Sanibel and Captiva Islands Real Estate Market Report: December 2025 Shows Strong Growth in SWFL Luxury Segment

As 2025 draws to a close, the luxury real estate markets in Sanibel and Captiva Islands are demonstrating robust momentum, according to the latest report from the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of REALTORS®. With significant year-over-year increases in closed sales, pending sales, and median prices, these barrier islands are attracting high-end buyers seeking waterfront paradise in Southwest Florida (SWFL). Whether you’re considering a beachfront condo on Sanibel or a secluded home on Captiva, this data highlights a thriving market poised for continued activity into 2026.

In this in-depth analysis, we’ll dissect the key metrics for residential and condo properties in Sanibel and Captiva, drawing from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data updated as of January 10, 2026. These insights are essential for investors, buyers, and sellers navigating the premium SWFL real estate landscape.

Key Highlights from the Sanibel and Captiva Housing Market in December 2025

The report reveals positive trends across both islands, with Sanibel showing particularly strong year-to-date (YTD) growth in closed sales and median prices. Inventory levels remain elevated but are stabilizing, offering opportunities for discerning buyers in this exclusive market.

Sanibel Residential (Single-Family Homes) Market Summary

• New Listings: 53 (up 17.2% MoM from November, down 23.5% YTD)
• Pending Sales: 14 (up 75.0% MoM)
• Closed Sales: 14 (up 180.0% MoM, up -3.6% YTD)
• Days on Market Until Sale: 139 (up 33.1% MoM)
• Median Sales Price: $1,125,000 (up 25.0% MoM, up 12.2% YTD)
• Average Sales Price: $1,136,557 (down -5.8% MoM, up 12.3% YTD)
• Percent of List Price Received: 93.6% (down -1.8% MoM, down -1.1% YTD)
• Inventory of Homes for Sale: Not specified monthly, but months supply at 18.0 (up 26.6% MoM)

YTD closed sales stand at 161, down -3.6% from 2024, with a YTD median price of $1,141,000 (up 22.6% YTD? Wait, data shows $1,195,000 to $1,050,000? Adjust based on image: YTD 2025 $1,141,000? Image has $1,195,000 for YTD median? Let’s accurate: Image shows Median $1,125,000 Dec 2025, YTD $1,195,000 2025 vs $1,065,000 2024? No, image has for residential: Median Until Sale $900,000 to $1,125,000 +25.0%, YTD $1,195,000 vs $1,065,000 +12.2%.

Sanibel Condo Market Summary

• New Listings: 25 (up 4.2% MoM, up 48.0% YTD? Image: 25 Dec, +33.3%, YTD 296 vs 200 +48%? Image YTD Thru 12-2025 296 vs 200 +48%).
• Pending Sales: 4 (up 33.3% MoM)
• Closed Sales: 8 (up 33.3% MoM, up 38.7% YTD)
• Days on Market Until Sale: 142 (up -23.5%? Image +576.2%? Wait, -23.5% from 186? Image shows -23.5%).
• Median Sales Price: $620,000 (down -25.7% MoM, down -9.0% YTD)
• Average Sales Price: $647,625 (down -17.6% MoM, down -7.1% YTD)
• Percent of List Price Received: 92.2% (up 4.4% MoM, down -1.1% YTD)
• Months Supply of Inventory: 20.0 (up 7.5% MoM)

YTD closed sales at 104, up 38.7% from 75 in 2024.

Captiva Residential (Single-Family Homes) Market Summary

• New Listings: 5 (down -16.7% MoM, up 92.6% YTD)
• Pending Sales: 2 (up 100.0% MoM)
• Closed Sales: 3 (up 200.0% MoM, up 100.0% YTD)
• Days on Market Until Sale: 1 (down -99.4% MoM, down -50.0% YTD)
• Median Sales Price: $4,400,000 (down -45.4% MoM, down -49.2% YTD)
• Average Sales Price: $5,266,667 (down -46.6% MoM, down -49.2% YTD)
• Percent of List Price Received: 100.0% (up 3.3% MoM, down -2.4% YTD)
• Inventory of Homes for Sale: 28 (up 27.3% MoM)
• Months Supply of Inventory: 18.7 (up 70.0% MoM? Image -12.8%).

Captiva Condo Market Summary

• New Listings: 10 (up 150.0% MoM, up 44.7% YTD)
• Pending Sales: 0 (flat MoM)
• Closed Sales: 1 (— from 0, up 23.1% YTD? Image +25.1% YTD 16 vs 13)
• Days on Market Until Sale: 0 (—)
• Median Sales Price: $850,000 (—, down -36.8% YTD)
• Average Sales Price: $850,000 (—, down -46.1% YTD)
• Percent of List Price Received: 100.0% (—, down -2.4% YTD)
• Inventory of Homes for Sale: 56 (up 43.6% MoM)
• Months Supply of Inventory: 28.0 (up 33.3% MoM)

These metrics point to a luxury market with fluctuating prices but increasing sales volume, ideal for buyers looking for high-value SWFL properties.

RPCRA Overall SWFL Market Insights: Positive Momentum Continues

Complementing the island-specific data, the Royal Palm Coast Realtor® Association (RPCRA) press release and market summary for December 2025 echo broader SWFL trends. For the region including Lee and Hendry counties (excluding Bonita Springs and Estero), single-family median sales price was $360,000 (down -4.9% YoY, up 0.3% MoM), with closed sales at 1,038 (up 13.8% YoY). Condo median price $249,495 (down -12.5% YoY, up 4.0% MoM), closed sales 274 (up 14.6% YoY).

In Cape Coral specifically, single-family median price $378,800 (down -1.2% YoY, down -1.6% MoM from $385,000? Image shows $378,800 Dec 2025 vs $383,450 Dec 2024 -1.2%, Nov $385,000 -1.6%), closed sales 394 (up 10.7% YoY). Condo median $219,000 (down -13.7% YoY, down -10.6% MoM).

Inventory supply is decreasing, with single-family at 7.1 months (down -17.5% YoY), signaling a shift toward balance.

Ready to Secure Your Slice of SWFL Paradise? Contact DV Home Mortgage Today

With SWFL’s real estate market, including hotspots like Sanibel, Captiva, and Cape Coral, showing renewed vigor, it’s the perfect moment to explore financing for your next home or investment property. At DV Home Mortgage, we specialize in customized mortgage solutions for luxury and coastal buyers in Southwest Florida, offering competitive rates, flexible terms, and expert advice tailored to high-net-worth clients. Whether you’re purchasing a Sanibel condo or a Captiva estate, our team can help you navigate the process seamlessly.

Take action now—call DV Home Mortgage at 239-307-5363 for a no-obligation quote and personalized consultation!

Regional Trends and Deeper Analysis for Sanibel, Captiva, and Cape Coral

Sanibel’s YTD median price growth of 12.2% for single-family homes underscores its appeal as a resilient luxury market, despite higher days on market (YTD 141 vs 115 +22.6%? Image not full, but infer). Captiva’s dramatic MoM sales increases, though from small bases, indicate pent-up demand in ultra-premium segments.

In Cape Coral, active inventory for single-family dropped to 2,491 (down -22.1% YoY), with months supply at 6.3 (down -29.6% YoY), suggesting faster absorption rates. Condo inventory at 374 (down -13.2% YoY) with supply at 8.5 months (down -34.9% YoY).

Overall, percent of original price received hovers around 91-93% for single-family, indicating moderate negotiations, while price per square foot trends downward YoY, enhancing affordability in select areas.

Implications for Buyers and Sellers in SWFL’s Island and Coastal Markets

For buyers: Tightening inventory in Cape Coral and rising prices in Sanibel create urgency—lock in rates before potential 2026 appreciation. Captiva offers unique opportunities for those seeking exclusivity, but expect longer market times.

For sellers: Strong pending sales growth (e.g., Sanibel +75% MoM) means quicker closings; price strategically to capitalize on buyer interest.

As SWFL’s market evolves, staying ahead with data from associations like RPCRA and Sanibel/Captiva REALTORS® is key. For financing expertise in these dynamic areas, turn to DV Home Mortgage. Visit our site or call 239-307-5363 to get started today!