Buyer Demand Jumps 90% Year Over Year as Market Regains Strength
The Estero real estate market found new energy in October 2025, showing the highest pending-sales growth in Southwest Florida as buyers responded to stronger fundamentals. While the median price appeared lower, the real story is about smaller homes selling, not falling values. Pending sales rose 90 percent year over year, and new listings increased 70 percent, signaling renewed confidence as the season begins.
MLS data through October 2025 highlights how pricing, supply, and buyer activity are shifting and what that means for buyers, sellers, and investors heading into 2026.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- Median price: $494,741, down 9.2% from September and 12% from last year, mostly because more smaller homes sold in October
- Buyer demand: Pending sales rose 90% year over year, the strongest increase in Southwest Florida
- Selling pace: Homes are taking about 65 days to sell, the second-fastest turnaround in the region
- Inventory: Supply sits at 6.5 months, tighter than most nearby markets but still giving buyers some flexibility
- Pricing trends: Homes are closing at about 96% of list price, leaving roughly 4% room to negotiate
Estero Real Estate: Pricing and Inventory
Smaller homes dominated Estero’s October sales, bringing the median down 9 percent to $494,741 from $545,000 in September. Prices per square foot actually increased, showing that individual home values strengthened even as the median shifted lower.
The average home sold in October was about 310 square feet smaller, roughly 1,819 compared to 2,129 square feet in September. Even with that smaller size, the price per square foot rose 6.2 percent to $272, slightly higher than last year. That tells us buyers were willing to pay more for each square foot, confirming that values actually strengthened.
Estero continues to hold a premium spot in the region. Its $272 price per square foot is 29 percent higher than Fort Myers ($211) and 27 percent higher than Cape Coral ($215), reflecting consistent demand for newer neighborhoods, newer construction, and a location that appeals to both full-time residents and seasonal buyers.
Active listings increased to 712 homes, up 10.6 percent month over month and 15.8 percent year over year. This is worth watching. While demand is clearly improving, it’s normal to see inventory rise heading into the winter season as more sellers list their homes. The question going forward will be whether buyer activity continues to keep pace.
For now, Estero remains one of Southwest Florida’s tighter markets with 6.5 months of supply, just behind Cape Coral. It’s still considered buyer-favorable, but the balance is shifting, and how new supply interacts with growing demand will set the tone for early 2026.
For perspective, the national average months of supply is around 4.6 months, according to the Federal Reserve’s Housing Inventory Estimate (HOSSUPUSM673N), keeping Estero slightly more favorable for buyers than the broader U.S. market.
Estero Market Summary: October 2025 Data (Preliminary)
| Estero Metrics | Value | Month-over-Month Change | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $494,741 | −9.2% | −12.0% |
| Pending Sales | 135 | +62.7% | +90.1% |
| Closed Sales | 100 | +6.4% | +12.4% |
| New Listings | 260 | +69.9% | +46.1% |
| Homes for Sale | 712 | +10.6% | +15.8% |
| Months Supply | 6.5 | +4.8% | +3.2% |
| Median Days on Market | 65 | +1.6% | −8.5% |
| Median % of List Price | 95.9% | +0.1 pts | −0.4 pts |
Buyer Demand and Pending Sales in Estero
Buyer activity accelerated in October with 135 pending sales, a 90.1 percent increase year over year and the strongest percentage growth in Southwest Florida. This shows renewed confidence as pricing aligns with buyer expectations after a year of adjustment.
The typical home went under contract after eight showings, similar to last year, while showings per listing rose 22 percent year over year to 3.3, indicating more buyer traffic across available inventory.
Fresh supply helped sustain momentum. Two hundred sixty new listings entered the market in October, up nearly 70 percent from September, giving buyers more options heading into season.
Days on Market and Selling Conditions in Estero
Homes spent a median of 65 days on the market in October, down from 71 a year ago and the second-fastest pace in Southwest Florida:
- Cape Coral – 60 days (fastest)
- Estero – 65 days
- Fort Myers – 69 days
- Naples – 85 days
- Bonita Springs – 87 days
The median sale-to-list ratio of 95.9 percent gives buyers about 4 percent of negotiating room. That is a bit more flexibility than Cape Coral (96.9) but tighter than Fort Myers (95.5) or Naples (94.8). This reflects realistic pricing from sellers and steady demand from motivated buyers.
Homes priced within five percent of recent comparables typically sell within the 65-day median, while overpriced listings tend to wait for price adjustments.
What This Means for Estero Buyers
Estero remains buyer-favorable, but momentum is shifting. The 90 percent jump in pending sales shows competition is returning in force. With 6.5 months of supply and the second-fastest selling pace in the region, conditions are tightening quickly.
Buyers still benefit from prices 12 percent lower than last year and can often negotiate to around four percent below list. Those waiting for larger discounts may find fewer choices as activity increases into 2026.
Estero offers a rare blend of value and location. Preparation matters. Buyers who enter the market pre-approved and ready to act are the ones closing on homes before conditions shift further.
What This Means for Estero Sellers
For sellers, October brought encouraging signals. Prices adjusted on paper, but values held firm and activity soared. Pending sales climbed more than 60 percent in a single month as buyers responded to accurate pricing.
The market rewards realism. Homes aligned with recent comparables are selling within the 65-day window, while over-ambitious listings tend to sit longer until adjusted. With new listings up 70 percent, competition is rising and presentation matters. Clean, well-maintained homes priced correctly continue to attract serious offers.
What This Means for Estero Investors
Estero remains a disciplined investor’s market. A $494,741 median sale price, 65-day turnover, and 90 percent growth in pending sales signal both value and liquidity.
The combination of below-peak pricing and stronger buyer activity suggests the market is moving from correction toward recovery. Investors who plan carefully, manage insurance costs, and secure competitive financing may find this window offers one of the better risk-adjusted entry points before competition begins to build.
Returns depend on accurate pricing, realistic insurance planning, and rental strategies aligned with local demand. amenities.
Estero Real Estate Market Outlook
After more than a year of corrections, Estero’s market is seeing signs of stability. The 90 percent surge in pending sales, firm per-square-foot pricing, and steady sale-to-list ratios point to a market finding balance.
The 135 pending sales from October will convert to closings through November and December, supporting stable prices or modest recovery. Historically, new listings dip in December and rebound in January, likely keeping inventory near current levels entering 2026.
If mortgage rates and insurance costs remain steady, Estero could reach a balanced market early next year. Prices appear to be looking for a floor, buyer confidence is rising, and activity is the strongest since before the correction began.
For those who enjoy digging into the numbers, see our other regional updates:
- Southwest Florida Market Overview
- Cape Coral Market Update
- Fort Myers Market Update
- Bonita Springs Market Update
- Naples Market Update
Each report breaks down pricing, inventory, and demand patterns city by city—helpful for agents, investors, and anyone who geeks out over the numbers as much as we do.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Estero Real Estate Market
Estero remains a buyer’s market with 6.5 months of supply, though competition is returning quickly as pending sales increase.
Median price fell 9.2 percent month over month to $494,741 due to a shift toward smaller homes, while price per square foot rose 6.2 percent to $272. Individual home values strengthened.
The median time is 65 days, down from 71 last year and second-fastest in Southwest Florida.
Buying now means taking advantage of improved pricing and selection before seasonal competition builds. Waiting could mean fewer choices and less negotiating room.
Improved affordability, healthy buyer demand, and a clear return of confidence after last year’s adjustments.
Final Thoughts on the Estero Real Estate Market
The Estero real estate market is finding its footing again. Prices are normalizing, buyers are returning, and activity is rising in a market known for its steady appeal. With the second-fastest selling pace and second-tightest inventory in Southwest Florida, Estero heads into winter with balanced momentum and growing confidence.
Whether you plan to buy, sell, or invest, this is a season to act strategically. Understanding the numbers helps you move with confidence while the market continues to move toward stability.
If you want to see what’s available now, browse the latest Estero homes for sale.
Most homeowners feel overwhelmed when it’s time to move. At Worthington Realty, we provide personalized guidance and clear communication so that you feel heard, valued, and confident in your decisions.
Methodology & Sources: All market statistics were obtained from the Florida Gulf Coast MLS and analyzed by Worthington Realty. Data reflects activity through October 31, 2025 (retrieved November 3, 2025). Figures are deemed reliable but not guaranteed and may be revised by the MLS. Data is preliminary and subject to change as additional sales are reported or updated within the MLS system.
