Orlando Market Shift: Listings Rise, Sales Dip—What’s Next?
While Orlando’s overall real estate market is shifting, it’s important to remember that not all areas react the same way. Some neighborhoods remain competitive, with strong demand keeping prices high, while others are seeing a shift toward buyer leverage. One example of a unique pocket market within Orlando is College Park. Here is what's happening in these markets right now:
City of Orlando
Listings: 3,390 homes listed YTD (January, 1 to April 24, 2025), up 10% from 3,080 in the same period in 2024.
Sales: 1,909 homes sold YTD, down 10.7% from 2,138 one year ago, indicating a slowdown in closed transactions.
Recent Market Activity: In the last month, 612 homes sold, with 2,067 currently listed, reflecting 3.37 months of inventory.
College Park
Listings: 126 homes listed YTD (January, 1 to April 24, 2025), up 27.3% from 99 in the same period in 2024.
Sales: 73 homes sold from January to April 2025, up 25.9% from 58 one year ago.
Recent Market Activity: 21 homes sold in the last month, with 67 currently active, reflecting 3.19 months of inventory.
This suggests a fairly balanced market, with increased sales and listing activity compared to last year.
What this means for Orlando Real Estate
The Central Florida real estate market is showing signs of transition as inventory grows while sales decline across key areas like Orlando, College Park, and Winter Park. Builders are facing uncertainty, interest rates remain high, and broader economic factors—including tariffs, stock market drops, and freight slowdowns—are shaping buyer and seller behavior.
This shift presents both challenges and opportunities. While rising inventory could lead to greater buyer leverage, high mortgage rates and economic volatility may dampen demand. Supply constraints from stalled construction could keep home prices stable, but if sales continue to slow, sellers may need to adjust pricing to stay competitive.
Could Orlando Home Prices Rise
Yes, there’s a strong argument that home prices could rise, despite slowing sales. Here’s why:
1. Inventory Constraints Could Push Prices Up
If builders pause construction due to uncertainty, new home supply will shrink. In Central Florida, where population growth remains strong, reduced inventory could increase competition among buyers, driving prices higher.
2. Tariffs & Supply Chain Disruptions Raise Costs
With tariffs affecting imported goods, construction materials could become more expensive. Builders may pass these costs onto buyers, inflating home prices. If supply chain delays slow deliveries, fewer homes get built, tightening inventory further.
3. Inflation & Interest Rate Adjustments
- If inflation remains sticky, housing costs could rise as labor, materials, and services become more expensive.
- If the Fed lowers interest rates later this year to stimulate the economy, buyer demand could increase, putting upward pressure on prices.
4. Strong Demand & Migration Trends
Florida continues to attract new residents, retirees, and investors, keeping long-term demand strong. Even if short-term uncertainty slows transactions, population growth and a limited housing supply could sustain price appreciation.
5. Local Market Resilience
Unlike national trends, Central Florida’s market benefits from diverse industries—tourism, healthcare, and tech—all contributing to steady housing demand. If builders pull back and inventory remains low, prices could stay strong or rise even if sales slow.
So, where does all of this leave us? Well, Orlando’s real estate market isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Some areas are heating up, others are slowing down, and economic curveballs—like tariffs and interest rates—are keeping everyone on their toes. Sellers might need to sharpen their pricing strategies, buyers could find some breathing room, and builders are deciding whether to play ball or sit this one out.
Bottom line? Whether you’re buying, selling, or just watching from the sidelines with popcorn, staying ahead of these trends will be the key to making smart moves in the months ahead.
