Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or simply keeping an eye on your home's value, staying current on market conditions is one of the smartest things you can do. This update covers what's happening nationally with mortgage rates and housing supply — and what it means specifically for buyers and sellers here on the Treasure Coast.
What's Happening with Mortgage Rates
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.58% for the week ending July 23, 2026, up from 6.55% the prior week — its highest level since August 2025. Renewed tension in the Middle East is pushing oil and gas prices higher and raising concerns about the potential for broader inflation in the months ahead. Freddie Mac Money
The Fed held rates steady in 2026 while evaluating new economic data, pausing any cuts after a series of reductions in late 2025. The Mortgage Bankers Association forecasts 30-year fixed rates will remain in the mid-6% range through year-end, with rates projected around 6.5% for the third and fourth quarters. ForbesCreditandcollectionnews
For Treasure Coast buyers, rate relief isn't on the horizon in the near term. Buyers financing a purchase should be working closely with a lender now to explore rate locks, 2-1 buydown programs, and whether an adjustable-rate mortgage makes sense for their timeline. Waiting for rates to drop may mean competing in a more active market when they do.
National Housing Supply
Nationally, total housing inventory stood at 1.65 million units in June 2026, up 1.3% from June 2025, with a 4.6-month supply of unsold homes — unchanged from a year ago. Nationally, total existing home sales increased 2.8% year-over-year to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.09 million. The national median existing home price rose to $440,600, up 1.8% from a year ago — the 36th consecutive month of year-over-year price increases. miamirealtorsmiamirealtors
The broader picture remains a market finding its footing in a persistently high-rate environment — with enough activity to keep values supported, but enough hesitation to give prepared buyers real negotiating room.
What This Means for Treasure Coast Buyers
More inventory and longer days on market in some pockets have handed buyers more leverage than they've had since before 2021. You have time to look carefully, negotiate on price and terms, and avoid the panic-offer dynamics of the last few years.
That said, the Treasure Coast is not a distressed market. Martin County inventory is actually down sharply year-over-year, keeping values well-supported. The opportunity is real — but so is the competition for the best properties.
If you're pre-approved and ready to move, this may be one of the better entry windows the Treasure Coast has offered in several years.
What This Means for Treasure Coast Sellers
Pricing discipline is everything right now. Buyers are taking their time, and overpriced listings are sitting while correctly priced ones move. The sellers doing best are those who price accurately based on recent comparable sales, prepare the home carefully, and work with an agent who has genuine marketing reach beyond the MLS.
The good news: Martin County's inventory compression is working in sellers' favor. Fewer competing listings mean your well-prepared, well-priced home has a real audience.
Local Market Snapshot — July 2026
Conditions vary meaningfully across the Treasure Coast. Here's a breakdown by area:
Stuart & Martin County
The June 2026 data from MIAMI REALTORS® is notably strong. Total Martin County home sales rose 21.8% year-over-year in June 2026, the third consecutive month of year-over-year gains. Single-family transactions climbed 11.3%, while condo sales surged 46.7%. miamirealtors
The median sale price for Martin County single-family homes rose to $655,000 in June 2026, up 1.1% year-over-year. Total active listings fell 21.7% year-over-year to 1,283 — with single-family inventory down 22.9% to just 724 homes. That supply compression translates to a 3.9-month supply for single-family homes — firmly a seller's market. miamirealtors
Cash sales represented 46.2% of all Martin County closed sales in June 2026 — nearly double the national average of 25% — reflecting the continued strength of wealth migration and international buyer demand in our market. miamirealtors
The median time from listing to contract for single-family homes was 48 days, down from 56 days a year ago — a positive sign of improving demand momentum. Read More miamirealtors
Palm City
Family-oriented communities such as Martin's Crossing, Hammock Creek, and Highlands Reserve continue to attract buyers seeking A-rated schools and more space. Martin County's overall inventory compression supports values here, and Palm City remains one of the most consistently in-demand pockets on the Treasure Coast.
Jensen Beach & Hutchinson Island
The condo market is running at roughly 73–122 days from listing to sale for most units. Martin County condo inventory decreased 20% year-over-year to 559 active listings, with a 6.1-month supply — a balanced market. Well-maintained, amenitized units with water views are moving faster, while older or less-updated buildings are presenting real negotiating opportunities for buyers. miamirealtors
Port St. Lucie & Tradition
Tradition continues to offer value relative to Martin County, with builder incentives on new construction remaining competitive. Buyers comparing resale to new construction in this corridor should factor in those incentives carefully before making a decision.
Hobe Sound & Tequesta
These markets continue to attract buyers priced out of Jupiter and Palm Beach County who still want the lifestyle and water access at a lower price point. With Martin County inventory compressed overall, Hobe Sound in particular offers compelling waterfront value relative to comparable properties to the south.
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act — Now Law
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law on July 11, 2026 — the most sweeping federal housing package in decades. The provision most relevant to Treasure Coast buyers bars large institutional investors (those owning 350+ single-family homes) from buying additional existing homes, removing one source of competition from the resale market. The rest targets housing supply — streamlining environmental review and zoning for new construction and expanding affordable housing funding.
Locally, the investor restriction is worth watching in Martin County, where cash buyers already make up nearly half of closed sales. The supply-side reforms could eventually support more new construction in Port St. Lucie and Tradition, though effects will take time to show up in local data. This is a structural, long-term bill — not a rate fix — but we'll keep tracking its local impact.
Source: Bipartisan Policy Center, NPR
Ready for a Personalized Look at Your Home's Value?
National headlines tell part of the story — but real estate is local, and what's happening on your street matters more than any national average. Whether you're thinking about selling in the next 6 months or want to understand what your home is worth right now, we're happy to put together a no-pressure market analysis for your specific property.
Contact Eric Slifkin for your free Treasure Coast market analysis — or view our full market reports for detailed area data.
