Palm Beach County entered the fall real estate market with substantially fewer homes available than one year ago. However, the latest September housing statistics reveal an important development: fewer buyers are placing properties under contract.
This combination creates a selective market where properly priced, well-maintained homes can attract serious buyers, while overpriced properties may experience longer marketing periods.
For buyers and sellers in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach and Lake Worth, understanding the differences between single-family homes, condominiums and individual communities is essential.
September 2026 Palm Beach County market statistics
The September reports from Florida Realtors and the local Realtor associations cover Palm Beach County across all ages. They are not statistics for individual 55+ communities. All percentage changes below are year over year, rounded to the nearest whole percent.
| Market indicator | Single-family homes | Condos/townhouses |
|---|---|---|
| Closed sales | 1,132 (down 3%) | 782 (down 4%) |
| New pending sales | 1,062 (down 14%) | 760 (down 5%) |
| New listings | 1,453 (down 5%) | 1,278 (down 9%) |
| Active inventory | 4,481 (down 20%) | 5,858 (down 15%) |
| Median sale price | $656,000 (up 7%) | $310,000 (up 3%) |
What the inventory and pending-sales changes mean
The most significant finding is the decline in pending sales. While fewer homes are available than a year earlier, fewer buyers are committing to purchases. Low inventory alone does not guarantee a strong selling price.
Single-family homes and condos are performing differently
Single-family homes generally have tighter inventory, while condominiums and townhouses offer buyers more choices. September countywide supply was 3.6 months for single-family homes and 6.8 months for condos and townhouses. Individual communities can differ considerably.
A detached active-adult home may have limited direct competition, while an older condominium may compete with numerous similar properties. Buyers should evaluate property condition, association expenses, insurance, assessments and future renovation costs before making an offer.
Boca Raton 55+ market
Explore Boca Raton’s 55+ communities, including established condominium, villa and country-club options. Century Village, Boca Lago and Whisper Walk should be evaluated individually.
Compare recent comparable sales, current active inventory, association and recreation fees, mandatory or optional club obligations, renovations, assessments and reserve information, views, parking and location. Confirm the exact association and any club requirements in writing. Broad citywide statistics cannot establish the value of a particular residence.
Delray Beach 55+ market
Compare Delray Beach’s 55+ communities, including Kings Point, Huntington Lakes, High Point, Rainberry Bay and the Valencia communities. These properties serve different buyer needs.
A condominium in Kings Point should not be priced using the same market assumptions as a detached home in Valencia Falls. Sellers should evaluate comparable floor plans, recent sales, current listings, condition and association expenses within the exact community.
Boynton Beach 55+ market
Review Boynton Beach’s active-adult communities, including Valencia communities, Coral Lakes, Palm Isles, Ponte Vecchio, The Cascades, Cascade Lakes, Majestic Isles and Venetian Isles. The area offers single-family homes, villas and condominiums.
Compare roof age, impact windows and doors, air-conditioning systems, renovated kitchens and bathrooms, lake or private views, floor plans, outdoor living areas, association fees and amenities. For sellers, strong marketing explains the residence’s documented advantages over competing homes.
Lake Worth 55+ market
Explore Lake Worth’s 55+ communities, including Bellaggio, Valencia Shores, Villaggio, Poinciana, Covered Bridge, Willow Bend and Lucerne Lakes. These communities have different housing types, price ranges and ownership costs.
Sellers should compare recent sales, pending contracts when available and active listings within the same community. Buyers should consider association fees, insurance, assessments and potential renovations as part of total ownership costs. Lake Worth Beach municipal statistics should not automatically be applied to western Lake Worth communities.
Mortgage rates and buyer affordability
Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey reports an average 30-year fixed mortgage rate of 7.40% as of October 15, 2026. This is a national survey average, not a personal loan quote.
Higher financing costs can make buyers more sensitive to asking prices and additional ownership expenses. Cash buyers may be less directly affected by mortgage rates, but still evaluate overall value and financial considerations. Obtain current lender quotes for your own circumstances.
What sellers should do now
The current market rewards preparation and realistic pricing. Before listing:
1. Review current competing properties.
2. Evaluate recent closed and pending sales.
3. Document major improvements and their dates.
4. Verify association fees and assessments.
5. Prepare professional photography.
6. Highlight expensive improvements with supporting records.
7. Establish an asking price supported by current market evidence.
The goal is to position the property as one of the strongest choices available to buyers.
What buyers should do now
Avoid relying exclusively on broad market headlines. Evaluate asking price and price history, recent comparable sales, property condition, renovation requirements, roof and major-system ages, association expenses, insurance, assessments, amenities and total ownership costs.
The best purchase is not necessarily the property with the lowest asking price.
Thinking about buying or selling?
Paul Saperstein, Broker Associate, SRES®, eXp Realty LLC, specializes in 55+ and active-adult real estate throughout Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach and Lake Worth.
Whether you are considering selling, comparing communities or evaluating your home’s current market position, Paul can provide a personalized, community-specific review. Request your home valuation or contact Paul about buying or selling.
Call 561-220-2345 or email Paul.Saperstein@exprealty.com.
Sources and market context
September county reports: Florida Realtors single-family detail report and Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors market reports. MIAMI Realtors’ October 16 release provides additional county context. Mortgage source: Freddie Mac, October 15, 2026.
Market information reflects publicly reported September 2026 Palm Beach County housing statistics and information available as of October 19, 2026. Countywide figures are not specific to individual 55+ communities. Association information, property conditions and financing terms should be independently verified. Earlier weekly articles retain their original reporting dates and source scope.
Frequently asked questions
Is Palm Beach County inventory declining?
September active inventory was below year-earlier levels: approximately 20% lower for single-family homes and 15% lower for condos and townhouses. These countywide figures include all ages.
Are buyers becoming more selective?
New pending sales declined year over year in September, indicating slower contract activity. That measure alone does not establish why individual buyers decided to wait.
Are condos and single-family homes performing differently?
Yes. September countywide supply was 6.8 months for condos and townhouses and 3.6 months for single-family homes. Individual community conditions vary.
Should sellers start with a higher price to leave negotiating room?
An unsupported opening price can increase market time and lead to later reductions. Pricing should reflect the property’s direct competition and current market conditions.
Written and reviewed by Paul Saperstein, Broker Associate, SRES® | eXp Realty LLC: Last reviewed October 19, 2026.
