By Robert Nardi
New listings added to the Naples housing market were unable to keep pace with buyer demand in May, leading to a 22 percent decline in overall inventory. The market added 991 new listings during the month, while 1,066 homes went under contract (pending sales). Inventory was further reduced by strong sales activity. Over the past 12 months, closed sales have outperformed the previous 12-month period, and that momentum continued in May. Overall closed sales increased 13.9 percent, rising to 900 transactions from 790 in May 2025. Broker analysts reviewing the May 2026 Market Report from the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales throughout Collier County (excluding Marco Island), report that the combination of shrinking inventory and strong buyer activity signals a competitive market. As demand for the Naples lifestyle continues and inventory decreases, the median closed price in May increased 1.7 percent to $599,900 from $590,000 in May 2025. In the single-family home market, the median closed price increased 7.6 percent in May to $750,000 from $697,000 in May 2025. In the condominium market, the median closed price increased 0.1 percent in May to $450,000 from $449,500 in May 2025.
The luxury market in Naples is performing very well in 2026. By the end of May, sales of single-family homes over $1.5 million increased 25 percent compared to sales of single-family homes in the same price category during the first five months of 2025. Naples continues to have a large percentage of cash sales. 61 percent of the overall closed sales in May were cash buyers.
The NABOR® May 2026 Market Report provides comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the Southwest Florida MLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. NABOR® sales statistics are presented in chart format ( CLICK HERE ).
What does this mean?
The Naples housing market continues to show strong demand, even with higher living costs and ongoing global economic uncertainty. More homes are being sold and going under contract than a year ago, while the number of homes available for sale continues to decline. This combination of strong buyer activity and shrinking inventory has created a healthy, competitive market where home prices remain stable and, in many cases, increasing.
For buyers, the biggest challenge is the limited supply of available homes. Inventory is now below pre-pandemic levels, making it more difficult to find the right property, particularly in the luxury market where homes priced above $1.5 million have experienced a significant drop in available inventory
Waiting for interest rates to decrease may not be the best strategy. While borrowing costs could improve later this year, declining inventory is expected to place continued upward pressure on home prices. Any savings from lower mortgage rates could be offset by paying more for the home itself. With the market currently at 7.1 months of inventory—well below the approximately 12 months considered a balanced market—buyers are likely to continue facing competition for desirable properties in the months ahead. My best advice is to work with a real estate professional who can monitor the market and alert you when properties that fit your needs are available and/or you can also perform your own searches at www.BuyNaples.net.
Seasonal Rentals
If you wish to “test drive” Southwest Florida for the winter, we still have some great seasonal rentals available at all price points and lengths of stay. Please call our office at 239-213-1616. One of our Rental Administrators will be able to assist you.
Wishing you an amazing summer and hopefully, I will get to see you soon.
Robert L. Nardi, Broker/Owner of Weichert, Realtors - Paradise Homes (formerly Nardi Realty) provides his perspective on the real estate market, trends, and news for Naples, Florida and the surrounding area each month. To subscribe to