From Rebalancing to Stability: Insights on the Real Estate Markets in South Florida and Ohio

As we approach the second half of 2025, the U.S. real estate market continues to evolve due to shifting economic, demographic, and policy trends. For investors with Gilberti Group, the real estate markets in South and Central Florida and Ohio have continued to present distinct and shifting opportunities. South Florida is currently experiencing a post-pandemic correction, which has created a more buyer-friendly climate in several areas. Meanwhile in Ohio, growth remains steady, fueled by affordability, migration trends, job growth, and rental demand. Let’s take an in-depth look at each region, and what strategy investors should be taking. 

In Florida, the frenzy is cooling down

The real estate market in South Florida is currently undergoing a shift from the pandemic-era boom into a more balanced, buyer-friendly environment. Several factors have contributed to this shift, including decreasing affordability, rising inventory, declining demand, and macroeconomic headwinds. 

South Florida’s inventory has risen significantly. In Broward County, the number of single-family homes for sale increased by 34.5% year-over-year in May, while Miami-Dade County saw a 44% increase. More and more sellers are listing properties, especially second homes, due to higher housing costs and waning inbound migration. This increased inventory has slowed the pace of sales. In April, only 2,133 homes went under contract in Miami-Dade, a 19.1% drop from the previous year. 

While luxury sales in Miami continue to attract international buyers, areas like Broward County are experiencing softening values, especially with older condos. Florida condo owners have been facing rising costs due to insurance increases, special assessments, and limited financing options. Because of this, many condo owners are trying to sell. This is particularly prevalent with older properties – in South Florida, prices for buildings 30 years or older have depreciated 22% in the last two years. This depreciation in value of older buildings is largely due to new requirements to make sure they are structurally sound. Furthermore, domestic migration patterns are shifting, with recent trends indicating a slowdown of out-of-state buyers. This is also partly due to affordability concerns and rising insurance costs.

The situation in Central Florida is a little bit different. Like South Florida, there is an extremely high inventory of homes, but despite that, median home prices are actually rising. While affordability may still be an issue for many buyers, many people are looking to leave the coast, where they have to deal with expensive maintenance, repair costs, and insurance premiums, for the more stable environment inland. 

Although the Florida real estate market is shifting into a phase characterized by fewer bidding wars and slowing momentum, it still offers strategic opportunities for informed investors. Those looking to invest in Florida should lead with a cautious, data-driven approach and focus on a few key strategies: lock in mortgage rates to avoid volatility, focus on tech corridors, and diversify geographically and by property class. 

In Ohio, growth remains steady

In contrast, Ohio’s real estate market is characterized by steady growth, affordability, and strong rental yields. Home prices in Ohio rose by 6.8% in June, while the number of homes sold increased by 8% and active listings were up by 11.7%, according to Redfin. The median home price sits at around $247K, which is well below national averages but up 11% year-over-year, indicating strong appreciation potential. 

The rental market in Ohio is booming. Average rents reached $1,500 in early 2025, which is around a 16% year-over-year increase. Demand continues to outpace supply, especially in metro areas like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, where homes have been going under contract in under two weeks. Ohio’s central location in the U.S. makes it a strategic area for various industries, which has translated to a steady influx of renters and a dynamic job market. 

The market in Ohio is proving to be increasingly attractive to both institutional investors and small, first-time investors. At Gilberti Group, we recommend targeting markets that are leading for consistent appreciation and strong rental demand, such as Toledo, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. Careful market selection, networked deal sourcing, and financing discipline can yield strong, risk-adjusted returns.

For investors, strategy is key

For Gilberti Group, the overall strategy in mid-2025 remains clear: market maturity in South Florida demands caution and precision, while Ohio offers robust fundamentals for long-term portfolio growth. Whether you plan to target high-upside value in Midwest metros or reposition assets in shifting coastal markets, we believe that the key to success is local knowledge, smart financing, and patient, data-backed investment strategies. 

Our team is here to help you evaluate opportunities that align with your financial goals! To set up a meeting, click the link here.