Sarasota & Manatee County Real Estate Market – March 2026

Here’s a look at the Sarasota & Manatee Counties’ real estate market for March 2026. According to statistics from the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee, rising sales activity and tightening inventory are driving a competitive spring market, even as pricing trends begin to vary across segments.

March 2026 reflected a shift in Sarasota County’s housing market, with the median price for single-family homes rising to $485,000—up 3.3% from $469,450 last year. In contrast, the average sale price moved lower to $706,388, down 2.9% year-over-year and declining from the previous month, suggesting some softening at the higher end of the market.

March 2026 saw continued momentum in Sarasota County’s housing market, with 890 closed sales—an 8.9% increase from 817 transactions a year ago. At the same time, inventory remained tight, as active listings fell to 3,351, down 24% compared to last year.

March 2026 presented a mixed pricing picture in Manatee County’s housing market. The median sale price for single-family homes came in at $494,205, down 2.4% from $506,317 last year. Meanwhile, the average sale price moved higher to $680,646—up 2.4% year-over-year and continuing to rise from February—suggesting sustained strength in higher-priced segments of the market.

March 2026 brought a strong surge in sales activity across Manatee County, with 814 closed sales—up 21.9% from 668 transactions a year ago. At the same time, inventory continued to tighten modestly, with active listings totaling 2,991, an 8.1% decrease compared to last year.

The condo and townhouse market in March 2026 showed more varied trends between Sarasota and Manatee counties. In Sarasota County, the average sale price edged up slightly to $558,178—an increase of 0.3% from $556,446 last year—indicating relatively stable pricing in this segment. In contrast, Manatee County saw the average price decline to $334,627, down 8.5% from $365,631, pointing to some softening in condo and townhouse values.

SUGGESTED READING: Mortgage Loan Types with Mortgage Calculator

For buyers, March 2026 reflects a tightening market across both Sarasota and Manatee counties. In Sarasota County, new listings fell 18.6% year-over-year, with 998 homes coming to market—continuing to limit options and increase competition for available properties.

Manatee County also saw a pullback in new inventory, with 951 new listings, down 8.6% from last year. While the decline is less steep than Sarasota’s, buyers may still feel the impact of fewer choices, particularly in popular price ranges.

Overall, with new listings down in both counties, buyers are likely to face a more competitive environment this spring, making preparation and quick decision-making increasingly important.

Another factor continuing to shape the market is the prevalence of cash purchases. In March, Sarasota County recorded 374 cash sales, a 2.5% increase from last year, while Manatee County saw a more significant jump with 256 cash transactions—up 18.5% year-over-year. This sustained level of cash activity highlights ongoing competition from well-funded buyers, which can present challenges for those relying on financing, particularly in competitive price ranges.

Overall, with inventory tightening and cash buyers remaining active, both counties are presenting a competitive landscape—where being prepared, flexible, and ready to act quickly can make a meaningful difference for buyers.

For sellers, March 2026 continues to reflect a market that is gradually re-balancing. In Sarasota County, homes are selling for a median of 93.8% of the original list price, while Manatee County is slightly higher at 94.4%. Both figures are down from last year, indicating buyers are gaining a bit more leverage in negotiations.

Timing trends also point to a slower pace compared to a year ago. In Sarasota County, the median time to contract has increased to 49 days, with homes taking about 88 days to sell. Manatee County is seeing a similar pattern, with 51 days to contract and 102 days to sale.

Taken together, these shifts suggest that while sellers still benefit from relatively low inventory, the market is no longer moving at the rapid pace seen in prior years. Strategic pricing, strong presentation, and patience are becoming increasingly important, as buyers take more time and negotiate more carefully before making a move.

See Additional Reports on the Sarasota County & Manatee County Real Estate Market

Here are the most recent home listings just added to the database in the average sale price range for Sarasota County. All homes are priced at $706,388 or less.

Here are the most recent home listings just added to the database in the average sale price range for Manatee County. All homes are priced at $680,646 or less.