If you listen to the headlines—or the conversations at restaurants and coffee shops—you might think the Lee County housing market has completely fallen apart.
I hear it all the time:
“The market is crashing.”
“No one is buying.”
“Real estate is dead.”
But when you actually look at the numbers, the story is very different.
More Homes Sold in 2025 Than in 2024
Fort Myers aerial with text showing Lee County home sales increased in 2025 vs 2024, emphasizing the market is normalizing, not crashing.
One statistic surprises almost everyone I talk to.
More homes sold in Lee County in 2025 than in 2024.
2025: 19,332 homes sold
2024: 18,795 homes sold
That means 537 more homes sold last year than the year before.
So despite the negative headlines, the reality is simple:
Homes are still selling—and a lot of them.
What Actually Changed in the Market
What has changed isn’t demand.
What has changed is the type of market we’re in.
A few years ago, Lee County experienced one of the most intense seller’s markets in history. Homes sold almost instantly. Buyers waived inspections and appraisal protections. Multiple offers were common, and it wasn’t unusual for homes to sell tens of thousands of dollars over the asking price.
That environment felt exciting for sellers, but it wasn’t a normal real estate market.
Today’s market looks very different.
Homes are currently taking about 55 days to sell on average, while condos are taking closer to 70 days. Buyers have more time to evaluate properties, negotiate terms, and make thoughtful decisions.
This shift has created a market that is much closer to what real estate historically looks like.
Buyers Have More Options Again
One of the biggest differences today is that buyers finally have choices.
During the peak of the seller’s market, inventory was extremely limited. Buyers often had to make quick decisions with very little room for negotiation.
Now the dynamics are different.
Buyers can compare homes, negotiate price and terms, and take the time to find the property that truly fits their needs.
For buyers, that’s actually a much healthier environment.
Sellers Can Still Be Successful
Although the market has changed, it doesn’t mean sellers can’t be successful. Well-prepared homes are still selling, especially when they are priced correctly and presented well.
What matters most today is strategy.
Pricing too aggressively can cause a home to sit on the market, while homes that are priced properly often attract serious buyers quickly. Preparation, marketing, and professional guidance have become more important again.
The Market Has Returned to Reality
The Lee County housing market hasn’t collapsed.
It has simply moved away from the extreme conditions we experienced a few years ago.
Today’s environment includes:
Buyers with more choices
Negotiation back in the process
Realistic pricing strategies
Homes that still sell when they are properly prepared
In other words, the Lee County housing market isn’t dead… it’s finally normal again.
What This Means for You
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Lee County, understanding these changes is important. A normal market creates opportunities for both buyers and sellers—but success depends on knowing how to navigate the current conditions.
If you’re curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood, or how this shift might affect your plans, I would be happy to share the latest data and insights.
Martin Hawley, Realtor
The Hawley Team at Keller Williams Fort Myers
