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As the nation settles into 2025, the U.S. housing market remains in an unofficial recession despite broader economic resilience. Yet, there’s reason to anticipate a shift, especially in beach real estate and other discretionary housing markets.
Beach-Homes.com, the premier platform for browsing over 100,000 beach properties across the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, offers unique insight into buyer behavior and market trends. Our data reveals that many beach home buyers live hundreds of miles from the coast, underscoring the broad, national interest in coastal living. Spanning fourteen states along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, the Beach Real Estate Market Report provides an in-depth look at these desirable beach and coastal markets.
This quarterly report from Beach Homes Realty is filled with promising news for those eyeing a waterfront lifestyle, with the total market value growing to $116 billion. Nine of the fourteen states included have a combined home and lot listing value of over $1 billion each, creating an array of opportunities for prospective beach home buyers.
The complete list of states exceeding $1 billion in listings includes:
- Florida ($88.7 billion)
- South Carolina ($6.87 billion)
- Texas ($4.08 billion)
- New Jersey ($3.29 billion)
- North Carolina ($2.96 billion)
- Maryland ($2.56 billion)
- Massachusetts ($2.45 billion)
- Alabama ($1.89 billion)
- Delaware ($1.03 billion)
Florida also leads in the number of listings, with 54,547 beach homes and lots, followed by:
- Texas – 9,475
- South Carolina – 9,239
- North Carolina – 5,436
- Maryland – 5,014
- Alabama – 2,709
- Mississippi – 2,633
- New Jersey – 2,178
- Delaware – 1,418
- Massachusetts – 1,415
- Virginia – 781
- Louisiana – 496
- Georgia – 476
- New Hampshire – 449
- Connecticut – 426
The Election’s Effect on Real Estate
The lead-up to the 2024 election dampened sales activity, a familiar pattern seen in discretionary markets like beach real estate. Buyers weren’t necessarily waiting on election results—they were distracted by the drama of the political season.
This lull was compounded by the usual holiday season slowdown, as potential buyers prioritized family and festivities over long-distance home tours.
With the election behind us and a new administration in place, 2025 marks a turning point. The beach real estate market is poised to see renewed energy in the post-inauguration period as attention shifts back to personal investments like second homes.
Navigating a Unique Market Landscape in 2025
Several dynamics are shaping the 2025 beach real estate market:
- Pricing Adjustments Are Key
Sellers are beginning to price homes more realistically, a necessary shift to address the stalled inventory of overpriced listings. Expert agents, like those affiliated with Beach-Homes.com, are well-equipped to guide sellers in setting competitive prices based on data from multiple beach markets nationwide. - NAR Commission Lawsuit Implications
While the real estate industry awaits the long-term effects of the NAR commission lawsuit settlement, beach home transactions are less likely to see drastic changes. Buyers and sellers in this market segment value professional expertise and are willing to invest in agents who deliver results. - Interest Rate Resilience
Unlike primary residential markets, beach real estate is less influenced by mortgage interest rates. Many buyers pay cash or secure favorable terms, reinforcing the discretionary nature of these purchases. - Broader Market Competition
Beach property sellers must think beyond their local markets. Buyers often compare properties across states, evaluating options in Florida, the Carolinas, Alabama, and more. A strategic pricing approach informed by this broader competition is essential for success.
The Role of Expert Agents
Real estate is often described as “local,” but beach real estate is uniquely national in its appeal. The expertise of a beach-focused agent can make all the difference in navigating this competitive landscape.
“Beach real estate buyers and sellers are sophisticated and discerning,” said Glenn S. Phillips, CEO and Chief Economic Analyst. “They value expert guidance to ensure they achieve their goals, whether that’s finding the perfect retreat or securing a top-dollar sale.”
As 2025 unfolds, Beach-Homes.com remains committed to connecting buyers and sellers with the best beach-focused agents in the industry. Whether you’re months or years away from making your move, we’re here to help you confidently navigate the journey.
Top Beach Real Estate Markets
The Winter 2025 Beach Real Estate Market Report from Beach Homes Realty presents a promising outlook for those looking to invest in beachfront properties. Naples, Florida, stands out as the leader, boasting the largest selection of properties, with a combined value of $6.14 billion in beach homes and lots.
While Naples provides an abundance of options, the possibilities don’t end there. Here are some of the top locations in the nation for beachfront listings:
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida – $4.18 billion
- Palm Beach, Florida – $3.25 billion
- Tittabawasee River, Florida – $3.08 billion
- Miami – South Miami, Florida – $2.86 billion
Top 5 Most Expensive Beaches for Home Listings (Average Price)
- Manalapan, FL – Avg. of $41,746,714
- Miami – Palm Island, FL – Avg. of $18,357,286
- Miami – Hibiscus Island, FL – Avg. of $17,281,242
- Miami – Fisher Island, FL – Avg. of $14,874,289
- Jupiter Island, FL – Avg. of $13,482,994
Top 5 Beaches for Number of Home and Lot Listings
- Cape Coral, FL – 3,522
- Myrtle Beach, SC – 2,643
- St. Petersburg, FL – 2,140
- Corpus Christi, TX – 2,093
- Punta Gorda, FL – 1,873
The Winter 2025 Beach Real Estate Market Report shares a summary of data collected from 34 Multiple Listing Services (MLS) areas in the 14 states served by Beach Homes Realty and is, to our knowledge, not available from any other source.
The Winter 2025 Beach Real Estate Market Report is available to download at https://www.beach-homes.com/info/beach-real-estate-market-reports