Sarasota, Manatee real estate market a mixed bag

Real estate trends continue to split along county lines and property types in the latest analysis of the Manatee-Sarasota market by the region’s industry association.

Generally, single-family home median prices rose in February as compared to 2025 in Manatee County but fell in Sarasota County. Closed sales were up in in both counties, the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee reported.

Condo and townhouse prices fell in Sarasota but closed sales were up more than 35%. In Manatee, median prices and sales were both off from a year ago.

“Across both Sarasota and Manatee counties, and across single-family homes and the condo and townhome market, we’re seeing some variation between segments,” said David Crawford, 2026 RASM President and Broker/Owner of Catalist Realty. “But two trends are clear throughout the region: pending sales are rising year over year, and cash buyers continue to represent a meaningful share of transactions.”

Here are the February 2026 numbers:

Sarasota: Single-family home closed sales, 625 (up 6.1%); Condo/townhouse closed sales, 322 (up 35.9%); Single-family home median price, $475,000 (down 5%); Condo/townhouse median price, $330,000 (down 3.5%). Cash sales for single-family homes, 294 (up 14%); Cash sales for condos/townhouses, 470 (up 19.8%)

Manatee: Single-family home closed sales, 550 (up 10%); Condo/townhouse closed sales, 322 (up 35.9%); Single-family home median price, $489,634 (up 2.9%); Condo/townhouse median price, $311,995 (down 2.5%); Cash sales for single-family homes, 176 (up 6%); Cash sales for condos/townhouses, 219 (up 28.8%).

"In Sarasota County, the single-family market is showing signs of cooling as affordability pressures begin to influence buyer behavior and homes take longer to sell,’’ the association report said. “At the same time, many buyers are shifting toward condos and townhomes, particularly in Sarasota County. Sales activity in that segment increased significantly and higher inventory levels give buyers more negotiating power. The strong presence of cash buyers, especially in the condo market, also points to continued interest from investors and second home purchasers.’’

This article originally appeared on sister site BusinessObserverFL.com.