Stephanie Thomopoulos, Coldwell Banker Real Estate

Florida Housing Market Trends: Prices Rise, Inventory Grows:

Florida's housing market continues to be a hot topic and with good reason. The housing market heats up with rising sales & prices, but don't worry – inventory's growing too! April's data from Florida Realtors paints a picture of a market in motion, with growth in closed sales, rising prices, and a welcome increase in available homes. It shows that the housing market in Florida continues to demonstrate robust growth. Here are the latest trends.

A Rise in Closed Sales and Median Prices

One of the most significant indicators of Florida's housing market health is the rise in closed sales across various property types. Existing single-family homes and condo-townhouse units both experienced an uptick in closed sales compared to the previous year. Single-family home sales reached 24,682, reflecting a 5.8 percent increase, while condo-townhouse sales totaled 10,228, marking a 1.9 percent year-over-year rise.

Accompanying the surge in closed sales is an increase in median prices, indicating strong demand and value appreciation in the market. The median sales price for single-family homes rose to $429,900, up 4.9 percent, while condo-townhouse units saw a median price increase to $335,000, a 3.1 percent rise.

This is good news for sellers, who can expect more competition among interested buyers. However, the rise in inventory is also a positive sign for buyers. After years of a fast-paced market with limited options, they finally have more breathing room. This can translate into a less stressful buying experience, with the opportunity to find a home that meets their needs and budget without feeling pressured to rush into a decision.

Additionally, with more homes on the market, bidding wars may become less common, potentially leading to a more stable pricing environment. It's important to note that mortgage rates are still a significant hurdle for some buyers.

Currently hovering around 7%, they can squeeze affordability, especially for first-time homebuyers. However, some experts believe that rates may start to ease in the coming months, which could provide additional relief for buyers.

Inventory Expansion and Buyer Opportunities

The rise in active listings is providing more options for buyers and contributing to a healthy level of inventory. With 2024 Florida Realtors President Gia Arvin emphasizing the importance of increased inventory, buyers are now presented with a wider range of choices. This expansion in options could potentially alleviate some of the upward pressure on prices, although concerns persist regarding high mortgage interest rates, currently hovering around 7 percent.

While high mortgage rates remain a concern for both buyers and sellers, the growing inventory offers hope for a more balanced market. Dr. Brad O'Connor, Chief Economist for Florida Realtors, notes that although sales are increasing compared to last year, they still fall below pre-pandemic levels. However, the rising inventory and more sustainable price growth indicate a positive trajectory for the market.

Regional Variances and Market Dynamics

Across Florida's Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), regional performances vary, highlighting the diverse nature of the state's real estate landscape. For instance, in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach MSA, closed sales for single-family homes rose by 8.9 percent, while the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford MSA experienced a slight decrease of 1.5 percent. Despite regional disparities, the overall trend points to a resilient and adaptable market.

Key Metrics and Market Trends

Several key metrics provide insights into the state of Florida's housing market. The growth in new listings of single-family homes and condo-townhouse units indicates a return to pre-pandemic levels, contributing to a rise in inventory. Additionally, cash sales remain a significant component of the market, signaling continued investor interest and confidence in Florida's real estate.

While the median time to contract and sell has increased slightly compared to the previous year, suggesting a cooling in the market, it also provides buyers with more time to make informed decisions. Furthermore, the distressed property segment, including foreclosures and short sales, saw activity, indicating opportunities for both investors and bargain-seeking buyers.

In summary, Florida's housing market is a complex and ever-changing one, but one thing's for sure: there's a lot to consider for both buyers and sellers. With rising inventory offering more choices and a more moderate pace of price increases, it could be a good time to make your move in the Sunshine State's dynamic market.