Florida’s Housing Market Is Shifting: What Sarasota & Manatee Homeowners Need to Know in 2025

by Adam Miller

Florida’s Housing Market Is Shifting: What Sarasota & Manatee Homeowners Need to Know in 2025

If you’ve been watching the headlines or scrolling Zillow lately, you’ve probably noticed a shift in the Florida real estate market—and it's not just your imagination. From rising inventory to falling prices, the market across Sarasota and Manatee counties is clearly cooling off.

Whether you're thinking about selling your home or trying to make sense of when (or if) to buy, understanding the current landscape is critical.

Let’s break it down.

What’s Actually Happening in Florida’s Housing Market?

According to a recent Newsweek article, Florida’s housing market is “on the brink,” with indicators across the state pointing to an undeniable slowdown. Inventory is climbing, home prices are softening, and the feeding frenzy of the past few years has finally calmed.

But it’s not just statewide headlines painting the picture—it’s happening right here in our own backyard.

the 941 lifestyle group

Sarasota & Manatee County: February 2025 Market Highlights

The REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee released its latest report, and the data confirms what we’re seeing daily:

Inventory is up significantly—meaning more homes competing for fewer buyers.
Prices are trending down, especially in the condo and townhouse markets.
Time on market is longer, which means sellers need stronger marketing, better pricing strategies, and patience.
Cash buyers are still present, but less dominant than before.

🔹 Sarasota County Single-Family Homes:

Median sale price: $499,990 (down 1.5% YoY)
Active listings: 4,292 (up 28.6%)
Months of supply: 6.8 (buyer-friendly)
Median days to contract: 46
Cash deals: 43.8%

🔹 Manatee County Single-Family Homes:

Median sale price: $475,995 (down 4.8% YoY)
Active listings: 3,097
Months of supply: 4.9
Median days to contract: 46
Sales volume: Down 8.6%

🔹 Townhomes & Condos:

Sarasota median condo price: $342,000 (down 12.3%)
Manatee median condo price: $319,990 (down 8.4%)
Inventory in both counties now ranges between 8.3–9.1 months of supply.
Time to contract and sale is increasing, giving buyers more leverage.

Debi Reynolds, the 2025 RASM President, said it best:

“After years of a strong seller’s market, the increase in inventory and more stable pricing indicate that the market is shifting toward a more level playing field for buyers and sellers alike.”

The Reality for Homeowners in 2025

If you’re a homeowner in Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, or Manatee County, this data means a few key things:

Your home will likely take longer to sell than it would have in 2021 or 2022.
You’ll face more competition—from other resale homes and aggressive builder incentives.
You need a pricing and marketing strategy that adapts to this slower market.

According to the Home Buying Institute, sellers today must rethink outdated approaches. Buyers are no longer making snap decisions or waiving inspections. Instead, they’re comparing homes, negotiating more, and expecting value.

How We Help You Win in a Cooling Market

We’re Adam and Jessica Miller, the real estate team behind The 941 Lifestyle Group. We don’t just list homes. We help position, present, and promote them in a way that speaks to lifestyle—not just square footage.

And in this market, that matters more than ever.

Here’s what we do differently:

✅ Lifestyle Matchmaking: We don’t just market homes—we match buyers to the lifestyle they’re truly looking for. Whether it’s golf, walkability, pickleball, or privacy, we speak to the emotional “why” behind every move.

✅ Video-First Marketing: We use video, social media, and digital storytelling to get your home seen by real, qualified buyers. Because let’s face it—MLS photos don’t cut it anymore.

✅ Hyperlocal Expertise: We live in Lakewood Ranch. We know the villages, the HOA rules, the vibe, and the buyers who want in. We use that knowledge to price smart, stage strategically, and market with intention.

✅ No Sugarcoating: If your house is overpriced or needs work to sell—we’ll tell you. Because honesty sells. And we’d rather get you to the closing table than waste your time.

Buyers: Don’t Be Fooled By the Headlines

Yes, prices are softening. Yes, there’s more inventory. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

Condos are trickier than ever thanks to association regulations, reserve studies, and rising insurance costs. Even cash buyers need to navigate hidden fees and fluctuating HOA rules.

You’ll need guidance, not just a Zillow search.

Final Takeaways

The market isn’t crashing. But it is shifting.

Buyers have more power. Sellers need better strategy. And both need someone in their corner who knows how to navigate this new normal.

We’re here to help.

Call or text us at 941-233-9722
Email us at adam@the941lifestylegroup.com
Or check out our newest listings and community insights at the941lifestylegroup.com