Fort Myers, FL Housing Market Report

The Fort Myers real estate market is currently undergoing a significant correction, firmly shifting the leverage into the hands of buyers. As of December 2025, the median home value has retracted to $307,601, representing a substantial 11.93% year-over-year decline. This cooling trend is further evidenced by a sale-to-list ratio of 0.96, indicating that most properties are selling for roughly 4% below their original asking price. With inventory levels remaining relatively high at over 12,000 active listings, buyers have ample selection and increased negotiating power compared to previous years.

Price trends over the last six months show a consistent downward trajectory, with values dropping from $322,365 in July to the current December low. This steady decline suggests that the market is still searching for a floor following the rapid appreciation seen in the early 2020s. The rental market is mirroring this softening, with median rents falling nearly 5% year-over-year to $1,719. These shifts are likely driven by a combination of increased insurance costs across Southwest Florida and a normalization of demand as the post-pandemic migration surge stabilizes.

Looking ahead, the market appears to be entering a period of stabilization characterized by longer transaction timelines. The average time a home spends on the market has increased to 116 days, up 16 days from the previous year. For sellers, this means pricing strategy and property condition are more critical than ever to stand out in a crowded field. For buyers, the current environment offers a rare window of opportunity to secure properties at lower valuations with the ability to include contingencies that were once impossible to negotiate. However, prospective owners should carefully factor in total carrying costs, including taxes and insurance, when evaluating long-term affordability.