Is the Real Estate Market Finally Balancing Out in Southwest Florida?

Is the Real Estate Market Finally Balancing Out in Southwest Florida?

For years, sellers have had the upper hand in the housing market. With limited inventory and high demand, buyers faced tough competition just to get an offer accepted. But now, inventory is rising, and the market is shifting in many areas, including Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch.

So, is the market finally balancing out? And does that mean buyers will have an easier time purchasing a home? Here’s what you need to know about the current real estate landscape in Southwest Florida.

What Determines a Buyer’s or Seller’s Market?

The balance of power in real estate comes down to the number of homes available compared to the number of buyers looking to purchase.

• Seller’s Market: When there are more buyers than available homes, sellers hold the advantage. This leads to rising prices, multiple offers, and homes selling quickly—often above the asking price.

• Buyer’s Market: When there are more homes than buyers, the tables turn. Sellers may need to offer concessions, negotiate more, or adjust pricing strategies because buyers have more choices and can take their time making decisions.

You can see this play out over time using data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the graph below:

Where the Market Stands Now

While Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch have remained strong real estate markets, buyers are gaining more leverage than in previous years. Inventory levels have been increasing, providing buyers with more options and negotiation power. As Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub, explains:

"Among the nation’s 200 largest metro area housing markets, 41 markets ended January 2025 with more active homes for sale than they had in pre-pandemic January 2019. These are the places where homebuyers will be able to find the most leverage or market balance in 2025."

Southwest Florida continues to be a highly desirable destination, but with a growing number of listings, buyers may find opportunities that weren’t available just a year or two ago.

Here’s a look at some of the strongest seller’s markets and buyer’s markets today, according to that research:

Why You Need a Local Real Estate Expert

No matter the market conditions, having an experienced local real estate agent on your side makes a difference. Whether you’re buying in a competitive seller’s market or selling in a market with rising inventory, a skilled agent understands current trends, negotiation tactics, and the nuances of areas like Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch.

Working with a real estate professional ensures you make informed decisions and get the best possible outcome, whether you’re looking to buy or sell in Southwest Florida.

Bottom Line

With inventory rising, the market may be starting to balance out—but it all depends on where you’re looking to buy or sell.

Are you wondering if buyers or sellers have the upper hand in Sarasota, Venice, or Lakewood Ranch? Let’s connect so you can make the most of today’s market opportunities.