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The market finished 2025 strong and carried that energy into 2026. Here’s what buyers and sellers need to know about activity, prices, and inventory.

As early storms hit the Northeast, buyer activity in Southeast Florida accelerated toward the end of 2025. Sales increased, pending contracts jumped, and the market gained strength going into the final quarter.

But even with more activity, prices did not rise. The way these trends came together helps explain the market’s unusual finish and its strong start to 2026.

A stronger market toward the end of 2025. As 2025 came to a close, the Southeast Florida real estate market became stronger toward the end of the year. Several positive trends emerged in the fourth quarter, particularly in overall activity.

One contributing factor mentioned was early storms in the Northeast. These conditions often drive people to head south earlier than usual, and that pattern appears to have increased real estate activity in Southeast Florida.

Closed sales increased across property types. During the fourth quarter, closed sales increased by almost 10% across Southeast Florida. This total includes single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums combined.

Single-family homes continued to perform the strongest. They remained stronger than condominiums and slightly stronger than townhomes, maintaining their position as the most resilient property type in the market.

"The strong end-of-year surge is carrying into early 2026."

A significant rise in pending sales. Pending sales rose by about 17% in the fourth quarter. This represented a large increase in the number of people buying homes and putting properties under contract toward the end of the year.

Since pending sales typically close about a month later, this increase is expected to show results in 2026. The strong level of contract activity in the final quarter helped create momentum moving into the new year.

Prices remained flat or declined slightly. Despite stronger sales activity, median sales prices did not increase. The median sales price for single-family homes remained flat, while townhomes and condominiums went down slightly.

Because of these changes, the overall median sales price across all property types ended the year a little lower. This result stood out given the otherwise positive movement in sales activity.

More inventory and longer selling times. Days on the market increased during this period, meaning homes were taking longer to sell. At the same time, the month’s supply of inventory rose.

By the end of the quarter, Southeast Florida had about eight months of inventory across all property types. This increase in available homes was part of the overall market picture at the end of 2025.

Starting 2026 strong in Southeast Florida. The strong activity from late 2025 has carried through, and the Southeast Florida real estate market remains active as we move into 2026. While some of the data from the end of last year was unusual, the surge in buyer activity, especially in December, helped start the new year on a positive note.

Although the broader Southeast Florida market gives helpful context, conditions can vary by community and property type. If you’d like to know more about your community, the Southeast Florida market, or the value of your own home, we’d be happy to take a closer look and show you how these trends apply to your situation.

If you’d like to know more about your community, the Southeast Florida market, or the value of your own home, just reach out anytime at (561) 220-2052, email info@tricoliteam.com, or visit tricoliteam.com. We’d be happy to take a closer look and show you how these trends apply to your situation.

With buyers returning and fewer homes on the market, selling now puts you ahead.

The real estate market in Southeast Florida doesn’t look the same as it did in 2021 and 2022. Back then, homes were selling almost instantly. Today, sellers are facing a very different environment, and that’s why so many homeowners are asking, “When is the best time to sell my home in 2026?”

Let’s take a look at what’s happening in today’s market and how sellers can approach 2026.

Why does selling look different from what it did a few years ago? During 2021 and 2022, homes were often selling the same day they were listed, and almost anyone could sell with ease. Over the past three years, that has changed. We’ve seen a stronger buyer’s market, and selling a home has required more strategy. This shift has left many sellers unsure about whether now is the right time to make a move.

Buyer activity is returning earlier than normal. What’s encouraging is what we’re seeing right now. Buyer calls are coming in again, earlier than usual. Normally, we don’t see this kind of activity until late January or early February, but this year it’s already happening. That early pickup tells us buyers are actively looking right now.

Why listing now is a great window for sellers. The reason is simple: not many sellers have listed yet. While buyer activity is increasing, competition remains limited. Over the next month or so, we expect more homes to come on the market, which will naturally increase competition for sellers.

"Now is the best time to list your home and get ahead of the market."

How inventory trends point to a strong 2026. Over the past two months, inventory on our MLS has gone down. December turned out to be one of the strongest Decembers we’ve seen in several years, and that momentum feels like it’s carrying into 2026. Based on what we’re seeing so far, all indications point toward a stronger year than last.

Pricing your home correctly remains critical. Even with improving market conditions, pricing your home correctly is still very important. Sellers want to get ahead of the competition and sell before more homes start piling up on the market. Proper pricing helps attract buyers and positions your home to stand out amid lower inventory.

How Southeast Florida’s seasonal market is different. Southeast Florida doesn’t follow the same seasonal pattern as colder parts of the country. In northern and cold-weather states, buyer activity typically increases in the spring. Here, we see strong buyer interest at this time of year because of the sunny, dry, and comfortable weather. We attract snowbirds, second-home buyers, investors, and people relocating, all of whom are active during this season.

Interest rates help bring buyers back into the market. Interest rates are currently in the low sixes, and there’s anticipation they may continue to come down. That environment is helping bring buyers back into the market and supporting the increase in activity we’re seeing.

Thinking about selling your home in 2026? Right now is one of the best times to act. Buyer demand is increasing, inventory is lower, and competition hasn’t fully returned yet, giving sellers in Southeast Florida a real advantage. 

If you’d like to explore your options or get a better sense of what your home could sell for, just reach out anytime at (561) 220-2052, email info@tricoliteam.com, or visit tricoliteam.com. We’d be happy to discuss it with you and provide a free consultation.

The best buyers are the most prepared. Strengthen your finances now so you’re ready the moment opportunity hits.

Are you thinking about buying a home in 2026 but are not sure where to begin? Many buyers assume the first step is jumping online to scroll through listings or heading out to open houses. While that part is exciting, starting there without preparation can lead to frustration and missed opportunities.

The smartest buyers start by getting prepared, not just by shopping. Real success in today’s 2026 market begins with understanding your finances, improving your credit, and talking with the right professionals before you ever make an offer.

Let’s walk through exactly what we recommend to help you get ahead and become a confident, well-prepared buyer this year.

1. Review your credit and fix issues early. The very first step we recommend is reviewing your credit, ideally with reports from all three credit bureaus. Your credit score plays a big role in your interest rate and your overall buying power, so the higher your score, the better your potential loan options can be.

If there are issues on your credit report, such as errors, high balances, or old accounts that need attention, now is the time to address them. This may include disputing incorrect items or paying down certain balances to improve your score. Even small improvements can make a difference in your loan terms and monthly payment, so starting early gives you more control and better results.

"Exploring your options early puts you ahead of the competition."

2. Organize your budget, savings, and payment expectations. The next step is getting clear on what your monthly payment might look like and how much you’ll need for your down payment and closing costs. Online mortgage calculators can give you a rough estimate, but they’re only a starting point.

It’s important to look at your full financial picture, including your income, existing debts, and savings, so you’re not stretching yourself too thin. Being organized now helps you avoid surprises later and makes the entire process smoother once you’re ready to move forward.

3. Talk to a lender and get fully pre-approved. Working with a good lender early in the process is one of the most important steps you can take. A lender can help guide you through credit questions, estimate your down payment, and explain what your real monthly payments may look like.

Once your finances are reviewed, the next step is getting pre-approved, not just pre-qualified. A true pre-approval is based on verified information and gives you a clear idea of what price range you can shop in. It also shows sellers that you are serious and ready to buy when the right home comes along.

Start preparing today. If buying a home is part of your plan for 2026, the best thing you can do is start preparing now. Reviewing your credit, organizing your finances, speaking with a lender, and getting expert guidance early can help you secure better financing terms and avoid unnecessary stress once you start house hunting.

If you want to talk things through, get connected with a lender, or start putting a simple plan together, reach out to (561) 220-2052 or email info@tricoliteam.com. We’re here to help. Reaching out early can really help things feel easier when you’re ready to take the next step.

Your trust made this year meaningful. Wishing you a peaceful holiday.

Every home tells a story, and every move is a milestone.

As the year wraps up, we want to thank you for letting us be part of your journey. Whether we worked together, connected online, or you’re simply someone we’re grateful to know, your support means the world to us.

Buying or selling a home isn’t just a transaction; it’s a big life moment. That’s why it’s such an honor when you trust us to guide you, send a referral, or even mention our team to someone who might need help.

The best part of this work is the community we build along the way, and you’re a key part of it. Whether you’re settling into a new place or planning a move next year, we’re always here to help.

Here’s to a new year full of smart, confident moves and exciting possibilities. Wishing you and your loved ones a season of joy, peace, and the comfort of home.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!