🏘️ September home sales in Florida up 12% vs. last year

It's been a challenging few years for real estate professionals in Florida.

Home sales have declined each year since the peak in 2021, as it's felt like the tide is going out in the Sunshine State.

But I wouldn't be so quick to count out one of the most dynamic real estate markets of the past decade.

In fact, recent market statistics released by Florida Realtors point to momentum building this September.

Overall, home sales across Florida were 12% higher than the same time last year. This is nearly 3,300 more sales than September 2024.

And wouldn't you know it, this is the largest increase since the boom in 2021!

Let's take a closer look...

Where are home sales surging in Florida? 🔍

This isn't a random fluke where a single market like Miami is driving all the growth.

21 of the 22 metro areas across the state experienced an increase in sales compared to the same time last year.

The top five metros were:

1. Homosassa Springs (+37%)
2. The Villages (+31%)
3. Gainesville (+28%)
4. Punta Gorda (+26%)
5. North Port - Sarasota - Bradenton (+22%)

Only Orlando clocked in a decrease in sales and it was tiny at -1%.

This is fantastic news for Florida's economy and real estate professionals throughout the state.

Why are home sales increasing in Florida? 🧐 

There's a few main drivers of increased home sales worth noting:

1. 🤞 No hurricanes as of yet.. 

We're not fully out of hurricane season, but the calm weather so far this year has allowed for a fully operational market to continue to function.

Buyers aren't getting spooked by the threat of storms and sellers have been able to market their homes without interruption.

We've had a hurricane hit Florida in 2022, 2023, and 2024 around this time of year which negatively impacted the sales those years. 

2. 📉 Mortgage rates are at the lowest levels of 2025!

Buyers are getting a break with interest rates hovering a little above 6% at the moment. We've had a couple months of really good rates (relative to the 7% we have had otherwise).

This has loosened up budgets and given buyers more breathing room to take action.

The big question is how long will it last?

3. 🤝 More buyers and sellers are finding win-win outcomes.

The longer we spend in this type of market environment (more inventory, rates in the 6's, etc.), the more used to it buyers, sellers, and their agents get.

This allows for more people to get realistic about what it takes to get a deal done. Sellers are offering repairs, credits, and bringing prices back into the market after overpricing when listing.

On top of that, Realtors have become more skilled at navigating the market and managing client expectations. This has helped them become more effective at guiding clients to accomplish their goals.

Are you ready for growth? 🚀

In my last MarketPulse 360, I proposed the idea that we could be at the bottom of the market this year.

These most recent stats are the first sign that support that idea.

The question is are you leaning into the opportunity and making the most of it or letting a chance to grow pass you by?

It's business planning season and you need more than just rah rah pep talks. 

You need actual insights to help you see the market clearly and capitalize on the opportunities that present themselves.

The agents that will be most confident, able to offer sound advice, and grow are the ones who know their numbers and the major trends taking place.

I hope that will be you! 🚀

Dr. Alex Stewart
Founder