Summer in Sarasota

Hello Friends,

Sarasota and Manatee counties both saw strengthened market activity in April 2026, with sales and pending sales increasing for the single-family market as well as townhouse/condo market. The townhouse/condo market posted markedly increased activity..

Active inventory declined across all four major segments, marking a shift from the inventory growth seen over the past year. Despite stronger demand and shrinking supply, prices remained mostly stable, pointing to a market that is gaining activity while still offering buyers room to negotiate.

Single-family home market is showing signs indicating that the long-standing buyer’s market may be shifting in favor of sellers. Average sale price increased by 25% while active inventory decreased by 27%, year-over-year. “Median percentage of original list price received” improved slightly from 93.1% to 94.3%. This has been especially true at the higher end, with single-family sales in the $1M+ plus category increasing in both Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Looking ahead into late 2026 and 2027, analysis projects stability with modest price growth. Continued migration to Sarasota’s lifestyle, climate, and attractions are expected to sustain buyer demand. This environment favors prepared buyers with more negotiating power and selection, while well-presented properties in desirable areas should continue to perform well for sellers.

Hiring a knowledgeable local realtor is especially important in this market. As a seasoned specialist, I understand hyper-local trends, upcoming developments, and neighborhood-specific dynamics. I can provide critical guidance on pricing, timing, and negotiation strategies to help you maximize opportunities whether buying or selling. Please call me if I can be of service.

Debbie McHardy

CONTACT ME FOR MORE DETAILS ON ANY OF THESE PROPERTIES.

RARE VENICE ISLAND OPPORTUNITY

621 ALHAMBRA ROAD • VENICE, FL 34285

3BR/3BA | 2,103 SF | $1,100,000

Nearly Half an Acre with Deeded Beach Access. Opportunities like this are hard to find. Set on one of the island’s largest residential parcels, this 0.42 acres property offers exceptional flexibility—whether you choose to renovate the existing home, expand its footprint, or create a custom coastal estate from the ground up.

Contact me for more information.

VILLAGE GREEN OF BRADENTON

7011 9th AVE. W. • BRADENTON, FL 34209

2BR/2BA | 1,657 SF | $314,000

Discover exceptional value and effortless Florida living in this well-maintained two-bedroom, two-bath villa in the desirable Village Green community. Combining generous living space, a prime Bradenton location, and true maintenance-free convenience, this home presents an outstanding opportunity for buyers seeking comfort, lifestyle, and long-term value near the Gulf Coast beaches.

Contact me for more information.

LAKEWOOD RANCH – SOLERA

17727 CANTARINA COVE • BRADENTON, FL 34211

4BR/3BA | 2,756 SF | $539,000

Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bath home in the sought-after Solera at Lakewood Ranch community! Built in 2023 and offering 2,756 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space, this two-story residence blends modern style with everyday functionality, and has been enhanced with over $32,000 in premium upgrades and improvements since the original build.

Contact me for more information.

NEW CONSTRUCTION

Amara on Sarasota Bay  is an ultra-luxury boutique condominium development rising on Golden Gate Point, featuring just 54 exclusive residences designed to deliver an intimate, high-end waterfront lifestyle. Slated for completion in late 2028, the project is already generating significant attention for its combination of striking architecture, expansive bayfront views, and resort-style amenities.

Residences are expected to range from approximately $4.2M to over $8.5M, reflecting the project’s premium positioning and limited supply. Developed by the Ronto Group and designed by RHK architects, the project will feature two 8-story towers. The floor-to-ceiling hurricane windows will frame captivating views of the Bay, Marina Jacks, and downtown skyline. Floor plans range from 2,272 to 3,429 square feet. With features like a private marina, spacious indoor-outdoor living spaces, and a prime location just minutes from downtown Sarasota, Amara is widely regarded as one of the most anticipated new waterfront developments in the region. Call me for more information!

AROUND TOWN

Bay Park Conservancy Reveals Final Phase for The Bay Park

In April 1964, then-mayor Herschel Hayo dedicated “Plaza de Santo Domingo” in recognition of Sarasota’s like-named sister city in the Dominican Republic. With all Phase 2 projects underway or soon to begin, the Bay Park Conservancy is turning its attention toward Phase 3 projects, including seawall and dock improvements, substantially increased boating and trailering capacity, renovated amenities, and several environmental and water quality improvements.

A new Sarasota Performing Arts Center to be built and operated by the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation will eventually provide the exclamation point to the vision now some 15 years in the making.

Sarasota Square Redevelopment

The Sarasota Square redevelopment project is transforming one of the largest underutilized sites in South Sarasota into a mixed-use destination centered around retail, dining, residential living, and walkable outdoor spaces.

Anchored by Whole Foods Market and now nearly fully leased in Phase 1, the project is beginning to move from concept to reality. If you live in Palmer Ranch or anywhere in the 34238 zip code, you’ve likely noticed the dramatic changes happening at the corner of US-41 and Beneva Road. The long-term vision shares some similarities with destinations like Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch and Downtown Wellen in Wellen Park, both of which helped create stronger lifestyle identities around those communities through walkability, gathering spaces, dining, and events.

For years, Palmer Ranch has competed differently than newer master-planned communities like Lakewood Ranch and Wellen Park. Palmer Ranch has long had advantages in location, proximity to Siesta Key, and access to downtown Sarasota, but it has never really had a true central gathering district of its own. Sarasota Square has the potential to begin reshaping that dynamic for South Sarasota.

New Evacuation Re-entry Stickers Available at LBK Town Hall

When an evacuation takes place on Longboat Key, the town uses a tiered approach to allow re-entry. To make that process safe and seamless, the town distributes windshield stickers that are color coded based on tier of re-entry.

Stickers are new colors this year, so residents are encouraged to stop by Town Hall to replace re-entry stickers from previous years. The best way to stay up to date in the event of an emergency is through Alert Longboat Key. The emergency notification system sends alerts by phone, email or text message, depending on what information is shared when signing up, which you can do online at member.everbridge.net/398164943175763/new.

June 12 – August 8: The Ringling Museum presents their Summer Circus Spectacular highlighting some of the finest circus acts from around the world. The Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Tickets and show times available here.

The Bay and Sarasota Paradise (Sarasota’s first professional soccer team) partner on presenting a FREE Watch Party Series – designed for fans of every age and degree of soccer obsession.

Click here for the full schedule.