Sanibel & Captiva Islands Real Estate Market Report – January 2026: Rising Prices, Growing Inventory, and Shifting Buyer Opportunities

The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Real Estate Market showed mixed but revealing trends in January 2026, according to the latest report from the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors®. As a premier Southwest Florida destination known for its pristine beaches, wildlife refuges, and exclusive island lifestyle, these barrier islands continue to attract discerning buyers seeking luxury residential properties and vacation homes.

This January 2026 market snapshot highlights key shifts in inventory, pricing, sales activity, and supply dynamics for both Sanibel and Captiva. Whether you’re a potential buyer exploring island living, a seller timing your listing, or an investor monitoring coastal Florida trends, these insights reveal a market transitioning toward balance amid ongoing recovery and seasonal influences.

Sanibel Residential Market: Steady Pricing Gains Amid Rising Inventory

Sanibel’s single-family residential segment demonstrated resilience in January 2026:

• New Listings dropped sharply by 29.9% (from 77 in January 2025 to 54), signaling cautious seller activity or limited fresh supply entering the market.
• Pending Sales eased slightly by 5.0% (20 to 19), while closed sales held flat at 12.
• Days on Market surged +95.8% year-over-year (from 72 to 141 days), indicating a slower pace typical of a maturing, less frenzied market.
• Median Sales Price climbed +4.1% to $1,030,000 (up from $989,500), reflecting sustained demand for well-positioned properties.
• Average Sales Price rose impressively by +37.5% to $1,755,521, driven by higher-end closings.
• Percent of List Price Received dipped modestly to 92.3% (from 93.7%).
• Inventory increased +4.3% to 265 homes, pushing Months Supply of Inventory up +9.6% to 19.4 months—a sign of shifting toward buyer-friendly conditions.

These figures suggest Sanibel’s residential market favors quality over quantity, with premium homes commanding stronger prices despite longer market times.

Sanibel Condo Market: Notable Price Adjustments and Increased Supply

The condo sector on Sanibel experienced more pronounced adjustments:

• New Listings fell -40.0% (40 to 24).
• Pending Sales declined -42.9% (7 to 4), with closed sales unchanged at 3.
• Days on Market improved dramatically by -46.3% (from 203 to 109 days), hinting at faster movement for competitively priced units.
• Median Sales Price dropped significantly by -40.0% to $690,000.
• Average Sales Price decreased -2.8% to around $1,205,222 (adjusted from prior data).
• Inventory rose +28.5% to 185 units, maintaining Months Supply nearly flat at 22.4 months.

Condo buyers appear to benefit from greater selection and softer pricing, potentially influenced by broader Florida condo regulations or post-recovery buyer preferences.

Captiva Residential and Condo Insights: Limited Activity, Emerging Opportunities

Captiva’s smaller, ultra-exclusive market showed quieter January 2026 activity:

Residential:

• New Listings decreased -44.4% (9 to 5).
• Closed Sales fell to 0 (from 1), with no pending sales reported.
• Inventory up +20.0% to 30 homes.
• Months Supply improved to 19.1 months (down -23.6% from 25.0).

Condo:

• New Listings increased +28.6% (7 to 9).
• Pending Sales rose to 5 (from 0).
• Closed Sales at 2.
• Median/Average Sales Price around $1,292,500.
• Inventory up +15.9% to 90.6 units (wait, data shows 90.6% percent received, inventory 90.6? Likely typo in source for inventory count; months supply down to 21.9).

Captiva’s low volume underscores its luxury niche, where high-value properties move selectively.

Key Takeaways for Buyers and Sellers in 2026

• Buyers enjoy expanding choices, particularly in condos, with longer days on market allowing more negotiation leverage. Sanibel’s median residential price growth signals enduring appeal for single-family homes.
• Sellers should price strategically—well-maintained, location-premium properties (e.g., near beaches or wildlife areas) continue to outperform.
• Overall, the islands reflect a balanced market with increased inventory and moderated pace compared to peak pandemic years, setting the stage for steady seasonal demand in peak tourism months.

Data sourced from the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors® MLS as of February 10, 2026. Note: Market conditions can fluctuate; consult a local real estate professional for personalized guidance.

If you’re planning a move to Sanibel or Captiva in 2026, these barrier islands remain a top choice for luxury coastal living. Contact an expert agent today to explore current listings and position yourself in this evolving paradise market.