Florida In January Starts Strong

A Promising Start to the Year

Florida’s housing market entered 2026 with encouraging momentum. January delivered year-over-year growth in closed sales, pending contracts and new listings — a combination that signals both buyer engagement and seller confidence.

Rather than a sharp rebound or slowdown, we’re seeing something healthier: measured, sustainable activity.

At Laura Graves Real Estate, this type of balanced movement creates opportunity — especially for prepared buyers and strategically positioned sellers.

Sales Activity Is Moving Up

January 2026 statewide data shows:

• Single-family home sales: Up 5.9% year-over-year

• Condo and townhouse sales: Up 5.1% year-over-year

Closed sales reflect contracts written in late 2025, indicating that demand began strengthening months ago.

More importantly, pending sales surged:

• Single-family pending sales: Up 15.2%

• Condo/townhome pending sales: Up 16.9%

This marks the sixth consecutive month of rising pending activity — a strong sign that buyers are re-engaging.

Inventory Is Rising — But So Is Absorption

New listings reached record January levels:

• Single-family new listings: Up 7%

• Condo/townhome new listings: Up 2.7%

More homes on the market gives buyers greater choice. However, the key metric is whether those homes are sitting — or selling.

With pending sales rising sharply, many new listings are being absorbed quickly.

Current supply levels:

• Single-family homes: 5.2 months (near balanced market)

• Condos/townhomes: 9.7 months (more buyer leverage)

The condo segment remains more competitive for sellers, while well-priced single-family homes are moving steadily.

Prices Show Slight Moderation

Median prices softened slightly year-over-year:

• Single-family median: $405,000 (↓ 1.2%)

• Condo/townhome median: $305,000 (↓ 2.4%)

This modest price adjustment, paired with improving demand, creates a healthier environment than the extreme volatility seen in prior years.

What This Means for Buyers

Buyers today benefit from:

• Expanded inventory

• Slight price moderation

• Stabilizing mortgage conditions

• Reduced bidding-war intensity compared to peak cycles

However, with pending sales climbing for six straight months, competition could tighten heading into the spring selling season.

Laura’s Recommendation for Buyers:
If you’ve been waiting for signs of stability, January’s data suggests that window may be open — but not indefinitely. Acting before peak spring demand returns could provide stronger negotiating leverage.

What This Means for Sellers

Seller confidence is returning — but strategy is critical.

Increased inventory means pricing correctly from day one is essential. Homes that are positioned well are moving. Overpriced listings risk extended days on market, especially in the condo segment.

Why This Is an Ideal Time for Laura Graves’ Listings

In a market where:

• Inventory is increasing

• Buyers are active

• Pending sales are rising

• Pricing discipline matters

Expert positioning makes the difference.

Laura Graves’ listings benefit from:

• Strategic pricing aligned with real-time market absorption

• Targeted marketing that captures serious, qualified buyers

• Skilled negotiation in a transitioning market

• Strong local network visibility

As buyer activity strengthens, properly marketed listings are standing out — and securing contracts efficiently.

If you’re considering selling in 2026, listing early in a strengthening cycle can allow you to capture renewed buyer confidence before inventory builds further.

Considering Buying or Selling?

Let’s review how these statewide trends are impacting your specific neighborhood — and how Laura Graves’ tailored listing strategy can maximize your outcome in 2026.

Call Laura: 786-457-8001

Send Email: [email protected]