St. Petersburg Housing Market Prices and Forecast 2025-2026

Are you thinking about buying or selling a home in St. Petersburg, Florida? You're probably wondering what's happening in the local real estate market. As of January 2025, the St. Petersburg housing market is somewhat competitive, with a median sale price of $398K, a 5.4% decrease compared to last year. Homes are selling in around 49 days, and there's been a significant increase in the number of homes sold. Let’s dive deeper into what these numbers mean and what to expect in the near future.

Current St. Petersburg Housing Market Trends and Forecast

Home Sales

One of the most significant shifts I've noticed is the uptick in home sales. According to Redfin, in January 2025, 358 homes were sold in St. Petersburg, which is a whopping 29.2% increase compared to the same time last year. This indicates that while prices might be adjusting, people are still actively buying in the area. Perhaps the slight dip in prices is enticing more buyers to jump in.

Home Prices

Let's talk about the numbers everyone is curious about: home prices. As I mentioned earlier, the median sale price in St. Petersburg was $398K in January 2025. This is down 5.4% from the previous year. Additionally, the median sale price per square foot is $310, a decrease of 7.9% since last year.

Are Home Prices Dropping?

The data indicates a slight downward trend in home prices in St. Petersburg. While a 5.4% decrease might seem alarming, it's essential to consider the context. We're coming off a period of record-high prices and intense competition. It looks more like a market correction rather than a crash.

Comparison with Current National Median Price

To put things in perspective, let's compare St. Petersburg's median home price to the national median price, which is $396,900 in January 2025, with a year-over-year change of +4.8%. St. Petersburg's median price is just slightly higher than the national median but trending down while the national median is increasing. This suggests St. Petersburg is experiencing a localized market adjustment.

Is It a Buyer's or Seller's Housing Market?

Based on the data, St. Petersburg leans toward being a somewhat competitive market. Homes receive an average of two offers and sell in around 49 days. The average homes sell for about 5% below list price and go pending in around 41 days. However, I’d classify it as neither a strong buyer's nor a strong seller's market. Instead, it looks like we're moving towards a more balanced market, where neither buyers nor sellers have a distinct advantage. It is “somewhat competitive”.

Market Trends

To better understand the trends, let's look at the numbers:

• Median Sale Price: $397,500 (-5.4% year-over-year)
• Number of Homes Sold: 358 (+29.2% year-over-year)
• Median Days on Market: 49 (+9 days year-over-year)
• Sale-to-List Price: 94.7% (-2.0 percentage points year-over-year)
• Homes Sold Above List Price: 7.5% (-1.5 percentage points year-over-year)
• Homes with Price Drops: 38.5% (-0.28 percentage points year-over-year)

Here's a summary table:

Metric	January 2025	Year-over-Year Change
Median Sale Price	$397,500	-5.4%
Number of Homes Sold	358	+29.2%
Median Days on Market	49	+9 days
Sale-to-List Price	94.7%	-2.0 pts
Homes Sold Above List Price	7.5%	-1.5 pts
Homes with Price Drops	38.5%	-0.28 pts

Impact of High Mortgage Rates

High mortgage rates are a significant factor in the current St. Petersburg housing market. As of early March 2025, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is around 6.5%, and most forecasts predict it to remain at or slightly above this level.

• Reduced Affordability: Higher rates make it more expensive to borrow money, reducing buyers' purchasing power.
• Slower Demand: Some potential buyers may postpone their home search, waiting for rates to drop.
• Price Adjustments: Sellers may need to adjust their expectations and pricing strategies to attract buyers in this environment.

St. Petersburg Housing Market Forecast

Based on the current trends, here's what I think is likely to happen in the St. Petersburg housing market in the coming months:

• Continued Price Stabilization: I expect home prices to stabilize, with potentially slight fluctuations depending on the season and interest rate movements.
• Increased Inventory: As the market becomes more balanced, we may see a gradual increase in the number of homes for sale, giving buyers more choices.
• Slower Sales Pace: Homes may take a bit longer to sell compared to the peak of the market, requiring sellers to be more patient and strategic.
• Negotiating Opportunities: With a more balanced market, buyers may have more negotiating power, especially for properties that have been on the market for a while.

What This Means for Buyers

If you're a buyer in St. Petersburg, now might be a good time to start looking. With prices slightly down and more homes potentially coming on the market, you have more options and potentially more negotiating leverage. However, remember that mortgage rates are still relatively high, so factor that into your budget.

What This Means for Sellers

If you're a seller, it's essential to be realistic about pricing. Overpricing your home could lead to it sitting on the market for longer. Work with a local real estate agent who understands the market to develop a pricing strategy that attracts buyers.

Conclusion

The current St. Petersburg housing market is in a state of transition. While prices have come down a bit, and homes take longer to sell, the market is still active. Whether you're a buyer or a seller, understanding these trends is key to making informed decisions. Always consult with a qualified real estate professional to get personalized advice based on your specific situation.

Should You Invest in the St. Petersburg Real Estate Market?

1. Population Growth and Trends

St. Petersburg is currently experiencing population growth, positioning it as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. This surge in population contributes significantly to the demand for housing, creating a favorable environment for real estate investment.

2. Economy and Jobs

• Steady Economic Growth: The city's economy is on a steady upward trajectory, providing a stable foundation for real estate investment.
• Job Opportunities: The flourishing economy translates into increased job opportunities, further driving the demand for housing in St. Petersburg.

3. Livability and Other Factors

• Desirability: St. Petersburg is renowned for its high livability, making it an attractive destination for individuals and families seeking a quality living environment.
• Infrastructure Development: Ongoing and planned infrastructure developments enhance the city's appeal, positively impacting real estate values.
• Cultural Attractions: The city's cultural attractions contribute to its charm, making it a sought-after location for residents and potentially increasing property values.

4. Rental Property Market Size and Growth

The rental property market in St. Petersburg is substantial, presenting a lucrative opportunity for investors:

• Current Market Size: The rental property market is sizable, catering to a diverse tenant pool.
• Growth Potential: With the city's population growth and economic prosperity, the rental market is poised for further expansion, offering long-term investment potential.

5. Other Factors Related to Real Estate Investing

• Supply and Demand Dynamics: The limited supply of housing in St. Petersburg, coupled with robust demand, creates a favorable environment for property appreciation.
• Historical Market Resilience: St. Petersburg's housing market has shown resilience in the face of economic downturns, instilling confidence in investors regarding long-term stability.

Considering the city's population growth, thriving economy, high livability, and the potential for rental property market expansion, St. Petersburg emerges as a sound option for real estate investors. However, like any investment, thorough research, and a careful assessment of individual financial goals and risk tolerance are crucial before making investment decisions.