Housing Market Shake-Up: Buyers Gain Power as Prices Slide in the South

Punta Gorda, Florida, USA - The latest from Zillow’s Market Heat Index reveals a momentous shift in the U.S. housing market as of June 28, 2025. After a prolonged period of intense competition favoring sellers, we’re now observing a wave of buyers gaining the upper hand, particularly in several southern markets. For Floridians, this development is noteworthy as it echoes throughout the Sunshine State, particularly in areas like Naples and Punta Gorda, both experiencing significant corrections in their housing prices. According to Newsweek, these changes stem from rising costs in mortgage rates, property taxes, insurance, and home prices themselves. The sudden increase in inventory has reshaped what many thought was a permanently seller-driven market.

In May, Macon, Georgia, emerged as a beacon for buyers, scoring just 23 on Zillow’s scale, indicating a deeply entrenched buyers market. Other areas with similar buyer power include Jackson, Tennessee, and several cities across Texas, with Naples falling into the mix as well. The trend is reinforced by a direct correlation observed throughout the housing landscape; as supply ramps up and the numbers of buyers dwindle, houses linger longer on the market. In fact, a staggering 44% of home listings nationwide were on market for over 60 days in April, marking the highest rate since 2020.

Shifting Dynamics in Southern Markets

ResiClub’s findings echo this sentiment, indicating a nuanced landscape in Florida and Texas, especially near the major cities of Austin and San Antonio. As identified in their data, Florida is home to several cold housing markets tailored for buyers, including Gulfport and Cape Coral, which share the spotlight with Macon and Jackson in providing favorable conditions for home purchasing. Their analysis lays bare the fact that inventory levels have surged across the region, a key factor in favoring buyers compared to the more competitive environments found in States like New York and California.

However, despite the cooling markets in many areas, big cities like Miami still show fierce competition. The gilded city reflects a considerable seller advantage with three sellers for every buyer, yielding one of the country’s unbalancing housing ratios. Redfin’s recent statistics only amplify this sentiment; with an estimated 34% more sellers than buyers, they predict a drop in home prices by 1% by the year’s end if these trends hold. The condo sector in particular is feeling the sting of this imbalance, suffering a significant buyer’s market where 83% more sellers outnumber buyers.

What Lies Ahead

This transition presents a ripe opportunity for potential homeowners. Those eyeing the Florida markets, with areas like Naples often touted for their sunny disposition and rich culture, might find this an excellent chance to buy without the overwhelming pressure from competing bids. With the ratio of sellers to buyers tilted in favor of buyers—particularly in Naples and Punta Gorda—the time to act is pertinent for long-term dwellings.

As we look toward the future, there’s a palpable air of encouragement for buyers who may have felt sidelined in recent years. If prices continue to moderate and wages incrementally rise, many might even find themselves in a better position than before. What’s certain is that while the northeastern markets may still bask in the sun of seller power, the southern markets are reshaping what many thought they knew about the housing landscape. Buckle up, folks! The ride in real estate is anything but predictable.

For further insights into housing trends and analytics, feel free to check out the interactive platform from ResiClub. Their partnership with Epum emphasizes the evolving nature of commercial real estate, bringing fresh data to inform your decisions moving forward.