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Housing Inventory in Florida
Housing inventory levels in Florida have seen a significant increase recently after years of extremely tight supply. Here are some key points about the rising inventory situation in Florida’s housing market:
- Sharp inventory rise: According to data from Florida Realtors, the inventory of active listings in Florida was up over 85% year-over-year in March 2023. This translates to around 4-5 months’ supply of homes for sale in many markets, compared to 1-2 months during the pandemic frenzy.
- Seller influx: More homeowners in Florida are listing their properties for sale, driven by factors like the desire to cash in on high home prices, concerns about missing the peak of the market, or life changes necessitating a move.
- New construction impact: An increase in new home construction over the past couple of years is also contributing to higher inventory levels across different price points.
- Investor selling: Real estate investors who bought properties during the housing boom are now offloading some of their holdings in anticipation of a market cooldown.
- Regional variations: While inventory is up statewide, the increase is more pronounced in some areas like Tampa, Orlando, and Miami, compared to others like Jacksonville.
- Price adjustments: With more choices for buyers, properties that are overpriced or less desirable are sitting longer on the market, prompting some sellers to reduce asking prices.
- Moderating sales: Higher mortgage rates and economic uncertainty have led to a moderation in home sales activity, further contributing to inventory buildup.
The surge in housing inventory in Florida provides more options for buyers who had been frustrated by the intense competition and lack of available homes during the pandemic boom years. However, it also signals a market shift that real estate investors and sellers need to navigate carefully.