Southwest Florida Housing Market Snapshot

New research on Southwest Florida's housing market forecasts sustained strength, citing demand from families as well as retirees, and tax benefits.

While the region is known for its retirees and active adult communities, Southwest Florida is also attracting families with community amenity programs in new neighborhoods with good schools and low HOA fees. John Burns Real Estate Consulting also found that rising interest rates may be encouraging sales, as locals sell their homes and buy a new one before rates increase. Lennar Corp.'s Everything's Included program, along with the introduction of lower-priced new homes in newly-acquired areas is attracting buyers, and "moderating price increases in certain submarkets."

Our selling season is officially over in Southwest Florida. The beaches are quieter, locals are able to get a tee time, I can finally get a restaurant reservation again, and builders are tallying their sales. Most builders we’ve spoken with recently report moderate to strong sales with increasing interest from Northeast buyers seeking tax shelter. Fort Myers has regained strength by diversifying product offerings, and we will likely upgrade the market to Normal next month.

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