Palm Beach County Housing Market May 2026: Is Inventory Running Out?
May 2026 | Written by Casey Prindle
If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, or anywhere in Palm Beach County, the May 2026 numbers deserve your attention. Inventory has dropped 40% year over year, and the market is shifting in a direction that most buyers and sellers aren't prepared for.
My name is Casey Prindle. I'm a real estate agent based in Jupiter, Florida, and every month I break down the Palm Beach County housing market with real data so you can make smarter decisions. Here's what the numbers are telling us this month.
Rather watch than read? Link to the video below. Rather read than watch, keep scrolling down.
The Headline Stat: Inventory Is Down 40% Year-Over-Year
Months of supply of inventory is the single most important metric I track, and this month it's telling a dramatic story. We're down 11% from last month alone, and 40% compared to this time last year. To put that in context: nationally, six months of supply is considered a balanced market. We are well below that threshold and moving in the wrong direction for buyers.
When supply tightens this fast, the ripple effects touch every other metric in the market. Fewer homes to choose from means buyers have less negotiating power, sellers have less reason to budge on price, and homes that are priced correctly start moving faster. We're already seeing this play out.
What the Rest of the Data Is Saying
Median sold price came in at $535,000, up from $520,000 last month. I don't put enormous weight on the countywide median — Palm Beach County is too diverse for one number to mean much — but directionally, prices are creeping up, and I expect that trend to continue if inventory keeps shrinking.
Total properties sold was 2,421, slightly above last year's pace. This is normal seasonal behavior; we peak in April and May every year. Expect sales volume to slide as we move into summer.
Sold-to-list price ratio is sitting around 95% and starting to tick upward. Translation: buyers are getting about 5% off asking price on average, but that gap is narrowing. If inventory continues to tighten, I expect this number to climb toward 96–97% — meaning less room to negotiate.
Median days on market dropped to 48 days, a notable dip. This is one I'm watching closely. If this number keeps falling, it signals the market is heating up meaningfully for sellers. In my own office, the last weekend of the month felt like a flood, listings that had been sitting went under contract quickly, and multiple people were talking about it.
What This Means If You're a Buyer
If you've been waiting for the right moment, the data is telling you to stop waiting. Less inventory plus higher inflation numbers,which push mortgage rates up, is a difficult combination for financed buyers. You're likely looking at higher rates on higher priced homes if you delay. That's not a good gamble.
I haven't advised anyone to wait out this market, and I'm not starting now.
What This Means If You're a Seller
If you had a listing that expired in the past year or two because your price was too high, it's worth revisiting. What felt like aspirational pricing six months ago may now be approaching rational. The market is moving back toward sellers, and if inventory keeps tightening, it could move there quickly.
Florida Homeowners Insurance Update
One piece of good news this month: the Florida homeowners insurance market is showing real signs of improvement. I just received my own renewal and saw a roughly 35% premium reduction. New carriers have entered the market and are competing for business, especially if you're currently in a Citizens policy. It's worth reviewing your coverage with your insurance agent to make sure your limits are correct and that you're getting competitive pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions: Palm Beach County Housing Market May 2026
Is it a buyer's or seller's market in Palm Beach County right now?
It's shifting. As of May 2026, inventory has dropped 40% year-over-year and we're trending clearly toward seller's market conditions. Buyers still have some negotiating room, but that window is narrowing.
Are home prices going up in Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens in 2026?
The countywide median is up slightly at $535,000. With inventory continuing to fall, further price increases are likely — particularly in high-demand areas like Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens.
How long does it take to sell a home in Palm Beach County right now?
The current median is 48 days from list to accepted offer. Add 30–45 days for closing and you're looking at roughly 2.5 to 3 months from list to keys. Well-priced homes in Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens are moving faster than that average.
Should I wait to buy a home in Jupiter or Palm Beach Gardens?
Based on the current data, waiting carries real risk. Inventory is falling, prices are nudging up, and mortgage rates are unlikely to drop significantly in the near term. If you're a financed buyer, the conditions are not improving by waiting.
Is Florida homeowners insurance getting cheaper?
Yes, there are real signs of improvement. New carriers have entered the Florida market and premiums are coming down, particularly for those in Citizens policies. Review your current policy with a licensed insurance agent.
Ready to Buy or Sell in Jupiter or Palm Beach County?
Whether you're relocating to Jupiter, thinking about listing in Palm Beach Gardens, or anywhere else in Palm Beach County, I'd love to talk through your specific situation. Every neighborhood moves differently, and the right strategy depends on where you are and what you're trying to accomplish.
Schedule a Consultation → homesaroundjupiterfl.com/contact
Casey Prindle is a licensed real estate agent serving Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Tequesta, Juno Beach, and all of Palm Beach County. He publishes a monthly market update video at youtube.com/@CaseyPBC and writes regularly at homesaroundjupiterfl.com.
