Introduction

Let’s be honest—Sarasota, Florida isn’t exactly known for affordability. But in 2025, things are... strange. Builders are throwing in $100K+ pools. Resales are slashing prices. Buyers have leverage again, and neighborhoods that once felt out of reach are now coming into focus.

In this post, I’m walking through 10 categories of potential opportunity I think are worth paying attention to right now. Whether you're relocating, downsizing, or just sitting on the sidelines waiting for clarity—these aren’t hype spots.

These are strategic plays.

1. Entry-Level & Transitional Homes… in Prime Areas

Don’t go too far out looking for affordability. Instead, look for the smallest home in a great neighborhood—the entry-point paired villa or small single-family inside a luxury master-planned community.

• Think: 45-ft homes at Windward, Palm Grove, or Esplanade
• You’re still in Lakewood Ranch or Wellen Park, but with a lower total cost of ownership
• It’s easier to rent or sell later, and if equity grows, you’re positioned well

This isn't about being cheap. It's about buying low within an expensive area—especially if you’re in a temporary phase or testing the waters.

2. Quick Move-In Deals at Del Webb

If you’ve had your eye on Del Webb communities—Lakewood Ranch, Bay View, or the newer Catalina—now might be the best time in years to jump in.

Why?

• Builders are loaded with inventory
• We’re seeing $80K–$90K discounts on quick move-ins
• It’s way easier to shop these homes like resales (comps, finishes, price per foot)

If you're open to age-restricted living and want amenities without golf, this is a big opportunity to lock in something polished, social, and (finally) on sale.

3. Million-Dollar Homes for Under a Million

This one’s subtle, but it matters: many homes that should be over $1M are sneaking under thanks to massive builder incentives.

Here’s how:

• Builders won’t drop base prices (it tanks comp values)
• Instead, they discount design center options, lots, or throw in $100K+ pools
• If you calculate total price post-incentive, you might be getting a $1.1M+ home for mid–high $900Ks

Pro tip: Get as granular as possible with your builder pricing. Treat incentives like real cash, regardless of which "bucket" it comes from.

4. The Forgotten Pocket: South Venice

If you’re open to resale and not married to new construction, this old-school part of Sarasota County could be a gem.

• West of the trail, south of Venice Island
• No CDD, no HOA, no restrictions
• You can park your RV, keep a boat, or install an 8-ft fence
• Median home price: under $350K

There’s even a private ferry to the beach for neighborhood residents. It’s not cookie-cutter, but that’s the charm. You’re close to Wellen Park, but free of its rules.

5. Talon Preserve in Nokomis

If you like the idea of Venice, but also want a shorter drive to downtown Sarasota, Talon Preserve might be your perfect middle ground.

• Built by DiVosta (same as Beachwalk & Del Webb)
• About 20 minutes to downtown Sarasota, 7 miles to Venice Island
• Feels like a private outpost near everything
• Homes like the Mystique model can land in the mid-$600Ks, well upgraded

The location makes it unique—coastal, but not isolated. Inventory’s still strong, and the floorplans are flexible enough to work for a variety of buyers.

6. Don’t Overlook Parrish, Florida

If you’re priced out of Lakewood Ranch or Tampa’s suburbs, Parrish might be the best-positioned compromise in the entire region.

• 8 miles from Lakewood Ranch but $250K cheaper
• 45 minutes to Tampa and Sarasota
• New schools, new infrastructure, and a flood of builders (Taylor Morrison, Neal, DR Horton, etc.)

You’re not close to either city—but you’re not far from anything. It’s one of the few places where you can spend $450–$600K and still get new construction in a great location.

7. Taylor Morrison Is Throwing Incentives

Whether it’s Esplanade Azario, Skye Ranch, or the new builds coming to Wellen Park—Taylor Morrison is aggressively trying to move product.

We’ve seen:

• $100K+ in pool incentives
• Full design center credits
• Deep discounts on quick move-ins and final phase homes

Their floorplans are open and livable across all product lines—from villas to the 90-ft Beacon. If you're even remotely interested in their brand, now’s a good time to peek in.

8. Wellen Park Is Still In Its Early Stages

Despite how built-up Wellen Park looks on paper, it’s still early days.

• The Playmore District is just getting started
• Builders are still battling each other for sales
• New luxury communities like Palmera, Everly, and Downtown Wellen Park are unfolding slowly

In short, this is still the early innings of a decade-long buildout. That means opportunity—especially in neighborhoods with multiple builders creating price competition in real time.

9. Condos: Inventory Spike = Leverage

If you’ve been shopping for a condo lifestyle, this might be the first time in years that you actually have negotiating power.

• Inventory is up
• Legacy buildings face reserve issues and turnover
• New construction condos need to hit pre-sale numbers to move forward

Translation? You might be able to:

• Score better pricing
• Get more flexible deposit structures
• Buy into a luxury lifestyle at a discount

It’s not for everyone, but if you’re comfortable navigating the complexity, there are options.

10. SkyE Ranch: Central Sarasota’s Last Great Option?

New construction in central Sarasota is getting slim. If you want a blend of amenities, access, and location, take a look at Sky Ranch.

• Built by Taylor Morrison
• Three neighborhoods at different price points
• Easy access to downtown, beaches, and I-75
• Incentives available on homes like Lazio, Plazaio, etc.

It’s not Lakewood Ranch, and it’s not Wellen Park—it’s in between. And that’s what a lot of people want.

Final Thoughts

We’re in a market that’s confusing on the surface but packed with smart plays if you look deeper.

• It’s not about timing the bottom.
• It’s about understanding where you can win based on your needs, your budget, and your risk comfort.

I hope these 10 ideas sparked something. And if you’re actively shopping or just overwhelmed with the info…