What Florida Home Buyers Want in 2025

Buyers Want Remodeled Homes

Sellers are encouraged to showcase home renovations as buyers are increasingly seeking turnkey homes. Buyers are willing to pay more for remodeled homes. Even as home prices keep going up and properties become less affordable, homebuyers are willing to pay more to own a remodeled home, according to Zillow.

Nationwide, buyers pay roughly $13,200 more than expected — about 4% of the median price — for renovated homes, researchers at Zillow found.

In the company's analysis last year, buyers were willing to pay less than 1% more.

"Buyers looking for a turnkey home should be prepared for increased competition from other buyers," Amanda Pendleton, Zillow's home trends expert, said in a statement. "For sellers, if you have made renovations, flaunt them in your listing description."

Zillow analyzed 359 key words in the listings of more than 2 million homes that hit the market in 2024. Of those key words, the term remodeled more than any other spurred buyers to pay more.

Listings on Zillow with this key word are more often saved and shared. Almost 30% of Zillow's listings for homes for sale are described as renovated, which the company attributes to a pandemic-era boom in renovations.

Before the pandemic, the company found that home listings that included such terms as fixer, TLC, needs work or good bones saw more demand and were more likely to sell.

Now, across the country, a home listing that uses the term fixer-upper sells for about 7% less than expected — the largest discount in three years, according to Zillow. And home listings with the terms needs work or TLC sell for about 8% less.

Fixer-uppers can be appealing to a first-time buyer trying to get their foot in the door of homeownership because they offer a lower initial price of entry,". "However, buyers who are already stretching their budget to afford a home in today's market may not be willing or able to spend more on renovations or repairs.

That's especially true as renovation and borrowing costs have increased.

Bill Bambrick, an agent with LPT Realty based in North Port, said that in Sarasota and Charlotte County, homebuyers don't want fixer-uppers. They say they're too much work.

"The fixer-upper is really suffering," Bill said. "Even when it's in a great location, a great property, a great opportunity. Their answer really is no."

Buyers want a home that has everything on their list.

"They're looking for the most perfect house, but it's not out there," Bambrick said.

Bill is also seeing fully rehabilitated properties sitting on the market, and their sellers are cutting prices. It's another sign that affordability remains a major issue for buyers.

Those who are able to pay a higher price for renovated homes can spread out that cost over the life of their mortgages instead of paying upfront to renovate.

"The best fit for a fixer-upper," Bambrick said, "is a buyer with extra savings who wants to put their stamp on their home and plans to be there for the long term."

Rehabilitation loans also can help buyers who decide to purchase fixer-uppers. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, for example, offers mortgages through its 203(k) program that allows homebuyers to finance both their purchase and home renovations. 

The real estate market in North Port, Port Charlotte, Englewood, and Venice, Florida is experiencing a significant shift as buyers, particularly those 70 and older, increasingly favor move-in ready homes over fixer-uppers. This trend aligns with recent national data and has important implications for both buyers and sellers in these popular retirement destinations.

Market Trends

Remodeled homes are commanding a premium in today's market, with buyers willing to pay approximately 3.7% more for renovated properties^[1]. In Southwest Florida's retirement communities, this translates to a substantial increase in value, given the area's desirable location and amenities.

• Renovated listings receive 26% more daily saves and 30% more shares on Zillow^[1]
• Fixer-uppers are selling at a 7.3% discount, the largest in three years^[1]
• 28% of all Zillow listings are now described as 'renovated'^[1]

Impact on Local Market

For North Port, Port Charlotte, Englewood, and Venice, where many residents are retirees or soon-to-be retirees, the preference for turnkey homes is particularly pronounced. Older buyers often prioritize convenience and immediate comfort over the potential for customization through renovation.

Seller Strategies

Local sellers should consider the following:

1. Highlight renovations in listing descriptions
2. Focus on updates that appeal to older buyers (e.g., accessibility features, low-maintenance landscaping)
3. Price renovated homes competitively, considering the current premium buyers are willing to pay

Buyer Considerations

Buyers in the 70+ age group should be prepared for:

1. Increased competition for move-in ready homes
2. Potentially higher prices for renovated properties
3. Limited inventory of turnkey homes in desirable locations

Market Outlook

With home value appreciation projected at 2.9% for 2025^[1], the Southwest Florida market remains attractive for both buyers and sellers. However, the shift towards renovated homes may present challenges for some buyers in terms of affordability and availability.

For those considering fixer-uppers in the area, it's important to weigh the potential savings against the costs and inconvenience of renovations. While these properties are selling at a discount, the local preference for move-in ready homes may affect future resale value.

In conclusion, the Southwest Florida retirement market is reflecting the national trend towards turnkey properties. Sellers who invest in renovations before listing are likely to see stronger demand and higher prices, while buyers must be prepared for increased competition in the move-in ready segment of the market.