The housing market reflects typical seasonal shifts as 2025 begins. December saw an increase in closed sales as homeowners sought to settle before the holiday season, while pending sales dropped, signaling a slower start to the year.
The median sales price for single-family homes in the region rose 2.3% from November, reaching $400,000. However, this price increase brought the Home Affordability Index* down to 65, a 1.5% decrease from the previous month.
“There’s renewed optimism among both buyers and sellers as we head into 2025, following the uncertainty of an election year. Even during the slower holiday period, we’re seeing increased activity,” said Mario Gonzalez, 2025 President of the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR).
In December, closed sales for single-family homes surged 23.2% from November, reaching 1,770 transactions. Meanwhile, pending sales fell sharply by 32.8%, totaling 985, and new listings dropped 12.8%, with 2,178 homes coming to market.
Active inventory decreased 4.5% from November to December, totaling 6,883 properties available for sale. However, compared to December 2023, inventory has seen a dramatic rise of 66.7%, offering buyers a broader selection of homes. The median days on market increased by 14.6%, reaching 55 days, which reflects a slight slowdown in the pace of sales.
“Increasing inventory offers buyers more choices, providing a refreshing contrast to the competitive frenzy during the COVID era when many buyers struggled and even abandoned their home searches,” Gonzalez added.
The growing inventory is expected to help balance market conditions in the coming months, as buyers benefit from more options while the market adjusts to its usual seasonal rhythms.