Prices Rise 6% as Buyer Demand Surges 60% Year Over Year
After months of slower sales and cautious headlines, the Fort Myers housing market showed renewed strength in October. Prices are steadying, buyer demand is climbing, and homes are spending less time on the market. Supply remains in buyer territory, but the gap between buyers and sellers continues to narrow.
MLS data through October 2025 shows how pricing, inventory, and buyer activity are changing across Lee County. This update highlights what these shifts mean for buyers, sellers, and investors heading into season.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- Median price: $365,000, up 6% month over month and down 4.6% year over year.
- Buyer demand: Pending sales up 60.4% year over year, the strongest growth in Southwest Florida.
- Faster pace: Homes selling in a median of 69 days, down from 79 in September.
- Inventory: 7.3 months of supply, still a buyer’s market but trending toward balance.
- Closed sales: 366 in October, up 21.2% year over year.
- Negotiating room: Buyers closing at 95.5% of list price on average.
Fort Myers Real Estate Market: Pricing and Inventory
Fort Myers home prices rose to a median of $365,000 in October, a 6 percent increase from September and the strongest monthly gain in more than a year. Prices remain about 4.6 percent lower than last year, but that gap has been shrinking each month as buyer confidence builds.
The price per square foot climbed to $211, up 3.4 percent from September. Buyers are prioritizing well-located and move-in-ready homes, particularly in established neighborhoods where value and amenities align.
Active listings reached 3,134 homes, up slightly from September and 3 percent higher than a year ago. Supply now stands at 7.3 months, compared to nearly 11 months in March, showing a clear path toward balance. By comparison, Cape Coral sits around 6.1 months, while Estero is near 6.5 months. According to the National Association of Realtors, a balanced market is roughly six months of supply.
Fort Myers Market Summary: October 2025 Data (Preliminary)
| Fort Myers Metrics | Current Value | MoM Change | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $365,000 | +6.0% | -4.6% |
| Pending Sales | 441 | +18.5% | +60.4% |
| Closed Sales | 366 | +5.2% | +21.2% |
| New Listings | 959 | +39.8% | +34.9% |
| Homes for Sale | 3,134 | +5.9% | +3.0% |
| Months Supply | 7.3 | +5.8% | +3.0% |
| Median Days on Market | 69 | -12.7% | +35.3% |
Buyer Demand and Pending Sales in Fort Myers
Buyer activity surged in October, marking one of the strongest months of the year. Pending sales reached 441 contracts, up 18.5 percent from September and more than 60 percent above last year.
The typical Fort Myers home went under contract after six showings, roughly matching the regional average. Buyers are responding quickly when they find well-priced listings, and sellers who align with current values are seeing results.
Fort Myers continues to attract both local and out-of-state buyers seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life. At $365,000, it offers a more accessible entry point than Naples ($595,000) or Bonita Springs ($565,000), while maintaining close proximity to major employers, schools, and recreation.
Fresh inventory helped support this momentum, with 959 new listings added in October, nearly 40 percent more than September. The combination of strong buyer demand and new options on the market points to renewed confidence heading into winter.
Days on Market and Selling Conditions in Fort Myers
Homes are moving faster than they were a month ago. The median days on market fell to 69, down from 79 in September but still up from 51 a year earlier. This 10-day improvement reflects both better pricing alignment and growing buyer urgency.
Across Southwest Florida, Fort Myers sits in the middle of the pack for selling speed:
- Cape Coral: 60 days
- Estero: 65 days
- Fort Myers: 69 days
- Naples: 85 days
- Bonita Springs: 87 days
Sellers in Fort Myers are achieving an average of 95.5% of list price, giving buyers roughly 4–5 percent of negotiating room. Homes priced accurately at the start are typically closing within the 69-day median, while listings that stretch beyond comparables can sit for 90 days or longer.
What This Means for Fort Myers Buyers
Fort Myers remains a buyer’s market, but conditions are tightening. The 60 percent jump in pending sales shows that competition is back as both local buyers and relocations from higher-cost markets respond to Fort Myers’ value proposition — a theme we explored in our deep dive on why Fort Myers is becoming the Brooklyn of the Gulf Coast.
Buyers still have negotiating power and a wide selection, but those waiting for deeper discounts may find fewer options heading into the new year. Acting now offers the chance to secure favorable terms before seasonal demand increases.
For those buying a home in Fort Myers, preparation matters. Buyers who enter the market with financing ready and a clear sense of priorities are best positioned to move confidently when the right home appears.
What This Means for Fort Myers Sellers
Sellers are beginning to see positive momentum. Prices rose 6 percent in a single month, homes sold 10 days faster, and buyer traffic increased significantly.
Competition, however, is also increasing as more listings hit the market. With more than 900 new homes listed in October, sellers who price realistically and present their homes well stand out.
“When sellers understand what’s driving today’s market, they can make sharper decisions and move with confidence,” said Susana Alvarez Davis, Southwest Florida Realtor. “My role is to help them see the full picture…what’s working, what needs adjustment, and how small refinements in price or presentation can lead to stronger results.”
Homes near the $365,000 median and in good condition are typically selling within 60 to 70 days. Those priced more than five percent above comparable listings tend to linger until adjustments are made. For homeowners looking to build traction without reducing list price publicly, Worthington Realty’s Seller’s Offer approach helps convert buyer interest into offers.
What This Means for Fort Myers Investors
Investors continue to find opportunity across the Fort Myers real estate market, though the window is narrowing as demand strengthens. With 7.3 months of supply, negotiation power still exists, just not as wide as it was earlier this year.
According to national housing supply data from the Federal Reserve’s Housing Inventory Estimate, the U.S. market currently averages around 4.6 months of supply, well below pre-pandemic norms. That national context makes Fort Myers’ position at 7.3 months noteworthy, offering investors both negotiating room and upside potential as conditions move toward balance.
In this environment, precision matters. Success comes from disciplined underwriting and local expertise, not speculation. Investors who buy based on real value, not headlines, are positioning themselves well for 2026.
Fort Myers Real Esate Market Outlook
After a long stretch of adjustment, the Fort Myers market is regaining balance. Prices are firming, demand is building, and supply is holding steady.
“The 441 pending sales in October will likely lead to stronger closings through November and December,” said Fort Myers Real Estate Broker Brian Rodgers. “While December typically sees a seasonal dip in new listings, January historically brings a surge of fresh inventory that could keep supply near current levels heading into 2026.”
Prices are expected to hold near current levels through year-end, with the most stability seen in mid-market homes. Interest rates, insurance costs, and seasonal migration will continue to shape activity heading into spring.
For those who enjoy digging into the numbers, see our other regional updates:
- Southwest Florida Market Overview
- Cape Coral Market Update
- Estero 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
Yes. With 7.3 months of supply, buyers still have the upper hand, but momentum is shifting as pending sales and prices both rise.
Prices rose 6 percent month over month to $365,000, though still about 4.6 percent below last year. That gap is narrowing as the market strengthens.
The median is 69 days. Well-priced homes are moving within that timeframe, while listings priced too high often take longer than 90 days.
Buying now offers choice and negotiating power before seasonal competition increases. Waiting could mean higher demand and fewer options as 2026 begins.
Affordability, steady migration, and growing local employment continue to support demand. The recent surge in pending sales shows buyers are re-engaging with confidence.
Explore the latest updates for Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, and the full Southwest Florida market report to see how each city compares.
Final Thoughts on the Fort Myers Real Estate Market
The Fort Myers real estate market in November 2025 is gaining speed. Prices are rising, homes are selling faster, and buyers are acting with renewed confidence. Conditions still favor buyers for now, but balance is coming into view.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, success in this market comes from timing your move while others are still catching up.
If you want to see what’s on the market right now, browse the latest Fort Myers 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.
