March Housing Market Report Has a Silver Lining

Closed sales of homes in Naples during the first quarter of 2023 exceeded closed sales reported in the first quarter of 2019 (pre-COVID) when inventory levels were nearly three times the current level. According to the March 2023 Market Report by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island), overall inventory in March increased 92.4 percent to 2,900 properties from 1,507 properties in March 2022. While still historically low at 3.6 months of inventory, overall inventory in Naples has continued to increase ever since it bottomed out at 0.8 months of inventory in December 2021.

March Market Report

With this more accurate comparative method in mind, closed sales decreased 16.5 percent to 1,017 closed sales from 1,218 closed sales in March 2022; but compared to March 2019, closed sales increased 2.6 percent. Pending sales in March decreased 14.5 percent to 1,377 pending sales from 1,611 pending sales in March 2022; but compared to March 2019, pending sales increased 22 percent.

While new listing growth was relatively static in the first quarter of 2023, Wes Kunkle, President and Managing Broker at Kunkle International Realty, believes some potential sellers in Naples are sitting on the fence because they fear a possible recession may impact their home’s value and/or want to wait and see whether interest rates drop. New listings during March decreased 17.9 percent to 1,369 new listings from 1,667 new listings in March 2022; but compared to March 2019, new listings for the month decreased only 2.5 percent.

The NABOR® March 2023 Market Report provides comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the Southwest Florida MLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. NABOR® sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall (single-family and condominium) findings for 2023:

March Market Report

The overall median closed price in March increased 7.3 percent to $615,000 from $573,000 in March 2022. This increase was driven by the condominium market, which had a 5.9 percent increase in its median closed price. Interestingly, the median closed price for single-family homes in March reported no increase compared to March 2022.

Iterated by top brokers who review the market report each month, it’s impossible to categorize the Naples area housing market as either a buyers or sellers market today. However, an experienced Naples REALTOR® understands the comparative market differences of each unique neighborhood.

If you are considering buying or selling your home, look to a Naples REALTOR® who has the ability to provide an accurate market comparison and give you expert advice on how to capitalize on today’s market conditions. A REALTOR® can ensure your next purchase or sale in the Naples area is a success. Search for your dream home and find a Naples REALTOR® on Naplesarea.com.