Short answer: for many buyers, yes — this is one of the more strategic windows we’ve seen in years.
Long answer: it depends on your goals, timeline, and comfort level — and that’s where local guidance matters most.
As of January 2026, the Merritt Island real estate market has shifted out of the frenzy of 2022–2024 and into something much healthier: a more balanced, buyer-friendly environment. Prices haven’t collapsed, demand hasn’t disappeared, but buyers now have something they didn’t have for years — options, leverage, and time to think.
Let’s walk through what’s actually happening on the ground.
What the Merritt Island Market Looks Like Right Now
Merritt Island is no longer a market where you have to waive inspections, overbid blindly, or make a decision in 24 hours just to compete.
- Inventory is up, giving buyers more choices and reducing panic-driven decisions.
- Days on market are longer, meaning sellers are more open to negotiation.
- Prices have stabilized, with some segments softening slightly rather than continuing rapid appreciation.
- Mortgage rates have eased compared to 2025 highs, improving affordability.
This isn’t a crash — it’s a reset.
Some homes are still moving quickly (especially well-priced waterfront properties), but many listings now require strategy, pricing discipline, and realistic expectations from sellers. That shift benefits buyers who are prepared.
What This Means for Buyers (The Real Advantage)
1. Negotiating Power Is Back
Buyers are once again securing:
- Closing cost credits
- Rate buydowns
- Repairs or price reductions after inspection
This is especially true for homes that are:
- Overpriced based on 2023 expectations
- Dated or poorly prepared
- Competing with newer or renovated options
2. Time to Make Smart Decisions
You can actually:
- Schedule second showings
- Review flood zones and insurance costs carefully
- Fully understand canal depth, seawalls, bridge access, and long-term ownership expenses
That breathing room matters — especially in a waterfront market.
3. Long-Term Confidence Still Exists
Merritt Island continues to benefit from:
- Strong aerospace and defense employment
- Consistent relocation demand
- Limited true waterfront supply
- Lifestyle appeal that doesn’t disappear in slower markets
If you’re buying with a 5+ year horizon, today’s market conditions can be an opportunity — not a risk.
What You Should Still Be Careful About
This market rewards educated buyers, not impulsive ones.
- Insurance and flood costs matter more than ever and vary block by block.
- Not every “price reduction” is a deal — some homes were simply overpriced to begin with.
- Waterfront homes require deeper due diligence, especially regarding seawalls, dredging, and bridge clearance.
This is where buyers either win — or get burned — depending on who’s advising them.
| Metric | Merritt Island (Dec 2025) | Florida Statewide (Dec 2025) | Year-Over-Year Change (Merritt Island) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $393K – $457K | $415K (single-family) | +8.6% to -5.0% |
| Inventory Supply | ~4-5 months | 4.6 months | Up ~20% from peak |
| Days on Market | 54-104 days | ~54 days | Up from 45 days |
| Sales Volume | 49 homes sold | Stable/flat | +22.5% |
| Price per Sq Ft | $232 | N/A | -2.1% |
Who This Market Is Best For
Right now, Merritt Island makes the most sense for buyers who:
- Want lifestyle + long-term value, not a quick flip
- Are open to negotiating instead of chasing bidding wars
- Appreciate honest guidance over hype
- Understand that “good deals” come from strategy, not headlines
It’s less ideal for short-term investors looking for rapid appreciation — and that’s okay. Not every market cycle is meant for the same buyer.
Is now a good time to buy in Merritt Island?
My Local Take
I live and work in this market every day. I’ve helped buyers navigate fast, chaotic conditions — and slower, more strategic ones like we’re seeing now. The clients who do best aren’t the ones trying to time the market perfectly — they’re the ones who understand the neighborhood, the water, the numbers, and the long game.
Many of my clients come from referrals, repeat purchases, or years of following my local content — and they consistently say the same thing: they felt informed, not pressured.
Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@CarrieLiottaSpaceCoastRealtorhttp://www.youtube.com/@CarrieLiottaSpaceCoastRealtor
If you’re thinking about buying on Merritt Island and want a realistic breakdown of:
- What neighborhoods fit your lifestyle
- What price ranges are actually negotiable
- What waterfront details matter (and which don’t)
I’m happy to help you think it through — even if the answer is “not yet.”
Carrie Liotta
Top 5% Realtor® | Space Coast Waterfront Specialist
Honest. Local. No-pressure guidance.
📍 Merritt Island & Brevard County
🌐 www.321coastalliving.com
📲 @carrie_on_the_space_coast