Should You Expect a Bidding War in Sarasota, Manatee, or Charlotte County?

Should You Still Expect a Bidding War When Buying a Home in Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch?

If you’re planning to buy a home in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, or the surrounding Manatee and Charlotte County areas, you may be wondering if you’ll face a heated bidding war. The good news? Competitive multiple-offer situations are no longer the norm in today’s Southwest Florida housing market.

A recent national survey found that only 1 in 5 homes (20%) received multiple offers in June 2025, down from nearly 1 in 3 (31%) a year ago—and much lower than June 2023 (39%) (see graph below).

This shift means buyers in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch now have more negotiating power, more time to make decisions, and a better chance to secure a home without overbidding.

Local Market Trends Matter: Sarasota vs. Manatee vs. Charlotte County

While national numbers give a broad view, real estate is always local. Data from John Burns Research & Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) reveals that the share of homes receiving multiple offers has dropped nearly everywhere—but the degree varies widely by region (see map below).

In some parts of the Northeast, about 1 in 3 homes (34%) still sparks bidding wars, while the Southeast—including Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties—is seeing far less competition, with just 6% of homes receiving multiple offers.

This decline is largely due to increased inventory in our local market. More available homes mean buyers have options, which cools the pressure on prices and reduces aggressive bidding.

Sellers Are More Willing to Negotiate in Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch

Another major shift in our Southwest Florida housing market is seller flexibility. According to a recent Redfin report, nearly half of sellers nationwide are now offering concessions—from covering buyer closing costs to reducing their listing price.

In Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and across Manatee and Charlotte counties, this trend is opening doors for buyers who were once priced out or hesitant to compete. Gone are the days when sellers expected buyers to waive inspections or appraisals to win the deal.

What This Means for Home Buyers in Sarasota, Manatee & Charlotte Counties

If the fear of bidding wars has kept you on the sidelines, now may be the time to reenter the market with confidence. Today’s market offers:

• Less competition in key neighborhoods of Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and beyond

• More room to negotiate terms and pricing

• Greater likelihood of seller concessions

Bottom Line

The era of intense bidding wars is cooling, especially here in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties. Buyers now have more power, more flexibility, and more opportunity to find the right home without overpaying.

Curious about the latest trends in your specific neighborhood? Let’s connect and explore how the current market works in your favor.