Sanibel & Captiva Inventory: More Than Meets the Eye

The number of properties for sale on Sanibel and Captiva isn’t a mystery. It’s a story written over time, and the data tells it best.

We often hear statements like, "there sure are a lot of homes for sale on Sanibel and Captiva," or conversely, "the inventory is so low that there aren't enough homes for sale on Sanibel or Captiva Island to choose from." Without a historical perspective, generalizations like these can be misleading. Tracking home and condo inventory over time is a reliable indicator of market trends and conditions. Since opening our office in 2008, Pfeifer Realty Group has documented the number of homes and condos for sale on Sanibel and Captiva Islands on the first of each month. At the time, we had no idea how valuable this data would become.

Contrary to what many buyers believe in 2025, the highest inventory year on Sanibel and Captiva to date was 2009, following the nationwide economic downturn in 2008. At its peak, 798 homes and condos were for sale, representing several years’ worth of inventory. In contrast, the lowest inventory recorded was in December 2020, with only 219 properties available. This period of low inventory lasted nearly three years due to factors including low interest rates, pent-up buyer demand, homeowners remaining in residence during the pandemic, remote work flexibility, and an influx of buyers relocating from urban areas or retiring early.

One particularly notable inventory year was 2023, a year of recovery following Hurricane Ian. Sanibel, Captiva, and Southwest Florida real estate became a nationwide focal point as observers waited to see how the market would respond. There was a temporary spike in available properties as some owners chose not to repair or remodel. However, as the data shows, inventory remained in line with historical norms.

Seasonal inventory trends are also evident in the data. Southwest Florida experiences an influx of "snowbirds" and vacationers from December through Easter, and inventory follows a predictable cycle. Sellers aim to attract buyers during the busy season before the summer slowdown, leading to seasonal fluctuations in available properties.

Below is a table displaying month-by-month home and condo inventory on Sanibel and Captiva from April 2008 to March 2025. For added perspective, the highest inventory recorded has been highlighted: