Updated Nov. 15th, 2025: As we approach the end of 2025, the Sarasota and Manatee County real estate market in Florida remains a dynamic and attractive destination for investors and business owners alike. Known for its pristine beaches, thriving arts community, and year-round appeal to tourists, this Gulf Coast region continues to draw attention from those interested in vacation rental properties and short-term rentals. If you’re an investor seeking high-yield Florida real estate opportunities or a business owner exploring expansion into the hospitality sector, staying informed on the latest market trends is essential. In this in-depth blog post, we’ll examine key statistics for the 2025 real estate market, focusing on vacation rental condos and homes in Sarasota and Manatee Counties and moving forward into 2026. We’ll cover sales data, short-term rental rates, performance metrics, and investment prospects, all based on the most current reports available as of November 2025. Whether you’re searching for Sarasota investment properties, Manatee County vacation rentals, or insights into Florida’s Gulf Coast real estate trends, this guide will help you make data-driven decisions.
The Sarasota-Manatee area has demonstrated resilience throughout 2025, with a rebound in tourism following earlier challenges like hurricanes and economic fluctuations. This has fueled demand for vacation rentals, making it a prime time for investors to enter the market as inventory increases and prices adjust to more buyer-friendly levels. Let’s delve into the details to uncover how these trends can benefit your investment strategy in Sarasota real estate and Manatee County properties.
Overall 2025 Real Estate Market Overview in Sarasota and Manatee Counties
The 2025 real estate landscape in Sarasota and Manatee Counties has shifted toward greater balance, with rising inventory providing more options for buyers and investors in vacation rental properties. This transition marks a departure from the seller-dominated markets of previous years, offering strategic entry points for those targeting short-term rental investments. The median home price in the region has stabilized, with Sarasota single-family homes at approximately $475,000 and Manatee County at $467,640 as of August 2025, reflecting a modest decline that enhances affordability.
In Sarasota County, the market has seen steady activity, with single-family home sales showing resilience. For instance, the median sale price in July 2025 was $489,900, down slightly year-over-year but rebounding from prior months. Manatee County reported 650 single-family home sales in August 2025, up 5.7% from the previous year, though the median price dipped 5.3% to $467,640. These adjustments indicate a cooling from peak pandemic levels, creating opportunities for investors in Florida vacation homes and condos with potential for long-term growth.
Inventory levels have been a key highlight in 2025, with Manatee County ending August with 2,814 active listings and September seeing 2,656, up 7.9% year-over-year. In Sarasota, the months’ supply of inventory for single-family homes and condos has increased, signaling a buyer’s market where negotiation power is stronger. This is particularly advantageous for vacation rental investors eyeing beachfront properties in areas like Siesta Key or Anna Maria Island, where tourism demand remains robust. With median days on market extending in some segments, investors have more time to conduct thorough due diligence on properties suited for short-term rentals.
The broader Florida real estate market context supports this optimism, as the region continues to attract retirees, remote workers, and tourists, driving sustained interest in Sarasota vacation rental condos and Manatee County short-term rental homes.
Vacation Rental Sales Statistics: Trends Shaping 2026 Investments
Sales data for vacation rental-eligible properties in Sarasota and Manatee Counties reveals a market of steady momentum and opportunistic pricing in 2025-2026. In Sarasota, single-family home sales have held firm, with median prices around $475,000 contributing to a balanced environment. Manatee County’s condo and townhome sales totaled 200 in August 2025, down 7% year-over-year, with the median price falling 11.7% to $291,250. These declines present value for investors seeking affordable entry into the vacation rental space.
Overall, the housing market in both counties showed improved trends in September 2025, with closed sales reflecting resilience post-earlier slowdowns. For vacation rentals specifically, the rebound in tourism has bolstered bookings, with revenue per available room (RevPAR) for vacation rentals rising nearly 8% amid stronger performance compared to hotels. Active listings in Manatee County have increased, providing a 7.9% year-over-year growth in September, which translates to more choices for investors targeting high-potential areas.
In terms of broader sales records, average prices for single-family homes have risen significantly over the past year, with Manatee County up 28.5% to $450,411 and Sarasota up 19.9%. This appreciation underscores the long-term value of investing in vacation rental homes, especially as inventory builds to levels not seen in recent years, creating a buyer’s market for condos with supply extending beyond six months in some categories.
Short-Term Rental Rates and Performance Metrics for 2025
Performance indicators for short-term rentals in Sarasota and Manatee Counties highlight strong potential for revenue generation in 2025. In Sarasota, the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb and similar platforms ranges from $230 to $289, with occupancy rates between 47% and 68%. This has led to average annual revenues of $38,395 to $54,000 per property, depending on location and property type. Manatee County shows comparable strength, with short-term rentals achieving solid occupancy and ADR figures that contribute to annual earnings around $45,000 on average.
Nationally, vacation rentals outperformed hotels in Q2 2025 across all U.S. regions, a trend echoed in Florida’s Gulf Coast. RevPAR growth of nearly 8% for vacation rentals in the area reflects recovering tourism, despite a slight slowdown in May 2025 where economic impact dipped to $198.5 million. For premium beachfront rentals, occupancy can climb to 65% or higher during peak seasons, pushing annual revenues to $337,000–$428,000, though investors should account for operational expenses.
Short-term rental options remain flexible, with monthly rates varying widely to accommodate tourists and seasonal residents. Local regulations, including tourist taxes, play a role, but the overall yield potential reaches 6–10% ROI, with peaks up to 20% in high-demand spots. Monitoring these metrics is crucial for optimizing pricing and occupancy in Sarasota short-term rentals and Manatee County vacation properties.
Investment Opportunities for Tenants and Investors in 2025-2026
With lower entry prices and a tourism rebound, Q4 2025-2026 presents compelling opportunities for investors in Sarasota and Manatee County vacation rentals. The shift to a buyer’s market, evidenced by increased inventory and moderated prices, allows new entrants to secure properties at favorable terms. Strong demand from visitors to areas like Siesta Key and Bradenton boosts rental potential, with gross yields up to 9–10% in prime locations.
For tenants, short-term options offer versatility, catering to vacationers and business travelers alike. Investors can leverage this by focusing on undervalued condos and homes in growing neighborhoods, where tourism recovery promises consistent bookings. Whether pursuing luxury beachfront rentals or workforce-adjacent properties, the region’s economic growth and lifestyle appeal make it a top choice for Florida real estate investments.
Final Thoughts: Positioning Yourself for Success in Florida’s Gulf Coast Market
TL;DR In conclusion, the 2026 Sarasota and Manatee County real estate market is ripe with opportunities for vacation rental investors, featuring balanced conditions, robust tourism metrics, and attractive yields. By capitalizing on these trends, you can build a lucrative portfolio in one of Florida’s most desirable regions. For personalized guidance on vacation rental condos, homes, multi-family investments, or commercial real estate in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, reach out to our expert team today. Let’s transform these market insights into your next profitable venture.
References:
[1] September 2025 Real Estate Market Report: Trends in Sarasota and Manatee – Overview of active listings and year-over-year changes in Manatee County – https://www.myrasm.com/september2025
[2] Market Statistics – RASM – Analysis of August 2025 housing market transition in Sarasota and Manatee counties – https://www.myrasm.com/blog/market-statistics/
[3] Sarasota Single-Family Prices Hold While Manatee’s Slip; Condo Prices – Median prices for single-family homes and condos in August 2025 – https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/home-and-real-estate/2025/09/real-estate-market-august-2025-sarasota-manatee
[4] Latest Sarasota Fl. Housing Market Statistics – Sales and price data for Manatee County in August 2025 – https://www.sarasotahomes.com/latest-sarasota-market-statistics/
[5] August 2025 Real Estate Market Report (PDF) – Active listings and seller metrics for Manatee County – https://www.myrasm.com/clientuploads/Market_Statistics_PDFs/2025/August/August_2025_Press_Release_and_Statistics.pdf
[6] Tourism numbers released by Visit Sarasota – RevPAR increases for vacation rentals in 2025 – https://www.mysuncoast.com/2025/09/12/tourism-numbers-released-by-visit-sarasota/
[7] Short-term Rental Data for Manatee County, Florida – Occupancy, ADR, and annual revenue for Manatee STRs – https://www.keydatadashboard.com/markets/manatee-county-florida
[8] Sarasota, Airbnb Revenue Data 2025: Average Income & ROI – Annual revenue and active listings in Sarasota – https://airbtics.com/annual-airbnb-revenue-in-sarasota-florida-usa/
[9] Airbnb Market Analytics Sarasota, FL November 2025 | Instant Insights – Revenue, occupancy, and ADR for Sarasota Airbnb – https://www.getchalet.com/airbnb-analytics/sarasota-fl
[10] Sarasota, Florida Airbnb Data 2025: STR Market Analysis & Stats – STR revenue, occupancy, and ADR details – https://www.airroi.com/report/world/united-states/florida/sarasota
[11] 2025 Rental Market Study (PDF) – Florida median rent increases and renter household data – http://www.shimberg.ufl.edu/publications/2025_rental_market_study.pdf
https://rabbu.com/airbnb-data/sarasota-fl