In August 2026, the median sale price for condos and townhouses in Martin County reached $277,500, up 20.7% from a year earlier. If you own a condo in Stuart and are tempted to add 20% to your asking price, I’d hold off on that calculation. Only 61 properties closed that month, and which ones happened to sell can move the median considerably. What caught my attention was that buyers had nearly 20% fewer listings to choose from than they did the previous August.
I think the August numbers show early signs that Florida’s condo market may be stabilizing. Whether the worst is behind us is a harder question, especially when two buildings in the same community can have very different fees, reserves and upcoming repairs. In this episode of Florida Explained, I walk through the market numbers and the questions I’d ask before buying a condo on the Treasure Coast.
What changed in the Florida condo market in August 2026?
Florida Realtors reports existing condos and townhouses together. Statewide, the median sale price reached $298,000, up 2.8% from August 2025. Sales slowed slightly, but buyers had fewer properties to choose from, and the median time from listing to contract shortened from 72 days to 69. Here’s how the statewide figures compare with Martin County.
| August 2026 condo and townhouse figures | Florida statewide | Martin County |
|---|---|---|
| Median sale price | $298,000 | $277,500 |
| Closed sales | 7,291 | 61 |
| Change in closed sales from August 2025 | Down 1.8% | Down 22.8% |
| Change in active listings from August 2025 | Down 11.5% | Down 19.9% |
| Months of supply | 7.7 months | 5.5 months |
A year earlier, Florida had 9.3 months of supply and Martin County had just over eight. That measure tells us how long the available inventory would last at the recent sales pace. Inventory also fell about 17% in Palm Beach County and 15% in St. Lucie County. If you’re selling, I’d use those figures as a reason to take a fresh look at your competition, then price your condo using recent sales in your building or community.
I still hear from buyers who are waiting for a wave of Florida condo foreclosures. Of the 7,291 condo and townhouse sales that closed statewide in August, 45 were foreclosure or bank-owned sales and 12 were short sales. Together, they accounted for less than 1% of closings. If you’re holding off because you expect distressed properties to make up a large share of your choices, I wouldn’t build a buying plan around that expectation based on August’s figures.
What should you know about a condo association’s finances before buying?
Suppose you’re comparing a $275,000 condo with one priced at $300,000. Before I’d call the first one a better buy, I’d want to know what each association charges, what those fees cover and how much money it has set aside for major work. If the lower-priced building has an expensive repair coming, how does the association expect to pay for it, and what share could fall to you?
I’d review the association budget, reserve information and insurance coverage alongside any recent or pending special assessments. If an assessment is mentioned, find out what work it covers, how much is due and when. Those answers give you a better idea of what owning the condo will cost than the monthly fee printed in the listing.
Will the condo rules work for the way you live?
One thing I hear from buyers is that they’d like to lock the door, leave Florida for a few months and know someone is taking care of the grounds. I understand the appeal, especially if the community also has a pool you’ll use or beach access within walking distance. But if you’re picturing your 70-pound golden retriever making that trip with you, let’s read the pet policy before you decide where his bed is going. I’ve seen associations with 20- or 25-pound limits, and the words “pets allowed” in a listing won’t tell you enough.
The same goes for renting out the unit while you’re away. Ask how soon after buying you can rent, how long a lease must run and how often you can have a new tenant. If you have two vehicles, find out where both can park. If you plan to replace the floors before moving in, read the renovation rules and check when contractors can work. These are things we can learn before you make an offer, while you still have other buildings to consider.
If you’re weighing condos in Stuart, Jensen Beach, Hutchinson Island or Port St. Lucie, send me the listings you’re considering. We can look at recent sales, monthly costs and association rules together so you know what you’re getting for the price. Contact Maria Wells at Lifestyle Realty Group.
For more Treasure Coast market updates and neighborhood tours, watch Florida Explained on YouTube.