May 2026 · Single-Family Homes
Manatee County Market Report
Source: Florida REALTORS® / Stellar MLS
Median Sale Price
$460,000
-3.8% vs. May 2025
-6.6% vs. April 2026
Closed Sales
782
-0.5% vs. May 2025
+11.1% vs. April 2026
Median Time to Contract
47 Days
-5 days vs. May 2025
+3 days vs. April 2026
Months of Inventory
4.4
Down from 5.2 last year
Down from 4.6 in April
New Pending Sales
839
+19.2% vs. May 2025
List Price Received
95.4%
+1.1 pts vs. May 2025
+0.8 pts vs. April 2026
The second line, where shown, compares to the immediately prior published period and is not seasonally adjusted, Southwest Florida real estate moves with the calendar, so a single-period swing can reflect the time of year as much as the underlying market.
The month in review
Manatee County single-family hit pause on price growth in May after April's strong 6.1% gain. The median fell 3.8% year-over-year to $460,000, but the volume story tells a different tale. Average sale price rose 4.5% to $667,503 and total dollar volume climbed 4.0% to $522 million, driven by higher-end closings in Lakewood Ranch and along the coast. Sellers are landing 95.4% of their original list price, up over a full point from last May.
The forward-looking indicators are bullish. New pending sales surged 19.2% while new listings barely moved (-1.4%), meaning demand is outpacing fresh supply. Active inventory dropped 11.8% to 2,832 homes and months of supply tightened from 5.2 to 4.4, the same level as Sarasota County. Homes are going under contract in 47 days, down from 52 last year. The median price dip looks like a mix-shift issue, not a market weakness, the underlying demand metrics are the strongest we've seen in Manatee all year.
If you’re buying
Don't be fooled by the median price dip, it reflects what sold, not a weakening market. Pending sales up 19% means more competition is coming. Inventory is down nearly 12% from last year and homes are selling 5 days faster. If you're targeting Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, or east Manatee under $500K, be ready to move quickly with a strong pre-approval.
If you’re selling
The demand metrics are excellent: pending sales up 19%, homes selling faster, and you're keeping more of your asking price than a year ago. List price received at 95.4% is the highest in any segment this month. Supply at 4.4 months is firmly in your favor. Price accurately, the median dip doesn't reflect market weakness, but overpricing will still cost you. Homes priced at market are moving fast.
Market data is sourced from the MLS and local REALTOR® association reports and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Figures reflect the stated property type and area for the period indicated and are provided for general informational purposes only, they are not an appraisal, a guarantee of value, or investment advice. For an analysis specific to your property, request a custom report.
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