May 2025 Real Estate Market Update Sarasota Bradenton Lakewood Ranch

Sarasota-Manatee County Real Estate Market Update: May 2025

The real estate market in Sarasota and Manatee counties continues to evolve, and staying informed is key whether you're buying, selling, or investing. Here’s a breakdown of the most recent data from April to give you an up-to-date view of the local market landscape.

Closed Sales: Slight Dip, but Still Strong Year-Over-Year

In April, closed sales dipped slightly by 0.5% compared to the previous month. However, year-over-year, closed sales are up 2%, showing that despite some national narratives, homes in the Sarasota-Manatee region are still selling. The local market remains active and resilient.

*Statistics from* *https://www.floridarealtors.org/*

Median Sales Price: A Shift in the Middle

The median sales price dropped approximately 13% from April 2024, landing at $465,000. While this might sound alarming, it's important to note that this reflects a shift in the types of homes being sold—perhaps fewer high-end properties and more mid-range ones—rather than a true depreciation of home values across the board.

Cash Sales: Steady and Strong

Around 40% of all sales were cash transactions, a figure that has remained consistent for the past four to five years. This highlights the continued strength of investor interest and financially prepared buyers in the area.

List Price vs. Sale Price: A Slight Adjustment

Homes sold for an average of 93.5% of their original list price, which is down by 1.8%. This trend suggests that while homes are selling, sellers are having to be more flexible. Homes priced accurately from the start are still commanding strong offers, often closer to asking price.

Time to Contract: Moderate Increase

The median time to contract rose to 46 days, a 12% increase from the 41-day average this time last year. Despite this uptick, homes are still moving relatively quickly—particularly when they are well-priced and in good condition.

Pending Sales: A Slight Decrease, But Hope for May

Pending sales dropped by about 3% year-over-year, totaling approximately 1,530 for April. While this is a small decline, it’s a forward-looking metric that suggests we may see a modest increase in closed sales in May once those pending deals finalize.

New Listings & Inventory: A Growing Market

One of the biggest changes came in new listings, which rose by 13.7% to around 2,100 listings in April. This increase contributed to a higher months’ supply of inventory—now at 6.1 months, up 35% from a year ago. This level of inventory suggests a more balanced market, shifting away from the highly competitive seller’s market of recent years.

What This Means for You

With more inventory and stable buyer activity, now is still a great time to enter the market—whether you're buying, selling, or investing. Success in today's market depends on having the right strategy and an experienced real estate partner. Homes that are priced well and presented in top condition are still selling quickly, especially in high-demand price points.

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