Sarasota-Manatee County Real Estate Market Update: October 2025

The September 2025 housing numbers are in for Sarasota and Manatee Counties — and they show a market that’s gaining momentum. Closed sales surged, inventory grew modestly, and both buyers and sellers are adjusting to a more balanced environment. Here’s what’s happening in the local real estate scene this month.

Closed Sales Surge

September was one of the strongest months of the year for home sales. A total of 1,308 single-family homes sold across Sarasota and Manatee, marking a 25.2% jump from last year. That’s a big comeback from the slower pace we saw in 2024 and a clear sign that buyers are reentering the market despite higher mortgage rates.

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

Prices Hold Steady, with a Slight Dip

Home prices softened slightly compared to last year but remain steady overall. The median sale price for a single-family home was $465,000, down 3.2% year-over-year. The average sale price dipped 1.7% to $619,000.

While prices are no longer at their 2024 peaks, the market has shown resilience — holding firm even as inventory and days on market continue to rise.

Total Dollar Volume Climbs

With sales activity up and prices steady, total dollar volume reached $809.8 million, a 23% increase from last year. More transactions are closing, and buyer confidence is clearly improving heading into the fall season.

Cash Buyers Stay Active

Cash remains king on the Gulf Coast. Roughly 35% of all transactions in September were cash purchases, up from 33% a year ago — a 4.8% increase. This highlights ongoing interest from investors and second-home buyers, especially in luxury and coastal markets.

Homes Taking Longer to Sell

For sellers, patience is becoming more important. The median time to contract rose to 62 days, up 32% from last year. The median time to sale hit 107 days, a 12.6% increase. That’s nearly two weeks longer than a year ago, giving buyers more time to shop and negotiate.

Inventory Rising Toward Balance

Active inventory continues to climb, reaching 5,793 homes, a 9.3% increase from last September. The months’ supply of inventory now sits at 4.5 months, edging closer to a balanced market.
While it’s still considered a mild seller’s market, Sarasota–Manatee is clearly trending toward a more even playing field.

New Listings and Pending Sales

New listings were down slightly at 1,435, a 1.6% decrease, but pending sales rose to 1,217, a strong 16% jump. That combination points to solid demand as buyers continue to write contracts at a steady pace going into fall.

What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

For buyers: There’s more to choose from, and with homes taking longer to sell, negotiation power is back on your side. You’ll find more opportunities, especially if you’re flexible on timing and ready to act when the right home appears.

For sellers: Pricing correctly is key. Overpricing can cause your home to sit on the market longer, while competitively priced, move-in-ready homes are still attracting solid offers. Presentation and value matter more than ever in this evolving market.

Quick Recap

Closed Sales: 1,308 (+25.2%)
Median Sale Price: $465,000 (-3.2%)
Average Sale Price: $619,000 (-1.7%)
Cash Sales: 35% (+4.8%)
Time to Contract: 62 days (+32%)
Time to Sale: 107 days (+12.6%)
Inventory: 5,793 (+9.3%)
Months Supply: 4.5 (balanced trend)
Pending Sales: 1,217 (+16.2%)

The Bottom Line

The Sarasota–Manatee housing market is showing healthy rebalancing. More listings, steady prices, and stronger buyer demand are setting the stage for a stable end to 2025.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling before the new year, now’s a great time to plan your strategy. The opportunities are there — it’s just about timing and preparation.

For a deeper dive into your neighborhood’s trends or a personalized market analysis, reach out to the House Match team today.

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