Home Prices Remain Flat, but Buyers Have More Inventory To Choose From

After several years of rapid market shifts, the real estate landscape in late 2025 looks surprisingly steady. While home prices have remained largely unchanged, the number of available properties has grown significantly—giving buyers more choices and easing some of the intensity that defined the past few years.

National Overview: Supply Is Up, Prices Hold Steady

According to Realtor.com’s Weekly Housing Trends Report, the number of active homes for sale has risen 14% compared to this time last year. This marks the 104th consecutive week of inventory growth nationwide—a sign that buyers are finally getting a little breathing room.

To put that in perspective, there are now roughly 1.1 million homes on the market across the country. While this is still below pre-pandemic levels, it’s a meaningful improvement from the historically tight inventory that made home shopping such a challenge in recent years.

Interestingly, active inventory is increasing much faster than new listings. That means more homes are staying on the market longer, as sellers become more patient—or more cautious. Many homeowners are still hesitant to list because they’re holding onto their low pandemic-era mortgage rates.

Mortgage Rates and Market Sentiment

Mortgage rates recently dropped to their lowest point in over a year—about 6.17%—before inching back up to 6.22% this week. That’s not the ultra-low 3% range we saw during the boom, but it’s still a relief compared to the higher rates of 2023–2024.

According to Realtor.com’s senior economist Joel Berner, this dynamic has left many homeowners feeling “locked in.” Those who refinanced or purchased at record-low rates are reluctant to trade their affordable monthly payments for a new mortgage at a higher rate.

Meanwhile, some buyers remain cautious, especially amid concerns about the broader economy and job stability. The Home Purchase Sentiment Index—a measure of how confident Americans feel about buying a home—has remained unchanged. It’s clear that while conditions have improved, consumer confidence has yet to catch up.

Local Snapshot: Destin, Miramar Beach, 30A, and Inlet Beach

Here along Florida’s Emerald Coast, the story is even more dramatic. Over the past six months, new listings have surged from 69 to 1,053, an astounding 1,426% increase.

Active inventory—homes currently for sale—has jumped even more sharply, from 113 to 1,526 listings, a 1,250% increase. This means homes are sitting longer and sellers are beginning to adjust their expectations.

In fact, the average home is now on the market for about 104 days, similar to the pace seen during the pandemic. That’s roughly three and a half months—enough time for buyers to explore their options without feeling rushed.

Prices: Flat but Stable

Despite the surge in listings, prices haven’t collapsed. The median list price in our local coastal communities is about $1.2 million, and when you adjust for size, the price per square foot has slipped only 0.7% year over year. That’s hardly the sign of a declining market—it’s more of a return to balance.

We’re also seeing a higher percentage of price reductions as sellers compete for attention, but this is healthy. It’s a reminder that the days of instant bidding wars are behind us, replaced by a more measured and realistic marketplace.

What Kind of Homes Are Selling?

Most of the homes currently listed were built around 2015, meaning today’s buyers are getting relatively modern construction—energy-efficient, updated designs, and move-in ready properties. Compared to 2019, the average age of homes on the market hasn’t changed much, showing that newer homes still dominate our coastal inventory.

What This Means for Buyers

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, now may be your best window in several years. More choices, less competition, and motivated sellers make for a friendlier environment. You may not snag a “pandemic-era” interest rate, but you’ll likely find a home you love without the stress of overpaying or rushing into an offer.

What This Means for Sellers

For sellers, the key word is strategy. Homes that are priced correctly and professionally marketed are still selling well, especially in our high-demand vacation and second-home markets. However, overpricing in this environment will quickly backfire, as buyers have more alternatives than they did a year ago.

If you’re thinking of selling, talk to a local professional who understands the nuances of our area—waterfront values, rental income potential, and neighborhood-specific demand all matter more than ever.

Final Thoughts

The Emerald Coast real estate market is returning to something we haven’t seen in a while—normalcy. That means balance, patience, and opportunities on both sides of the table.

If you’d like to know how much your property is worth in today’s market—or if you’re curious about opportunities to buy a second home or income property—reach out anytime.

You can visit DestinRealEstate.com or call me directly at 850.259.1798.
Let’s talk about your next move—and make sure it’s the right one for you.