Lee County Real Estate Market Update

The Lee County real estate market showed encouraging signs of strengthening in July, with sales activity and pending sales both posting double digit year over year gains, while available inventory declined considerably. At the same time, home values remained steady, pointing to a market that appears to be moving toward greater balance.

Across Lee County, from Bonita Springs and Estero to Fort Myers and Cape Coral, conditions can vary considerably by community and property type. However, the countywide numbers suggest that buyers are becoming more active while the elevated inventory of the past several years continues to be absorbed.

Sales Activity Gains Momentum

Closed sales increased 13.4% year over year, rising from 1,565 sales in July 2025 to 1,774 sales in July 2026. Pending sales also moved higher, increasing 11.8% from 1,469 to 1,642 pending transactions.

Together, these figures point to stronger buyer activity compared with the same period last year. The increase is particularly encouraging during the summer months, traditionally a quieter period for Southwest Florida real estate.

Inventory Tightens

One of the most significant changes in Lee County is the decline in available inventory. The number of homes for sale fell 21.2%, from 12,492 properties in July 2025 to 9,839 in July 2026. Months of supply followed the same trend, falling from 8.2 months to 5.7 months, a 30.5% year over year decrease.

Meanwhile, new listings remained relatively stable at 2,302, down just 1.5% from a year earlier.

The combination of stronger sales and lower overall inventory suggests that the excess supply seen in Lee County is gradually being absorbed, giving buyers fewer choices than they had a year ago.

Home Prices Remain Stable

Despite the increase in sales activity and decrease in inventory, the median sales price held steady at $350,000 in both July 2025 and July 2026. Median price per square foot softened slightly, declining 1.4% from $215 to $212.

This relative stability suggests that buyers are returning to the market but remain price conscious. It is also important to remember that Lee County encompasses a wide range of markets, including waterfront and golf communities, condominiums, and single family neighborhoods, so pricing trends can vary significantly by location and property type.

Sellers See Improving Conditions

The median percentage of last list price received improved from 96.5% to 97.1%, while median days on market declined from 65 days to 62 days.

These are modest changes, but when viewed alongside rising sales and falling inventory, they suggest conditions are gradually becoming more favorable for sellers. Pricing remains important, however, as buyers continue to be selective and value conscious.

The Bonnycastle Perspective

July’s numbers paint an increasingly positive picture for Lee County. Buyer activity is rising, inventory is declining, homes are selling slightly faster, and prices are holding steady.

For sellers, reduced competition and stronger transaction activity are encouraging signs, particularly for properties that are appropriately priced and well presented. For buyers, opportunities remain, but declining inventory could gradually reduce some of the negotiating leverage available when supply was considerably higher.

As Southwest Florida approaches the fall and winter season, the relationship between buyer demand and available inventory will be an important trend to watch. For now, Lee County appears to be moving toward a healthier and more balanced marketplace.

All statistics reflect July 2026 activity compared with July 2025. Data is from the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® MLS and dated August 30, 2026. Data deemed reliable but not guaranteed.