May 2025 Real Estate Market Report: Trends in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

SARASOTA, Fla. (June 23, 2025) – The REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM) has released its May 2025 real estate market report, offering a comprehensive analysis of key trends across both counties. According to data from Florida REALTORS®, the housing market in Sarasota and Manatee County shows continued signs of a market in transition. While inventory remains significantly higher than this time last year, the pace of growth has begun to slow compared to previous months. This moderation, coupled with declining median prices and longer time on market, suggests a gradual return to more balanced conditions across both counties. Buyers are gaining negotiating power, while sellers must adjust to a landscape that favors realistic pricing and patience.

Key Trends in Sarasota/Manatee May 2025:

Median Sale Price Trends: Median sale prices declined across the board, suggesting continued downward pressure in the market.
Inventory Growth Slowing: Inventory levels remain elevated compared to last year, but the month-over-month increases have begun to moderate, suggesting a potential shift toward market stabilization.
Market Time: Both time to contract and time to sale increased across most categories, signifying slower buyer decision-making and extended listing periods.

Single-Family Homes

In May 2025, Sarasota County reported 788 single-family home sales, a 7.3 percent decrease year-over-year. The median sale price declined by 12.3 percent from May 2024 to $465,000. Cash buyers accounted for 35.8 percent of all closed sales.

Inventory levels decreased by 6.8 percent from the previous month to 4,144 active listings, bringing the months supply to 6.6 months. The median time to contract and median time to sale increased to 51 days and 93 days, respectively.

In May 2025, Manatee County reported 786 single-family home sales, a 1.9 percent decrease year-over-year. The median sale price decreased 8.9 percent year-over-year to $478,195. Cash buyers accounted for 31.2 percent of all closed sales.

Manatee County ended May 2025 with 3,212 active listings, representing a 5.2-month supply of inventory. The median time to contract and median time to sale increased to 52 days and 98 days, respectively.

"In both Sarasota and Manatee, we're seeing a healthier pace in the single-family segment,” said Debi Reynolds, 2025 RASM President and Managing Broker at SaraBay Real Estate. “The market isn’t as frenzied as it once was, but it’s giving everyone—especially first-time buyers—a fairer shot at homeownership."

Townhomes and Condos

In May 2025, Sarasota County reported 342 townhome and condo sales, a 19.1 percent decrease year-over-year. The median sale price fell 12.8 percent year-over-year to $321,020, with 60.5 percent of sales being cash purchases.

Inventory levels decreased by 6.7 percent from the previous month to 2,477 active listings, bringing the months supply to 9.2 months. The median time to contract and the median time decreased from April 2025 to 59 days and 102 days, respectively.

In May 2025, Manatee County reported 265 townhome and condo sales, a 0.4 percent increase year-over-year. The median sale price fell 13.4 percent to $313,000 with 51.3 percent of sales being cash purchases.

Inventory levels decreased by 3.9 percent from the previous month to 1,747 active listings, bringing the months supply to 7.9 months. The median time to contract decreased to 60 days, while the median time to sale increased to 99 days.

"The condo and townhome market continues to experience price softening, driven largely by higher inventory,” added Reynolds. “This creates excellent opportunities for buyers, especially those looking for second homes or investment properties.”

Summary

These latest trends highlight a shifting real estate landscape, where increased inventory and longer market times are creating new opportunities for buyers while challenging sellers to adapt. With prices adjusting and the pace of sales slowing, it is more important than ever to rely on a knowledgeable REALTOR® who understands the local market. Whether you are buying or selling, having a professional by your side can make all the difference in navigating today’s competitive and evolving market.

Monthly reports are provided by Florida Realtors® with data compiled from Stellar MLS. For comprehensive statistics dating back to 2015, visit www.MyRASM.com/statistics.