Is the Market Tilting Toward Buyers? Here’s What May 2025 Means for You

The housing market is shifting, and both buyers and sellers in Central Florida should see the data.

According to USA Today, the national housing inventory is up over 30% year-over-year, easing pressure on buyers and forcing many sellers to rethink their pricing strategy. Nearly 40% of listings across the country are now seeing price reductions—the highest level since before the pandemic boom.

Here in Metro Orlando, the trends align—and in some cases, are even more dramatic.

🔎 Local Market Snapshot – April 2025 (via ORRA)

📦 Inventory:
The number of active listings in the Orlando area hit 13,304 in April, up a staggering 41.9% year-over-year. This marks the highest inventory level in a decade, giving buyers significantly more choices and power at the negotiating table.

🏡 Closed Sales:
Despite more options, closed sales declined 10.9% from April 2024, totaling 2,459 transactions. Buyers are moving more carefully—and only on homes priced right and marketed well.

📈 Home Prices:
The median home price held steady at $389,900, up just 0.4% from April 2024. Prices have flattened, signaling that the days of rapid appreciation have cooled.

📊 Months of Supply:
Orlando now has 5.41 months of housing supply, up from 3.40 a year ago—a 59.2% increase. This is a clear signal we’re approaching a balanced or buyer-leaning market, where neither side holds a dominant advantage.

💰 Mortgage Rates:
Average interest rates hovered around 6.64% in April, offering some stability despite broader economic uncertainties.

“As interest rates remain steady, buyers and sellers alike are taking advantage of more available homes, creating a balanced dynamic market as we head into the busy summer season.”
— Lawrence Bellido, President, Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association

What This Means for You

🔑 Buyers:
You're finally seeing the market shift in your favor. More homes, longer days on market, and sellers considering negotiation. While rates remain elevated, your ability to shop with more flexibility is a huge plus.

📉 Sellers:
This is not the market of 2021 or even early 2023. Buyers are pickier, and competition has returned. Your pricing strategy, presentation, and marketing plan are critical. Overpricing could leave your home sitting.

The market may be softening, but it’s not stalling—it’s evolving. Whether you're looking to buy or sell in Central Florida this summer, let’s talk about a strategy that matches the market we’re in, not the one we remember.

Sources:

• USA Today, "The housing market may finally be turning a corner" (May 12, 2025)

• Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association, State of the Market – April 2025