Southwest Florida Real Estate Market Update: January 2026 RPCRA Report Reveals Promising Year-Over-Year Growth

As we dive into 2026, the Southwest Florida housing market continues to show signs of resilience and momentum, according to the latest Market Stats Report from the Royal Palm Coast Realtor® Association (RPCRA). Covering key areas like Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, and beyond, this January 2026 analysis highlights year-over-year (YoY) increases in closed sales and pending sales, despite seasonal month-over-month (MoM) dips. For homebuyers, sellers, and investors searching for “Southwest Florida real estate trends” or “Fort Myers housing market 2026,” this report offers critical insights into median prices, inventory levels, and regional variations.

While monthly fluctuations are expected in the post-holiday period, the overall data points to a strengthening market. Let’s break down the key findings, starting with the broader RPCRA area (encompassing Lee and Hendry counties, excluding Bonita Springs and Estero), before exploring specific regions.

Single-Family Homes: Steady Prices Amid Rising Sales Activity

The single-family residential segment demonstrates ongoing strength, with YoY gains in closed sales and pending activity signaling buyer confidence. Here’s a snapshot of the core metrics:

Key takeaways for single-family homes in Southwest Florida:

• Sales Momentum: Closed sales rose 4.7% YoY, indicating sustained demand despite a 26.7% MoM drop from December’s holiday rush.
• Pricing Stability: The median price dipped slightly YoY but remains robust at $354,900, reflecting a market that’s cooling from peak highs yet still attractive for buyers.
• Inventory Trends: Active inventory decreased 12.7% YoY, pushing the months’ supply to 10.0—above the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) balanced market range of 5-7 months, suggesting a buyer’s market in terms of options.
• Buyer Opportunities: With median days on market up to 59 (a 12.5% increase YoY), properties are lingering longer, potentially giving buyers more negotiating power.

For those eyeing “affordable homes in Fort Myers” or “Cape Coral single-family real estate,” this segment shows promise for first-time buyers and investors.

Condo and Townhouse Market: Significant YoY Improvements

The condo/townhouse sector outperformed single-family in several YoY metrics, with notable jumps in sales and pending activity. However, prices saw a sharper decline, which could appeal to budget-conscious buyers.

Highlights for condos and townhouses in Southwest Florida:

• Sales Surge: A 19.5% YoY increase in closed sales and a whopping 72.6% jump in pending sales highlight growing interest, possibly from retirees or second-home buyers.
• Price Adjustments: The median price fell 12.6% YoY to $250,000, making this category more accessible amid broader economic pressures.
• Inventory Dynamics: Months’ supply dropped 26.2% YoY to 14.1, still indicating ample choices but a tightening market compared to last year.
• Market Pace: Days on market climbed to 69, up 23.2% YoY, allowing for more thorough inspections and negotiations.

If you’re searching for “condos for sale in Cape Coral” or “Fort Myers townhouse market trends,” this data suggests a window for value-driven purchases.

Regional Breakdown: How Key Areas in Southwest Florida Performed

The RPCRA report provides granular insights into specific regions, revealing varied dynamics. Here’s a closer look at standout areas:

Cape Coral Region

• Single-Family: Median price held steady at $374,900 (0% YoY), with closed sales up 10.5%. Pending sales surged 38.9%, but inventory fell 25.7% YoY.
• Condos: Prices dropped 22.8% YoY to $200,000, while closed sales rose 22.9%. This area remains a hotspot for affordable waterfront living.

Fort Myers Region

• Single-Family: Median price decreased 8.5% YoY to $447,500, with new listings down 30.3%. Months’ supply is at 8.7, leaning toward balance.
• Condos: A 10.3% YoY price drop to $260,000, paired with 12.2% more closed sales, makes this prime for urban buyers.

Lehigh Acres Region

• Single-Family: Prices eased 3.9% YoY to $307,450, with new listings up 7.6%. Inventory grew 20.5%, offering more options in this growing suburb.
• Condos: Significant 23.0% YoY price reduction to $171,000, with closed sales up 83.3%—ideal for entry-level investors.

North Fort Myers Region

• Single-Family: Median price down 4.5% to $315,000, but pending sales jumped 53.7%. A solid pick for those seeking value near the Caloosahatchee River.
• Condos: Prices fell 14.2% to $157,000, with fewer closed sales but increased pending activity.

Pine Island Region

• Single-Family: Prices dipped 4.0% to $494,500, with inventory plummeting 53.7% YoY—indicating a seller’s edge in this scenic locale.
• Condos: Limited activity, but new listings doubled YoY, suggesting emerging opportunities.

Sanibel Region

• Single-Family: Median price slightly down 3.4% to $1,002,000, with closed sales up 75.0%. Luxury buyers take note: pending sales soared 166.7%.
• Condos: Prices tumbled 38.7% to $690,000, but percent of original price received rose 4.7%, showing competitive bidding.

What This Means for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors in 2026

The January 2026 RPCRA report paints a picture of a resilient Southwest Florida real estate market, with YoY sales growth offsetting seasonal slowdowns. Inventory levels are declining overall, which could lead to upward price pressure in coming months—especially in high-demand areas like Cape Coral and Fort Myers. For sellers, the increased pending sales (34.6% YoY for single-family) suggest quick turnarounds if priced right. Buyers, meanwhile, benefit from longer days on market and a months’ supply above balanced levels.

Looking ahead, factors like interest rates, migration trends, and economic stability will shape the trajectory.
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Data sourced from SWFL MLS, updated February 4, 2026. ©2026 Domus Analytics®.

Disclaimer: Market data is subject to change; this analysis is for informational purposes only.