Sarasota County’s housing market showed solid momentum in May 2026, with closed sales rising 7.2% year over year to 845 transactions. Prices continued to edge upward as well, with the median sale price increasing 2.2% to $475,000, reflecting steady buyer demand despite broader economic uncertainty. At the same time, active inventory fell sharply, down 25% to 3,099 homes, indicating a tighter supply environment compared to last year.
Buyer composition shifted toward stronger cash activity. Cash sales accounted for 42% of all closings, up from 35.8% a year earlier, underscoring Sarasota’s continued appeal to investors, second‑home buyers, and other cash‑heavy purchasers. This elevated share of cash transactions suggests competitive conditions for financed buyers, even as overall inventory remains constrained.
Forward‑looking indicators were also positive. New listings increased 8.7% to 924, giving buyers slightly more options, while new pending sales climbed 11% to 808, signaling healthy demand heading into the summer season. Taken together, the data points to a market that is both active and competitive, with rising sales, firm pricing, and strong buyer engagement despite limited supply. See the infographic from Florida Realtors, below, for more information.
