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As we enter February 2026, the real estate market in Martin County, Florida, is characterized by a “stable grind.” While some national headlines suggest volatility, the local data indicates a market that is rebalancing rather than crashing.
The overarching forecast for 2026 is one of gradual normalization, where buyer leverage is increasing due to rising inventory, but prices remain resilient due to strong “lifestyle-driven” demand.
📊 2026 Market Forecast at a Glance
| Metric | 2026 Forecast / Current Trend | Status |
| Median Sales Price | Projected increase of +1% to +4% | 🟢 Stable |
| Sales Volume | Expected to rise ~5% YoY | 🟡 Improving |
| Inventory | Trending toward 5–6 months of supply | 🔵 Balanced |
| Days on Market | Averaging 90+ days | 🟡 Slower |
| Foreclosure Rate | Increasing YoY but historically low | 🟠 Monitoring |
🏠 Sales & Price Trends
According to recent data from the MIAMI Association of Realtors and Florida Realtors, Martin County saw a strong finish to 2025 that has carried into early 2026.
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Price Resilience: The median sale price for single-family homes is hovering around $485,000, up slightly (1.3%) from last year. While prices aren’t skyrocketing, the chronic supply shortage prevents a significant “crash.”
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The “Buyer’s Market” Shift: With over 2.1 months of inventory (and climbing toward a balanced 5 months), the market has officially shifted in favor of buyers. In late 2025, homes in Martin County sold for roughly 4.6% below asking price on average.
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Pace of Sales: Patience is the new norm. The median “Days on Market” has increased to 92 days, meaning sellers should prepare for a 3-month wait to secure a closed sale.
📉 Foreclosures: Digging Deep
There is a notable “split” in the data regarding foreclosures as we enter 2026:
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Statewide Context: Florida currently leads the nation in foreclosure filings. This is largely driven by “carrying costs”—the triple threat of high insurance premiums, rising property taxes, and mortgage rates staying above 6%.
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Local Impact: While foreclosure starts in Florida rose nearly 26% year-over-year in January 2026, Martin County remains relatively insulated compared to high-density areas like Miami or Orlando.
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Closed Distressed Sales: In late 2025, Martin County reported zero closed residential sales that were bank-owned (REO) or short sales. While filings are rising, they are not yet translating into a wave of “forced selling” that would tank local home values. Most homeowners still hold significant equity (averaging 70%+), allowing them to sell traditionally rather than face foreclosure.
🔍 Key Factors to Watch
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Insurance Volatility: Martin County’s coastal exposure makes it sensitive to the property insurance crisis. Any further hikes in 2026 could push more marginal owners toward listing.
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The “Lock-In” Effect: Many local owners are holding 3% mortgage rates. They are reluctant to sell and buy a new home at 6%+, which keeps inventory from flooding the market and keeps prices propped up.
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Lifestyle Demand: Southern Martin County (Hobe Sound, Palm City) continues to benefit from wealth migration out of Palm Beach County, supporting the luxury and mid-tier segments.
Bottom Line: 2026 is a year of “strategy over speed.” For sellers, this means pricing exactly at market value is critical. For buyers, the 2026 landscape offers the most negotiating power and inventory choice seen in over five years.
