buyers identify properties that qualify for these new laws—so you can split lots, add units, and significantly increase ROI.
Let’s dive into what these laws mean, why they matter to buyers, and how to find properties that offer the most upside.
🏡 What Are SB 9 and SB 450?
SB 9 (California HOME Act) allows property owners to:
- Split a single-family lot into two
- Build up to two units per lot (after the split, that’s potentially 4 units total)
SB 450, passed in 2023, makes this easier by:
- Forcing cities to approve eligible lot splits and duplexes
- Preventing unnecessary delays and red tape
These laws effectively create a path for buying single-family zoned properties and converting them into multi-unit income generators—something investors previously couldn’t do in most areas.
💡 Why This Matters to Buyers and Investors
If you’re buying property in San Diego County, these laws open up new investment strategies:
✅ Build Wealth with Lot Splits
Turn one property into two. Resell one, rent both, or develop more—you’ve instantly added value.
✅ Create Passive Income
By adding more units, you open the door for long-term rental income, Airbnb opportunities, or multi-gen housing.
✅ Buy Smarter, Not Bigger
Even modest homes in older neighborhoods can become cash-flowing properties with the right zoning and layout.
🔍 What to Look For in a Potential Property
When shopping for an SB 9 investment property in San Diego, it’s important to work with an agent who understands local zoning and development potential. Not every lot qualifies. That’s where working with an experienced local agent comes in.
When I help buyers find SB 9-friendly properties, I focus on:
- Zoning: Single-family residential zones that allow SB 9 development
- Lot Size & Shape: Wide or deep lots make splits easier
- Location: Urbanized or infill areas (many neighborhoods in San Diego County qualify)
- Avoiding Restrictions: Properties not in fire zones, historic districts, or HOAs with development limits
- Utility Access & Street Frontage: Ideal for easy development and resale
🧭 How I Help You Find the Right Property
Most MLS listings don’t come right out and say “SB 9 eligible.” That’s where my experience and due diligence come in.
Here’s how I help my buyers:
- ✅ Curate a list of properties with high potential under SB 9 and SB 405
- ✅ Review zoning maps and local overlays so you know what’s feasible
- ✅ Connect you with trusted architects, planners, and builders if you want to develop
- ✅ Negotiate smart so you buy with equity and upside already in mind
📍 San Diego Areas with High Potential
Some areas I regularly scout for qualifying properties include:
- City Heights
- North Park
- La Mesa
- El Cajon
- National City
- Spring Valley
- Chula Vista (older neighborhoods)
These areas often have larger lots, flexible zoning, and motivated sellers.
If you’re looking to purchase real estate in San Diego with the intent to build, split, or cash flow, SB 9 and SB 450 create powerful opportunities—if you know how to spot the right deal.
And that’s where I come in.
📲 Let’s connect and find you an SB 9 investment property in San Diego that goes beyond the basics—and helps you build real value over time. Let’s find one that can grow with you.
Ready to Invest Smarter?
👉 Contact me at Rayna@RaynaMack.com or call 619-922-2524 to get a list of current SB 9-eligible properties in San Diego County. Send a message and tell me your budget and goals—I’ll do the digging for you.
