Florida’s housing market spent much of 2025 in a cooling phase, but new data suggests we may now be entering a period of early stabilization and selective rebound,  particularly in markets supported by tourism, international buyers, and long-term migration.

For vacation homeowners and short-term rental (STR) investors, understanding where we sit in the market cycle is far more important than reacting to headlines.

Here’s what the latest Florida Realtors® data really tells us and why it matters for Disney-area vacation home owners.

A Market That Slowed, But Didn’t Stall

Throughout 2025, Florida’s housing market felt the weight of:

• Higher mortgage rates

• Rising insurance and property costs

• Ongoing affordability challenges

These pressures reduced buyer urgency and extended time on market, particularly for properties priced based on peak-market expectations.

However, this slowdown was not driven by a flood of new listings. Instead, inventory rose because homes took longer to sell, not because sellers rushed to exit.

As mortgage rates began easing toward the end of the survey period, early signs of renewed buyer activity started to appear,  a subtle but important shift.

Global Forces Still Shape Florida Real Estate

Florida does not operate in isolation.

Globally, economic growth has slowed due to:

• Elevated interest rates

• Persistent inflation

• Trade and geopolitical uncertainty

According to the International Monetary Fund, global GDP growth declined from 3.0% in 2023 to 2.9% in 2024 and is expected to remain at similar levels for several years.

Despite this backdrop, Florida continues to attract both domestic and international buyers, especially those seeking lifestyle, income potential, and long-term value, key drivers in the vacation home sector.

International Buyers Are Quietly Returning

One of the most telling signals in the 2025 data is the resurgence of international buyer activity.

Between August 2024 and July 2025:

• International purchases of Florida residential properties increased by approximately 50%

• Total international buyer dollar volume rose to $10.4 billion, up from $7.1 billion the prior year

• Although still below the 2020 peak, this rebound signals renewed confidence in Florida real estate.

International buyers now represent about 5% of Florida’s total residential transactions, up slightly from 2024.

Where International Buyers Are Focusing

International demand remains highly concentrated in key Florida markets:

• South Florida accounted for 45% of international purchases

• Orlando / Kissimmee / Sanford continues to attract a strong share of Latin American and european buyers

• Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida are especially popular with Canadian and European buyers

In the Orlando market specifically, 36% of international purchases came from Latin America and Europe,  reinforcing the region’s global appeal,  particularly for vacation and STR properties.

Pricing Has Softened,  But Remains Elevated

Pricing trends in 2025 reflect a controlled correction rather than a sharp decline:

• Median international buyer purchase price: $442,000

• Down from $469,000 in 2024, but still well above pre-pandemic levels

• International buyers continue to pay a premium, with prices averaging 12.5% higher than the overall Florida median

Most international purchases fell within the $250,000–$500,000 range, a price band that aligns closely with many Disney-area vacation homes.

What This Means for Vacation Home Owners

For STR and vacation home owners, the key takeaway is this:

We are no longer in a peak market,  but we are also not at the bottom.

Current conditions still allow well-positioned properties to sell at a meaningful premium, particularly when priced realistically and marketed correctly.

Market cycles historically suggest that deeper price softness often appears later, once buyer expectations and seller expectations fully realign. Many analysts point toward 2027–2028 as a potential lower point in the cycle.

That makes the next 12–24 months a critical planning window, especially for owners who view their property as:

• A retirement asset

• A long-term pension pot

• A capital redeployment opportunity

Why Strategy Matters More Than Timing

One of the most common misconceptions we hear from vacation home owners is:

“We’ll just wait and see.”

Waiting without strategy can quietly erode leverage.

The most successful sellers don’t guess the peak, they exit during transition periods, when buyer confidence still exists but competition hasn’t intensified.

This is where ongoing guidance, market interpretation, and local expertise become invaluable.

Our Role: Beyond Buying and Selling

At Vacay & Co Real Estate, we don’t just step in when it’s time to list.

For over 20 years, we’ve worked with Disney-area vacation home owners throughout their ownership, providing:

• Market value check-ins

• STR regulatory and insurance updates

• Exit strategy planning

• Insight into buyer behaviour and international demand

• Calm, data-driven guidance, without pressure

We believe informed owners make better decisions.

When it Comes Time to Sell

Understanding where your property sits in today’s market and how current conditions align with your long-term goals is something every serious owner should revisit periodically.

And that conversation should always be pressure-free.

Considering Your Options?

If you’d like a confidential, no-obligation review of your vacation home’s current value, market positioning, or exit strategy, we’re always happy to help.

👉 Request a Private Property Value & Strategy Review HERE

Warm regards,
Michelle Baydemir
Broker/Owner | Vacay & Co Real Estate
20+ years serving Disney-area vacation homeowners