Orlando Area Residential Real Estate Snapshot for May 2026

New data from the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association shows the housing market remained active in May across Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole, and Volusia counties.

Key Highlights:

• 2,710 homes sold in May

• 3,784 new listings entered the market

• Median home price was $407,027

• Inventory increased to 11,668 homes

• Homes averaged 65.5 days on market

• Mortgage rates averaged 6.4%

Resumen del Mercado de Vivienda en Orlando – Mayo 2026

Nuevos datos de la Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association muestran que el mercado inmobiliario se mantuvo activo durante mayo en los condados de Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole y Volusia.

Puntos Clave:

• 2,710 viviendas vendidas en mayo

• 3,784 nuevas propiedades ingresaron al mercado

• El precio medio de vivienda fue de $407,027

• El inventario aumentó a 11,668 viviendas

• Las propiedades permanecieron un promedio de 65.5 días en el mercado

• Las tasas hipotecarias promediaron 6.4%

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

When most people think about buying a home, they focus on the mortgage—the monthly payment, interest rate, and down payment. While those factors matter, homeownership offers benefits that go far beyond the numbers.

As a real estate professional serving Orlando and Central Florida, I’ve seen firsthand how owning a home can positively impact families for years to come.

Putting Down Roots

Homeownership creates a sense of stability that renting often can’t provide. It gives you the freedom to personalize your space, build relationships with neighbors, and become part of a community.

Whether you’re settling into Lake Nona, Winter Garden, or another Central Florida neighborhood, owning a home helps turn a place into a true home.

Building Long-Term Wealth

For many families, a home is one of their most valuable assets. Over time, homeowners may build equity, benefit from property appreciation, and create a financial foundation for the future.

Homeownership can be an important step toward long-term financial security and generational wealth.

Pride of Ownership

There’s something special about owning a place that’s truly yours. Many homeowners take pride in maintaining and improving their property, creating a space that reflects their lifestyle and goals.

More Than a House

At the end of the day, homeownership is about more than a mortgage. It’s about creating stability, building wealth, and establishing a place where memories are made.

If you’re considering buying a home in Orlando, think beyond the monthly payment. Consider the life you want to build and the future you’re creating.

Because homeownership isn’t just about where you live—it’s about how you live.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Orlando Area Residential Real Estate Snapshot for April 2026

New Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association data shows sales cooled slightly while new listings increased and prices remained up year over year.

The Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association’s monthly housing reports are now reflecting residential real estate activity across Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole and Volusia counties.

State of the Market

• Overall sales fell by 2.7% from March to April. There were 2,608 sales in March and 2,539 sales in April.
• New listings rose 3.0% from March to April, with 4,066 new homes on the market in April, compared to 3,946 in March.
• April’s interest rate was recorded at 6.3% – up from 6.2% in March.
  • Interest rate data is sourced from Freddie Mac, a government-sponsored enterprise that tracks national mortgage market trends and publishes weekly average mortgage rates.
• The median home price for April was recorded at $410,758.
  • For reference, the median home price in April 2025 was $404,355. 
• Homes spent an average of 70 days on the market (DOM) in April – the same as in March.
• Inventory for April was recorded at 11,418, down 1.5% from March, when inventory was recorded at 11,592. 
• “April’s data shows the Orlando market continuing to move at a measured pace,” said Chris Atwell, 2026 president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. “While sales dipped slightly from March, new listings increased and prices remained above last year’s levels, giving buyers more options while sellers continue to benefit from steady demand. With inventory below the six-month mark of a balanced market, Orlando remains competitive, but conditions are still giving consumers more room to navigate their real estate decisions.”

Inventory

• Orlando area inventory fell 1.5% from March to April. Inventory in March was 11,592, and inventory in April was 11,418.
• The supply of homes held in April, with 4.50 months of supply in April compared to 4.45 months of supply in March. A balanced market is six months of supply. 
• The number of new listings increased from March to April by 3.0% – from 3,946 homes to 4,066 homes.

Sales Snapshot

• 2,006 single-family homes sold in April, down 2.1% from 2,048 sales in March. The median home price was $440,119.
  • There were 2,053 single-family homes sold in April 2025.
• 533 condos/townhouses sold in April, down 4.8% from 560 sales in March. The median home price was $312,052.
  • There were 561 condos sold in April 2025.
• 19 foreclosures and short sales accounted for 0.7% of all home sales in April.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Once the purchase agreement is signed, the next step in the home buying or selling process is usually the home appraisal. Lenders order this to ensure the property is worth the mortgage they’re preparing to issue—or, in the case of refinancing, to confirm the current owner’s equity. It’s important to note that a home appraisal is different from a home inspection, which should already be completed.

How the Appraisal Works
Typically, the lender schedules the appraisal with a licensed professional, who will contact the homeowner to arrange a convenient time. While some appraisers don’t mind the owner being present, most prefer to conduct the appraisal independently.

What Sellers Can Do to Prepare
To make the process smoother, sellers should have a few items ready:

• Recent tax information
• Property survey
• A list of items included in the sale
• Any information about home additions, including costs and construction dates

Before the Appraiser Arrives
Appraisers start their assessment before stepping inside the home. They research the local Orlando market and review comparable sales in your neighborhood, much like a listing agent does when pricing a home.

During the Appraisal
Once on-site, the appraiser evaluates both the interior and exterior of the property:

• Curb appeal and overall exterior condition
• Home upgrades or additions
• Condition of surrounding homes
• Number of rooms, square footage, building materials, and finishes
• Condition of flooring, windows, foundation, and home systems
• Basement, attic, and crawl spaces for water or insect damage

Costs and Timing
Most of the time, the appraisal fee is included in the loan agreement. If not, it is typically paid by the buyer at closing. While a home inspection may take several hours, the appraisal report is usually delivered to the lender within about seven business days. Appraisers commonly use the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report to document their findings.

The Bottom Line
When sellers and buyers are prepared, the appraisal usually confirms the home’s market value, helping the sale move forward smoothly. In Orlando’s dynamic housing market, understanding the appraisal process can reduce surprises and ensure a successful closing—bringing new homeowners one step closer to settling into their dream Florida home.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

State of the Market

“With the arrival of spring, we are seeing a clear uptick in market activity. The 25% increase in home sales from February to March is a strong indicator that buyers are actively engaging in the market as we head into the warmer months,” said Chris Atwell, 2026 president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. “This seasonal boost is expected to continue, with rising listings and slightly higher prices, creating a dynamic and competitive environment for both buyers and sellers.”

The median home price for March was recorded at $385,000, up 2.7% from February’s median home price of $375,000.

Overall sales rose by 25.0% from February to March. There were 1,888 sales in February and 2,360 sales in March.

Inventory for March was recorded at 12,010, up 0.3% from February, when inventory was recorded at 11,975.

March’s interest rate was recorded at 6.2% – up from 5.9% in February.

New listings rose 8.9% from February to March, with 4,004 new homes on the market in March, compared to 3,678 in February.

28 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 1.2% of all home sales in March. This is a 27.3% increase from February, when 22 distressed homes sold.

ORRA’s full State of the Market Report for March 2026 can be found at https://www.orlandorealtors.org/statemarket

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Orlando, Florida continues to be one of the most attractive relocation destinations in the United States. From young professionals and families to retirees and investors, people are moving to Central Florida in large numbers—and the reasons go far beyond theme parks.

In 2026, Orlando is no longer just a tourism hub. It has become a fast-growing metro fueled by job expansion, affordability (compared to coastal cities), and long-term population migration trends.

According to recent data, Florida remains one of the top states for inbound migration, with cities like Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville consistently ranking among the fastest-growing relocation destinations in the country.

So, what’s driving this continued wave of newcomers? Let’s break it down.

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1. Strong Population Growth and Domestic Migration

One of the biggest forces behind Orlando’s housing demand is simple: people keep moving here.

Central Florida continues to experience steady inbound migration from both other states and international arrivals. In fact, a significant portion of Orlando’s population growth is directly tied to relocation rather than natural growth (births vs. deaths).

Recent studies show that Orlando ranks among the top U.S. metros for net migration share, meaning a large percentage of its population is made up of recent movers.

Who is moving to Orlando?

• People relocating from high-cost states (New York, California, New Jersey)
• Remote workers seeking lower taxes and better weather
• Retirees looking for affordability and lifestyle
• International buyers investing in U.S. real estate

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2. Job Growth and Economic Opportunity

Orlando is no longer dependent on tourism alone.

Over the past decade, it has expanded into:

• Technology and innovation
• Healthcare and life sciences
• Aerospace and defense
• Logistics and distribution

This diversification has made Orlando more resilient and attractive for long-term relocation.

As one recent housing guide explains, Orlando has evolved into a legitimate tech and healthcare hub with strong job growth and continued employer expansion.

For many new residents, the decision to move is driven by career opportunities combined with a lower cost of living compared to cities like Miami, Austin, or Los Angeles.

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3. Affordability Compared to Other Major U.S. Cities

While Orlando home prices have increased in recent years, the city remains more affordable than many major metros.

For buyers coming from:

• New York City
• Boston
• San Francisco
• Los Angeles

Orlando often feels like a “value market” by comparison.

Even as Florida prices rise, many newcomers are still able to:

• Purchase larger homes
• Gain access to newer construction
• Enjoy lower property taxes than many northeastern states

This affordability gap continues to be one of the strongest drivers of relocation demand.

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4. Florida’s Tax Advantages and Lifestyle Appeal

Another major reason people move to Orlando is Florida’s overall tax structure and lifestyle benefits.

Key advantages include:

• No state income tax
• Warm, year-round climate
• Access to beaches, parks, and outdoor recreation
• Strong retirement-friendly policies

These benefits continue to attract both working professionals and retirees, especially those looking to reduce their overall cost of living while maintaining quality of life.

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5. Orlando as a “Relocation Gateway City”

Recent real estate trend analysis describes Orlando as a “welcoming” metro for new residents because it offers:

• Job access
• Relative affordability
• Strong entertainment and cultural infrastructure

Industry research has even highlighted Orlando as one of the U.S. cities attracting younger professionals who are leaving expensive coastal markets in search of better balance between income and lifestyle .

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6. Migration Trends Are Cooling—but Still Positive

While Orlando’s explosive post-pandemic migration boom has cooled slightly, the region is still growing.

Recent reports show:

• Fewer extreme migration spikes than 2021–2022
• Continued steady inbound movement
• A shift toward more “balanced” market conditions rather than overheated growth

Even with moderation, Orlando remains firmly in growth territory compared to many U.S. metros.

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Final Thoughts

People are moving to Orlando in 2026 for a combination of reasons:

• Job opportunities
• Affordability compared to major metros
• Tax advantages
• Lifestyle and weather
• Long-term population growth trends

Even as the market normalizes, Orlando remains one of the strongest relocation destinations in the United States—and that continued migration is a major reason the real estate market stays active year after year.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

State of the Market
“Many buyers tend to hit ‘refresh’ in January, viewing a new year as an opportunity to make a fresh start in their home search. This seasonal shift often leads to a surge in new listings and pending sales, as we witnessed in the Orlando market,” said Chris Atwell, 2026 president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. “With homes sitting on the market for the longest time since 2016, it’s important for sellers to work closely with their Realtor to identify the ideal asking price and guide them to negotiate favorable terms. While overall sales have slowed, we are optimistic about the spring market. We’re likely to see pending sales transition into increased activity in February, setting the stage for an active spring and summer.”

The median home price for January was recorded at $370,000, down 2.7% from December’s median home price of $380,313.

Overall sales fell by 25.1% from December to January. There were 2,182 sales in December and 1,634 sales in January.

Inventory for January was recorded at 11,741, up 3.1% from December when inventory was recorded at 11,389.

January’s interest rate was recorded at 6.0% – holding steady from 6.0% in December.

New listings rose 59.5% from December to January, with 3,852 new homes on the market in January, compared to 2,415 in December.

35 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 2.1% of all home sales in January. This is a 52.2% increase from December, when 23 distressed homes sold.

ORRA’s full State of the Market Report for December 2025 can be found at https://www.orlandorealtors.org/statemarket

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

State of the Market

• “2025 was a year of normalization in Central Florida real estate. Selling prices remained strong, hovering around near record highs. More properties became available, and they stayed on the market slightly longer compared to previous years. Due to the slower pace, buyers had more time and more options, which provided more opportunities to negotiate,” said Chris Atwell, 2026 president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. “These are all signs of a balanced and healthier market. Buyers and sellers both had success due in large part to appropriate pricing, sound preparation and working with local market experts like one of our REALTOR® members.”
  
• December’s median home price was recorded at $380,313,down from $385,000 in November.
  The overall median home price in 2025 was recorded at $385,000, holding steady from 2024. This is an all-time high in the Orlando market. For further comparison, the overall median home price was $370,500 in 2023 and $365,000 in 2022.
  
• Overall sales in December increased 19.9% from November, with 2,182 sales recorded.
  Overall sales in 2025 decreased by 5.6%, with a total of 26,721 sales. Overall sales in 2024 were recorded at 28,321.
  
  – Single family home sales decreased in 2025 by 4.4% for a total of 21,248 sales compared to 22,216 sales in 2024.
  – Condo sales decreased in 2025 by 11.8% for a total of 2,902 sales compared to 3,290 sales in 2024.
  – Townhome sales decreased by 8.7% in 2025 for a total of 2,571 sales compared to 2,815 in 2024.
  Inventory dropped in December, decreasing 9.0% from 12,516 in November, for a total of 11,389 homes on the market.
  
• The average monthly inventory for 2025 was 12,908. The average monthly inventory for 2024 was recorded at 10,289.
  
• Interest rates decreased from 6.1% in November to 6.0% in December.
  Interest rates fluctuated in the 6.0 levels throughout 2025. The average interest rate in 2025 was 6.4%, holding relatively steady from 2024, when the average interest rate was 6.5%.
  
• New listings dropped 16.5%, with 2,415 new listings in December, compared to 2,891 new listings in November.

ORRA’s full State of the Market Report for December 2025 can be found at https://www.orlandorealtors.org/statemarket

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

As 2026 begins, many of us are setting fresh goals and resolutions for the year ahead. While it’s easy to feel motivated in January, staying consistent is often the real challenge. If buying a home in Orlando is on your 2026 vision board, a few smart financial resolutions can make a big difference in turning that dream into reality.

Central Florida’s real estate market continues to attract buyers, which means preparation matters more than ever. Here are some key homebuyer resolutions to help you stay competitive and confident this year.

1. Pause on Opening New Credit Cards

Retail offers and instant credit approvals are everywhere, but opening new credit cards can negatively impact your credit score and debt-to-income ratio. If purchasing a home in 2026 is your goal, it’s best to avoid opening new lines of credit unless absolutely necessary.

2. Pay Student Loans on Time—Every Time

Student loans play a major role in your credit profile. Late or inconsistent payments can quickly hurt your score. In a competitive Orlando market, buyers with strong payment histories often stand out to both sellers and lenders.

3. Stay Consistent with Credit Card Payments

Even if you can only make the minimum payment, paying your credit cards on time every month is essential. Consistency shows lenders that you’re reliable and financially responsible—qualities that matter when applying for a mortgage.

4. Build and Maintain a Cash Reserve

Having savings in the bank is more important than ever in 2026. Lenders want to see that you can manage unexpected expenses beyond your monthly mortgage payment. A healthy cash reserve also helps with closing costs, inspections, and moving expenses.

5. Keep Job Stability a Priority

While career growth is important, frequent job changes can raise red flags for mortgage lenders. If possible, staying with the same employer for a steady period shows financial stability and can improve your loan approval chances.

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Making these homebuyer-focused resolutions now can put you in a strong position to purchase a home in Orlando this year. With the right planning—and guidance from a local real estate professional—you’ll be one step closer to owning the home you’ve always dreamed of in Central Florida.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

State of the Market
–  “November’s slowdown reflects typical market behavior heading into the holiday season. Buyers tend to be less active, while many sellers hold off on listing their homes or take them off the market to avoid navigating a slower time of year,” said Lawrence Bellido, president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. “This leads to fewer listings and less competition, which can create opportunities for buyers but also limit inventory for those actively searching. As we approach the new year, it’s important to keep an eye on interest rates and inventory levels, as these will continue to impact both buying and selling decisions.”

–  The median home price for November was recorded at $385,000, up 1.3% from October’s median home price of $380,000.

–  Overall sales fell by 22.1% from October to November. There were 2,335 sales in October and 1,820 sales in November.

–  Inventory for November was recorded at 12,516, down 4.1% from October when inventory was recorded at 13,047.

–  November’s interest rate was recorded at 6.1%, up from 6.0% in October.

–  New listings fell 21.4% from October to November, with 2,891 new homes on the market in November, compared to 3,676 in in October.

–  24 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 1.3% of all home sales in November. This is a 7.7% decrease from October, when 26 distressed homes sold.

ORRA’s full State of the Market Report for November 2025 can be found at https://www.orlandorealtors.org/statemarket

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.