Pensacola Housing Market Surges While National Sales Decline

Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- The Pensacola housing market is bucking national trends with a dramatic surge in activity, according to local realtor Christina Leavenworth.

While pending home sales nationwide dropped 9.3 percent in December compared to November, Pensacola saw total sales jump 33 percent month-over-month. Year-over-year, local sales are up 12 percent compared to December 2024.

"It has been like someone turned on a fire hydrant of just so much activity," Leavenworth said, describing buyers who haven't been active in months suddenly requesting to see five homes in one day, while sellers who've been waiting on the sidelines are calling to list immediately.

Leavenworth attributes the sudden surge to optimism about the new administration in Washington. "I think a lot of people are feeling more positive going hey I think that there's going to be some changes that are going to make it a positive housing market," she said.

The activity represents a timing strategy from both sides of the market. "I think a lot of buyers are wanting to jump on before it gets crazy and sellers are trying to time it out right," Leavenworth explained.

The local surge stands in sharp contrast to the national market, where high home prices, limited inventory, and the "rate lock-in effect" continue to constrain activity.