Sarasota Home Sales Rise as Luxury Leads
The Sarasota real estate market is showing signs of stronger activity as summer comes to a close, with home sales increasing and luxury properties continuing to be a particularly strong segment of the market.
July housing data shows more buyers are moving forward with purchases, while changing inventory and more realistic pricing are helping bring buyers and sellers closer together.
Sarasota - Area Home Sales Are Up
In the North Port - Sarasota - Bradenton metro area, which includes Sarasota and Manatee counties, single family home sales increased 6.8% year over year in July, while the median sale price increased 3.1%.
The Sarasota County condo and townhome market saw an even larger increase in activity, with closed sales jumping 33.1% from a year earlier.
While one month doesn't define the direction of the market, the increase in closed sales is an encouraging sign as we head toward the fall season.
Luxury Real Estate Continues to Stand Out
Luxury properties are playing an important role in the current market.
Across Florida, sales of single family homes priced above $1 million increased 27% year over year in July, while sales of condos and townhomes priced at $1 million or more rose more than 31%.
That's particularly relevant in the Sarasota area, where luxury real estate includes everything from downtown Sarasota condominiums to waterfront homes on Lido Key and Bird Key.
Luxury buyers can also be less affected by mortgage rate fluctuations. Buyers at higher price points are more likely to purchase with cash, make substantial down payments or use equity from another property to help finance their purchase.
What Does This Mean For Sarasota Sellers?
More sales don't necessarily mean sellers can name their price.
Buyers remain selective, and today's market continues to reward properties that are priced appropriately, presented well and positioned correctly from the beginning.
The encouraging news is that stronger sales combined with declining inventory can create more competition for desirable , well positioned properties.
For sellers considering putting a home on the market this fall, looking at the most recent activity within your specific neighborhood, condominium building and price range is much more useful than relying solely on broad Sarasota County averages.
What Does This Mean For Buyers?
Sarasota remains a market where conditions can vary significantly by location and property type.
A downtown Sarasota luxury condo can behave very differently from a single family home in Lakewood Ranch or a waterfront property on one of Sarasota's barrier islands.
Buyers should pay attention to recent comparable sales, current inventory, days on market and pending activity within the particular area they're considering.
As sales activity increases, especially for desirable properties that are priced correctly, buyers should also be prepared to act when the right opportunity appears.
Looking Ahead To Fall
The latest July numbers give both buyers and sellers reasons to pay attention to the Sarasota real estate market.
Sales are increasing , luxury properties continue to perform strongly, and changing inventory levels could create a more competitive environment for certain properties.
But Sarasota isn't one market. Conditions can differ dramatically from one neighborhood, condominium building and price point to another.
Thinking about buying or selling in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch or the surrounding Gulf Coast Communities?
Matt & Jenny Cannon | Coldwell Banker Realty
With over 30 years of real estate experience, we help buyers and sellers understand what's happening in their specific market - and how those conditions affect their next move.
*Market statistics referenced above are based on July 2026 data from Florida Realtors and the Realtor Association of Sarasota & Manatee County, as reported by the Sarasota Herald Tribune on August 27 2026