January 2026 Sarasota Real Estate Market Update: A Beachside Reality Check 🏝️

If you’ve been wondering whether Sarasota’s real estate market is heating up, cooling off, or doing something in between — the short answer is: it’s settling into balance.

January’s numbers show a market that feels a lot like Sarasota itself right now — calm, steady, and a little more relaxed than the past few years.

No frenzy. No free fall. Just a market where smart decisions matter again.

The Big Picture: A More “Normal” Sarasota Market

After years of wild swings, the Sarasota market has found its footing.

Prices have softened from last year
Homes are taking longer to sell
Buyers finally have options
Sellers still have opportunity — if they price correctly

Think less sprint, more beach walk at sunset.

Single-Family Homes in Sarasota 🏡

Single-family homes are holding steady.

Sales activity is basically flat from last year
The median price has dipped to just under $490,000
Homes are taking about 48 days to go under contract
Inventory sits right around a 5-month supply — a balanced market

What this means:
Homes are still selling, but buyers are taking their time. Sellers can’t rely on emotion or urgency anymore — pricing and presentation matter more than ever.

If a home is well-located and priced right, it sells. If it’s overpriced, it lingers.

Condos & Townhomes: A Different Story 🌴

Condos and townhomes are where things shift.

Sales are up year-over-year
Prices are down nearly 10%
Inventory is high, with close to 9 months of supply
Buyers have more choices and more leverage

What this means:
This is clearly a buyer-favored segment. Condo buyers are negotiating again — price, repairs, and terms are all on the table. Sellers need to stand out, not just show up.

What Buyers Should Know Right Now

This is the most balanced buying environment Sarasota has seen in years.

You can take time to decide
You can negotiate
You’re not competing with dozens of offers

That said, the best homes still move quickly. Preparation beats hesitation.

What Sellers Need to Hear (Honestly)

This market is fair — but it’s not forgiving.

Overpricing will cost you time and money
Today’s buyers are informed and cautious
Strategic pricing from day one matters more than ever

Homes that are priced realistically are still selling — and selling well.

Looking Ahead to Spring 2026 ☀️

Pending sales are rising, which usually signals more closings ahead. That’s a good sign for both buyers and sellers as we head deeper into the spring season.

Sarasota’s market feels healthier now — less reactive, more predictable, and better for people making long-term decisions.

Final Takeaway

The Sarasota real estate market isn’t crashing or booming — it’s balanced.
Buyers have room to breathe. Sellers need strategy. And good decisions are winning on both sides.

Thinking about making a move in Sarasota this year?
Every neighborhood and price point behaves a little differently. If you want to know what these trends mean for your specific situation, I’m happy to walk you through it.