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Florida Housing Market Update – February 2026: Sales Rise, Inventory Tightens Across the State

Florida Real Estate Market Gains Momentum Heading Into Spring 2026

Florida’s housing market is showing renewed strength as we move into the highly anticipated spring buying season. According to the latest data from the Florida Realtors®, February 2026 marked the sixth consecutive month of rising closed sales, signaling a market that is stabilizing and gaining confidence.

For buyers, sellers, and investors in Naples, Bonita Springs, and coastal Southwest Florida, these trends present both opportunity and urgency.

Closed Sales Continue to Climb Across Florida

In February 2026:

• Single-family home sales: 18,379 closed transactions (+3.9% year-over-year)

• Condo & townhouse sales: 7,060 closed transactions (+8.6% year-over-year)

This consistent growth indicates that buyer demand remains strong, even as mortgage rates and economic conditions continue to evolve.

Because closed sales reflect contracts written 30–90 days prior, this is also a strong indicator of healthy activity throughout late 2025 and early 2026.

Pending Sales Signal Continued Buyer Demand

New pending sales—one of the most important forward-looking indicators—also increased:

• Single-family homes: +4%

• Condos & townhomes: +9.1%

This suggests that buyer activity is not slowing down, and demand is expected to remain steady or increase as we move deeper into spring.

For luxury and waterfront markets like Bonita Bay, Barefoot Beach, and Naples, this is especially significant, as seasonal demand typically accelerates in Q1 and Q2.

Home Prices Stabilizing, Creating Opportunity

Median prices moderated slightly year-over-year:

• Single-family homes: -0.7%

• Condos/townhomes: -1.9%

This signals a stable market rather than a downturn, giving buyers a window of opportunity while still preserving long-term value.

For sellers, pricing strategically is more important than ever to remain competitive and attract serious buyers.

Inventory Drops After Surge – A Key Shift in the Market

One of the most notable shifts in February was a decline in new listings:

• Single-family listings: down 9.5% year-over-year

• Condos/townhomes: down 15.2% year-over-year

While this may sound concerning, it actually reflects a return to more normal, pre-2022 market conditions, rather than a true shortage.

Current Inventory Levels:

• Single-family homes: 4.8 months supply

• Condos/townhomes: 9.3 months supply

This indicated a mostly balanced market, leaning towards a buyer’s market  in the condo segment—something we are seeing locally in many waterfront and high-rise communities.

What This Means for Buyers in Southwest Florida

If you’re considering purchasing in markets like Naples, Bonita Springs, or Barefoot Beach, here’s what to keep in mind:

• More negotiating power in certain segments (especially condos)

• Stabilizing prices offer better entry points

• Strong competition still exists for desirable waterfront and luxury single family properties

• Seasonal demand may impact market conditions

What This Means for Sellers

For homeowners thinking about selling:

• Buyer demand is active and improving

• Proper pricing is critical in a more balanced market

• Presentation and marketing strategy matter more than ever

• Inventory tightening trends may be temporary

Expert Insight: A Market Finding Its Footing

According to Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor, the market has likely “bottomed out in terms of sales and is inching its way back upward.”

This is an important signal for both buyers and sellers—it indicates stability, not volatility, and a transition into a healthier, more sustainable market cycle.

Local Insight: Why This Matters for Bonita Springs & Naples

In high-demand coastal markets like:

Bonita Beach and Bonita Bay

Barefoot Beach

• Naples waterfront communities: Pelican Bay, Park Shore, The Moorings, Old Naples, and Port Royal

We are seeing:

• Continued interest from out-of-state buyers

• Strong seasonal demand

• Increased focus on lifestyle-driven purchases

• Long-term confidence in luxury waterfront values

These areas tend to outperform broader market trends due to limited inventory and premium location appeal.

Thinking About Buying or Selling?

Navigating today’s market requires local expertise, strategic pricing, and targeted marketing.

If you’re considering buying, selling, or investing in Southwest Florida real estate, I’d be happy to provide a custom market analysis tailored to your goals.

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