NewsSuncoast SearchlightJune 19, 2026Sarasota County
Vacation Home Sales Drop Significantly in Sarasota-Bradenton Area
A new report indicates that second-home purchases in the North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota region fell by 67% between 2021 and 2025. Experts attribute this decline to higher mortgage rates, rising insurance costs, and broader economic uncertainty.
Read the full story at Suncoast SearchlightWhy It Matters
The slowdown in the second-home market signals a shift in local economic activity and housing demand, potentially impacting businesses that rely on seasonal residents.
Key Facts
- Second-home purchases in the North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota metro area dropped 67% between 2021 and 2025.
- Approximately 1 in every 7 homes in the North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota metro area is used seasonally or recreationally.
- Homeowner’s insurance premiums in Florida increased by 75% between 2021 and 2025.
- The median sale price for a home in the Sarasota area was $490,000 in March, roughly 16% higher than the Florida state average.
- Home prices in the area rose by approximately 60% since 2019, reaching over $400,000 in 2022.
- Mortgage rates are currently double what they were during the pandemic.
- The local real estate market experienced a sales boost toward the end of 2025 when interest rates temporarily declined.
Who's Mentioned
personGabriela Szymanowska“Author of the article”organizationCoalition for an Insurable Future“Nonprofit group that reported on insurance premium increases”personChris Jones“Economist at the University of South Florida”organizationSellMyTimeshareNow“Organization that produced the report on second-home purchases”personLaura Benson“Sales leader for Compass Real Estate”personMichael Stromberg“Spokesperson for SellMyTimeshareNow”personAlex Krumm“Broker owner with NextHome Excellence”personSean Snaith“Director of the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasti”