Seasonal Dip for Real Estate

While the supply of homes for sale in the area shows the potential for a buyer’s market with lower prices, the condo and townhome market in Martin County indicates that even though sales dropped, average prices still increased. MARTIN COUNTY OFFICE OF TOURISM & MARKETING

But outlook remains strong across Treasure Coast

BY JERRY SHAW

The large supply of available homes continues to attract buyers, said Michelle Franklin, St. Lucie County Property Appraiser. ST. LUCIE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER

The real estate market across Florida’s Treasure Coast experienced a seasonal slowdown in home sales, typical for the period between the active summer months and the quieter winter season. However, experts predict a more robust market ahead, with increased housing supply potentially driving prices down in favor of buyers.

“Real estate trends have shifted, with a larger supply of homes available than we’ve seen in the past five years,” said Michelle Franklin, St. Lucie County Property Appraiser. “Even so, St. Lucie County continues to attract strong buyer interest, thanks to its prime location and ongoing growth opportunities.”

St. Lucie County reported 128,079 single-family home parcels in 2025, up from 122,437 in 2024. The total value of these parcels rose from $42.28 billion to $45.33 billion year-over-year.

Despite this growth, single-family home sales in the county declined 11.7% in August 2025, with 475 homes sold compared to 538 in August 2024, according to Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors. Median sale prices also dipped slightly, from $405,000 to $400,000—a 1.2% decrease.

In contrast, the condo and townhouse market in St. Lucie County showed signs of resilience. Sales rose from 79 units in August 2024 to 88 units in August 2025. Median prices, however, fell from $330,105 to $298,450, making these properties more attractive to buyers.

Home sales may be going through a lull in the area for a period, but the attractive beaches and home availability will continue to entice buyers as the new season kicks off, according to observers.

Vero Beach is in the middle of a buyer’s market. The housing supply in Indian River County has outpaced demand, so many homes have been selling below the asking price.

BROADER REGIONAL TRENDS

Indian River County is also experiencing a buyer’s market, with housing supply outpacing demand. According to Realtor.com, the median listing price in August was $424,900, down 3.2% year-over-year. Homes sold for an average of $370,000—3.5% below asking price—and remained on the market for an average of 87 days, slightly longer than last year. The county’s total parcel count stands at 95,250, with a taxable value of $31.82 billion.

Martin County’s market has shown mixed signals. Closed sales for single-family homes dropped 8.9% in Q2 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, falling from 584 to 532 units. Yet, median sale prices rose 1.7%, from $605,000 to $615,000. New listings also declined, from 753 to 694.

The condo and townhome segment in Martin County saw more dramatic shifts. Closed sales fell 13%, from 312 to 270 units, while average sale prices surged 13%, from $358,000 to $405,000.

“It’s general seasonality,” explained Alex Haigh of Alexander Haigh Real Estate, which serves St. Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach counties. “The third quarter is always lighter compared to summertime when people are moving and preparing for school. The strongest period is typically January through July, when snowbirds arrive.”

Haigh noted that early third-quarter sales reports are “a little bit lighter year over year,” but emphasized that trends vary by property type. “The condo market has been dramatic over the last three years with inventory going up. Single-family homes have been pretty resilient. Prices have not dropped in the lower price range.” 

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