Introduction: Why This Month’s Market Data Matters
Whether you’re considering buying your first home, selling a property you’ve owned for years, or simply keeping tabs on your investment, understanding what’s happening in the local real estate market is essential.
In Pace, Milton, and Navarre — three of the most desirable and fastest-growing communities in Santa Rosa County — housing demand remains strong, but the market is shifting. Inventory is growing. Price adjustments are happening. And while homes are still selling, they aren’t flying off the shelf like they were two years ago.
As a seasoned real estate professional deeply rooted in this region, I’ve put together this no-nonsense, data-backed May 2025 Market Snapshot. This guide breaks down real numbers — no hype, no guesswork — to help you understand what’s driving home prices in these communities right now and what that means for you.
What You’ll Learn in This Report:
- Median prices, inventory trends, and time-on-market data across Pace, Milton & Navarre
- How local trends compare to state and national housing movements
- Price per square foot trends and sale-to-list price ratios
- Tips tailored for buyers, sellers, and investors based on current data
- What’s likely to happen next — and how to get ahead of it
Let’s dive in.
1. Santa Rosa County Real Estate – May 2025 At a Glance
Santa Rosa County continues to show signs of stability with selective areas seeing growth.
- Median Sold Price: $373,951
- Price Per Square Foot: $199
- Total Sales: 355 homes
- Inventory: 2,049 homes (up 3.5% from April)
- Days on Market:
- 41% sold in under 30 days
- 29% sold between 30–90 days
- 30% took longer than 90 days
- Negotiation Trends:
- 48% sold below asking
- 34% sold at asking
- 18% sold above asking
This paints a picture of a slightly softening but still competitive seller’s market — one that rewards smart pricing and solid marketing.
2. Pace, Florida – A Growing Family Community
Pace remains one of the most popular destinations for young families and first-time buyers in Santa Rosa County. It’s known for its schools, low crime rate, and proximity to Pensacola.
Market Stats for May 2025:
- Median Listing Price: $351,500
- Median Sold Price: $339,950
- Price Per Sq Ft: $186
- Total Homes Sold: 54 (up 28.6% YoY)
- Average Days on Market: 50–60
Pace is clearly a seller’s market, with homes moving more quickly than the county average. However, nearly half of all properties sold went under asking price — a key insight for both buyers and sellers.
3. Milton, Florida – Historic Charm & Suburban Value
Milton offers a mix of historic homes and suburban developments, often at more affordable prices than neighboring areas.
May 2025 Market Data:
- Median Sold Price: $320,065
- Median Listing Price: $336,900
- Price Per Sq Ft: $176
- Average DOM: ~64 days
- Market Type: Seller’s Market
While inventory is growing in Milton, prices are holding steady with a small YoY gain of around +1.2%. This creates opportunities for both buyers looking for value and sellers with well-maintained homes.
4. Navarre, Florida – Coastal Living Meets Suburban Growth
Navarre sits along the Gulf of Mexico, offering beach access, upscale communities, and steady year-round buyer interest.
Market Insights:
- Typical Home Range: $400K–$700K
- Market Type: Balanced
- Sale Behavior: Homes priced right in this range sell quickly; overpriced listings face longer DOM and price cuts
- Community Growth: Population now ~43,540, up from just 1,500 in 1970
Navarre remains attractive to out-of-town buyers and investors, especially in the mid-to-upper price segments.
5. State & National Housing Market Comparisons
Florida and national markets give important context to local trends:
Florida (April/May 2025):
- Median Home Price: $413,000 (flat MoM)
- Inventory: Up slightly, ~5.6-month supply
- Price Trends: Down 1.7% YoY — first annual decline since 2013
- Insurance Costs: Rising, especially for waterfront and older homes
U.S. National:
- Median Listing Price: $440,000
- DOM(Days on Market): ~51 days
- Inventory: +31.5% YoY
- Price Reductions: 19.1% of listings saw cuts — highest since 2016
Santa Rosa County is aligned with these trends: holding value better than the state overall, with clear signs of seller fatigue where overpricing exists.
6. What’s Actually Driving Prices in These Communities?
Inventory Increase
- More homes are hitting the market in all three towns, increasing choices for buyers.
- Sellers face more competition, especially in Navarre and Milton.
Pricing Strategy Matters
- Nearly half of sold homes in the county closed under asking.
- Well-prepared, competitively priced homes — especially in the $300K–$700K range — are selling quickly.
Local Desirability
- Quality schools in Pace and Milton, and waterfront lifestyle in Navarre, continue to draw steady buyer demand.
7. Buyer & Seller Strategy: What To Do Right Now
For Buyers:
- Be Decisive: Good homes are still going under contract within 30 days.
- Negotiate Confidently: With 48% of sales closing under asking, you may have leverage.
- Watch for Reductions: Price cuts are on the rise—don’t rush if the home has been sitting.
- Use Local Knowledge: Work with a local agent who knows the micro-trends street by street.
For Sellers:
- Stage & Price Smart: Competitive pricing is crucial. The days of “list high and wait” are over.
- Capitalize on Summer Traffic: List soon to catch summer movers.
- Emphasize Move-In Ready: Updated, clean homes perform better.
- Highlight 4+ Bed Value: Larger homes in Milton and Pace are showing up to 10% annual price gains.
8. Local Neighborhood Quick-View
| Area | Median Price | Days on Market | Market Type | Key Takeaway |
| Pace | $339,950 | 50–60 | Seller’s | Fast-moving, high demand, price rising |
| Milton | $320,065 | ~64 | Seller’s | Balanced inventory, value opportunity |
| Navarre | $400K–700K | <45 (priced right) | Balanced | Coastal draw, price-sensitive buyers |
9. Looking Ahead: What to Expect This Summer
- Expect continued price stability or a slight pullback in lower price bands.
- High-end homes in Navarre and 4-bed+ homes in Milton/Pace likely to remain strong.
- Mortgage rates will continue to impact affordability—most buyers are adjusting to 6–7% as the new normal.
- Inventory is growing, giving buyers more room to explore and negotiate.
Final Thoughts: How I Can Help You Navigate the Market
The May 2025 data shows a healthy, evolving market here in Pace, Milton, and Navarre. Homes are still moving, values are generally holding steady, and opportunity exists — if you have the right strategy.
As your dedicated Santa Rosa County real estate expert, I help clients:
- Price and prep homes to sell quickly and at full value
- Navigate complex buying negotiations with clarity and confidence
- Use hyperlocal data (not generic national averages) to make the right call
Let’s Talk: Whether you’re buying or selling, I’d love to build a plan around your unique goals. Contact me today for a custom property report or strategy session!