Many Southwest Florida homeowners are taking a step back from the market and choosing to rework their space. This article looks at what’s driving that decision and what today’s renovation trends reveal about how priorities are changing.

TL;DR – Key Takeaways

• Inventory is shrinking, but not just because homes are selling. Many homeowners are stepping back from the market.
• Kitchen remodels, spa-like baths, and indoor-outdoor upgrades are leading renovation trends.
• Homeowners are designing for themselves, focusing on comfort and functionality.

Why Some Southwest Florida Homeowners Are Renovating Instead of Relisting

Today’s homeowners are leaning into warm neutrals, open layouts, and layered lighting like this—photo courtesy of G&R Design and Construction Group.

My wife, Susana, and I talk about homes all the time…it’s our business, after all. While we’re really happy where we are, the conversation does come up now and then: if we ever did move, what would we want to change before putting our home on the market?

That’s where the kitchen came in. A couple of weeks ago, we found ourselves saying, “It would be a shame to update it for someone else and not get to enjoy it too.” So we made the decision to go ahead and do it — not because we’re planning to sell, but because we want to make the most of the space ourselves.

That led us to a consultation with G&R Design and Construction Group, a Southwest Florida firm specializing in high-end, custom renovations. Giselle and Ricardo Rattis are the team helping us reimagine our own kitchen. During our meeting, as we explored layout options and design ideas, I found myself thinking about the market data we track at Worthington — especially the recent drop in active listings. If you’re curious about how the market has evolved over the last decade and what that means for today’s homeowners, check out our blog on long-term market trends: 10 Years of Change.

During our time in G&R’s showroom, I started wondering how many other homeowners are having the same conversation. Maybe they didn’t get the offer they wanted. Maybe the timing didn’t feel right. Some are deciding to make the home work for them. Others are choosing to renovate with the goal of relisting as soon as the updates are done, hoping to stand out in a competitive market and attract stronger offers the next time around.

Southwest Florida Real Estate Trends: Renovation and Listing Activity in 2025

Photo courtesy of G&R Design and Construction Group. Some Southwest Florida homeowners who’ve stepped back from the market are choosing to make updates like this before relisting—or simply to better enjoy their space.

Recent MLS data across Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs, and Naples reveals a clear trend: inventory is shrinking, but not just because homes are selling. From March to June 2025, active listings dropped sharply across the region. Fort Myers fell from 4,469 to 3,548, and Naples from 7,413 to 5,717.

That dip happened even as closed sales held relatively steady and new listings slowed, which is typical for summer in Southwest Florida. But this year’s drop in inventory is steeper than usual. In Fort Myers, new listings declined from 982 in March to just 758 in May, while closed sales inched down from 565 to 498.

The numbers suggest that many sellers aren’t just waiting for fall, they’re stepping away from the market altogether. For some, that means choosing to renovate instead of relist. Whether it’s redoing the kitchen, modernizing the floor plan, or adding more livable outdoor space, homeowners are focusing on making the most of where they are.

And nationally, the renovation trend hasn’t slowed. In 2024 alone, homeowners across the U.S. spent an estimated $603 billion on remodeling projects, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. That’s up from $485 billion in 2023 and $472 billion in 2022 — a nearly 28 percent jump over two years.

What Today’s Renovations Say About Homeowners’ Priorities

Photo courtesy of G&R Design and Construction Group. Homeowners are choosing warm neutrals, soft textures, and custom touches like this to reflect their lifestyle—not just prepare for resale.

While we were in the design studio at G&R, I asked Giselle what she’s been noticing in her work with clients lately. Her perspective offered a clear view into how priorities are evolving behind the scenes.

Kitchen remodels, bathroom upgrades, and full interior transformations are leading the way. “Many of our clients are choosing to stay in their homes longer and want to make those spaces more functional, modern, and reflective of their lifestyle,” she explained.

Layout updates are another recurring theme. Homeowners are asking for open-concept living, better indoor-outdoor flow, and more usable space for things like wellness rooms or home offices. “These projects are about more than how a space looks,” Giselle said. “They’re about how it works and how it makes people feel.”

Design-wise, clients are gravitating toward warm, natural tones: creamy whites, oak wood, and soft neutrals, paired with modern touches like matte black fixtures. G&R’s custom Brazilian cabinetry has also become a go-to choice for those seeking premium, tailored finishes.

What stood out most was how intentional people have become. “They’re choosing quality over quantity, thinking about how they’ll use the space and how it will feel,” Giselle said. Comfort, lifestyle, and personal connection are taking the lead — and resale value, while still relevant, has become more of a supporting factor.

Durability and long-term livability also play a larger role in today’s renovation plans. Clients are asking for things like walk-in showers, non-slip flooring, air filtration, and upgraded lighting — features that help the home adapt with them over time.

Thinking About Renovating Before You Relist? Here’s How We Can Help

Photo courtesy of G&R Design and Construction Group. Some homeowners are stepping back from the market to renovate with purpose—professionals like Giselle and Ricardo help make that possible.

If you’re considering updates but not sure where to start, or you’re hoping to relist once the work is done, we’d love to be a resource. From understanding what buyers want to helping you decide which upgrades add the most value, Worthington Realty can help you position your home for a confident return to market. Download our free Home Staging Guide to help your home stand out when it goes back on the market!

Let’s talk through the possibilities and build a strategy that fits your goals. Contact us to start the conversation. At Worthington Realty, we believe every homeowner deserves to feel heard, valued, and confident — whether you’re planning to stay, renovate, or sell.

FAQs About Renovating and Selling in Southwest Florida

Why are so many Southwest Florida homeowners renovating right now?

Many homeowners are stepping back from the market due to high interest rates, uncertain timing, or underwhelming offers. Rather than relist immediately, they’re choosing to invest in their space — either to better enjoy it or to prepare it for a future sale.

Is summer a good time to renovate in Southwest Florida?

It can be. With fewer new listings and a typical seasonal slowdown in buyer traffic, summer offers a great window for completing updates before fall activity picks up again.

How can I make sure my renovation adds resale value?

Focus on improvements that resonate with buyers: updated kitchens, modern bathrooms, functional layouts, and enhanced curb appeal. Choosing durable, high-quality finishes and neutral palettes also tends to pay off. Our free staging guide is a helpful place to start.

What are buyers in Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs, and Naples looking for right now?

Buyers are leaning toward move-in-ready homes with flexible living spaces, energy efficiency, and upgraded design details. Think light-filled interiors, practical storage, indoor-outdoor flow, and updated kitchens.

Should I wait to sell until after my renovation is done?

It depends on your goals and the condition of your home. If strategic updates could improve your home’s appeal and market value, the wait may be worthwhile. Worthington Realty can help you decide what makes sense for your specific situation.