The Orlando residential real estate market experienced a significant seasonal slowdown in November 2025, with new data showing a steep decline in home sales and new listings compared to October. This downturn, while anticipated due to typical end-of-year patterns, highlights how the holiday season and shifting market dynamics are shaping the behavior of both buyers and sellers in one of Florida’s most active real estate regions.
According to the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association, overall home sales in the Greater Orlando area fell by more than 22 percent from October to November. Only 1,820 homes changed hands during the month, down from 2,335 the previous month, reflecting a noticeable retreat in buyer activity. The number of new listings also dropped sharply—approximately 21 percent—pointing to a broader market slowdown ahead of the holiday season.
Local real estate professionals attribute this decline to several converging factors. Most notably, the approach of Thanksgiving and the December holidays typically leads many prospective buyers to pause their searches. Sellers, too, often delay listing homes until after the New Year to avoid disruptions and maximize visibility. This seasonal behavior creates a natural lull in the market, which has been evident in past years and was strongly reflected in November’s numbers.
Lawrence Bellido, president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association, acknowledged the dip in activity as expected, noting that the slowdown aligns with common market patterns observed during the final quarter of the year. Bellido emphasized that the data should not be viewed as a sign of deeper economic weakness or instability in the housing sector but rather as part of the annual real estate cycle.
Despite the decrease in sales and listings, home prices in Orlando remained relatively stable. The median sales price for homes in the region edged up by about 1.3 percent from October, reaching roughly $385,000. This price resilience suggests that while fewer transactions were occurring, demand has not evaporated. Buyers who remained in the market were still willing to meet existing price levels, and many sellers held firm on asking prices.
The slight uptick in pricing also reflects a broader trend of steady value appreciation in Central Florida, even as national markets have experienced uneven conditions. Throughout much of 2025, Orlando’s housing market benefited from population growth, strong regional employment numbers, and ongoing interest from out-of-state buyers. These forces helped to drive up demand earlier in the year, contributing to the price stability observed during the November slowdown.
Another factor influencing the November downturn was the slight increase in mortgage rates. While rates did not rise dramatically, even modest fluctuations can impact buyer sentiment, particularly during a time of year when many are already cautious about large financial commitments. Higher borrowing costs can make monthly payments less affordable, causing buyers to delay decisions until more favorable conditions return.
Inventory conditions in November offered a mixed picture. While fewer new listings entered the market, the overall supply of available homes remained relatively steady. The months-of-supply metric, which compares available inventory to the pace of sales, indicated a market still hovering in neutral territory—neither strongly favoring buyers nor sellers. This balance points to underlying market health despite the temporary drop in activity.
The slowdown was felt across all housing categories. Single-family home sales saw the largest decline in volume, but condominiums and townhouses also experienced decreased transaction activity. Interestingly, in some of these segments, prices continued to edge upward or hold steady, revealing that limited inventory in desirable neighborhoods is still commanding attention from serious buyers.
Looking ahead, most Orlando-area real estate professionals expect activity to pick up again in early 2026. Historically, the spring buying season begins to gain momentum in February and March, with an influx of both buyers and sellers returning to the market. With interest rates potentially stabilizing and new inventory anticipated, the conditions could favor a busy first quarter. Many buyers who delayed decisions during the holiday period may return with renewed urgency, especially if economic indicators remain favorable and mortgage rates become more predictable.
Long-term trends also support a cautiously optimistic outlook for the Orlando market. Throughout 2025, the region demonstrated moments of strong growth driven by robust in-migration, favorable job trends, and Orlando’s enduring appeal as a destination for both new residents and investors. While November’s figures represent a clear deceleration in pace, they should be viewed within the broader cyclical context rather than as a warning sign of deeper instability.
As the market transitions into 2026, timing will be key for both buyers and sellers. Those looking to purchase may find opportunities during the winter months, especially if competition remains light. On the other hand, sellers who choose to wait until the spring could benefit from heightened demand and better pricing leverage. Regardless of timing, the importance of market awareness and strategic decision-making remains critical in navigating Orlando’s dynamic real estate environment.
Ultimately, the November data underscores the role of seasonality in shaping housing market behavior. While activity has slowed sharply in recent weeks, most signs point to a temporary lull rather than a lasting downturn. As the region prepares to enter a new year, many in the real estate community are watching closely for signs of renewed momentum and are preparing for what could be a more active and competitive spring housing season.
