SARASOTA, Fla. – The REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM) has released its January 2026 real estate market report, providing a snapshot of housing activity across Sarasota and Manatee counties. According to Florida Realtors®, the market is adjusting rather than slowing, offering opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
Market Overview
In Sarasota County, sales improved in both single-family and condo markets, while Manatee County experienced softer activity, particularly in single-family homes. Home prices declined in most segments, though Manatee’s single-family market saw a slight increase. Overall inventory levels decreased, keeping the single-family market balanced, while condo and townhome inventory remains higher, giving buyers more choices.
Pending sales increased across most property types, typically signaling stronger closed sales in the months ahead. Homes are taking slightly longer to go under contract and close, but the market remains active and positioned for steady movement as 2026 progresses.
“As buyers and sellers evaluate their value propositions, we are seeing the market find more balance and confidence,” said David Crawford, 2026 RASM President and Broker/Owner of Catalist Realty. “This benefits all parties and can be seen in the decrease in active inventory and the increase in pending sales as we move into the spring season.”
Key Trends: Sarasota & Manatee Counties
Sales Activity:
- Sarasota County: single-family sales up 0.6% YoY; condo/townhome sales up 9.1%.
- Manatee County: single-family sales down 10.8%; condo/townhome sales down 1.7%.
Median Sales Price:
- Sarasota: single-family homes down 7.5%, condos/townhomes down 9.5%.
- Manatee: single-family homes up 0.1%, condos/townhomes down 9.2%.
Inventory:
- Active listings decreased for Sarasota single-family homes by 13.7% and Manatee by 2.2%.
- Condo/townhome inventory fell slightly: Sarasota -0.6%, Manatee -4.8%.
- Months supply: Sarasota single-family 5.0, Manatee single-family 4.6, Sarasota condos 8.9, Manatee condos 7.2.
Pending Inventory:
- Sarasota single-family +10.9%, condos/townhomes +23.9%.
- Manatee single-family +21.4%, condos/townhomes -1.9%.
- Rising pending inventory often leads to stronger closed sales in the following months.
Sarasota County Details
Single-Family Homes:
- Closed sales: 523 (+0.6% YoY)
- Median price: $490,000 (-7.5%)
- Inventory: 3,444 listings (-13.7%), 5.0 months supply
- Market activity: median 48 days to contract, 96 days to close
- Cash buyers: 45.5% of transactions
Condos & Townhomes:
- Closed sales: 264 (+9.1%)
- Median price: $314,175 (-9.5%)
- Inventory: 2,449 units, 8.9 months supply
- Market activity: median 66 days to contract, 110 days to close
- Cash buyers: 68.9%
Manatee County Details
Single-Family Homes:
- Closed sales: 444 (-10.8% YoY)
- Median price: $480,495 (+0.1%)
- Inventory: 2,843 listings (-2.2%), 4.6 months supply
- Market activity: median 58 days to contract, 105 days to close
- Cash buyers: 32.4%
Condos & Townhomes:
- Closed sales: 169 (-1.7%)
- Median price: $305,000 (-9.2%)
- Inventory: 1,631 units, 7.2 months supply
- Market activity: median 65 days to contract, 110 days to close
- Cash buyers: 61.5%
Summary & Insights
- The January 2026 statistics reflect a housing market settling into a sustainable rhythm:
- Buyers have more breathing room with moderate prices and higher inventory in some sectors.
- Sellers who price realistically can still achieve strong results.
- Rising pending sales indicate potential for increased closed transactions in the coming months.
- Balanced market conditions benefit both buyers and sellers, especially when guided by a knowledgeable local REALTOR®.
For monthly reports and detailed historical data dating back to 2015, visit MyRASM Statistics
