Annual Market Watch Conference 2016
Posted on Apr 20, 2016
In February, I had the opportunity to attend the News-Press Market Watch 2016 in Fort Myers. This is an annual real-estate event for realtors, home buyers, sellers, investors, and other professionals in all industries. The idea behind this conference is to obtain knowledge on what’s going on currently in the Southwest Florida real estate market.
This year, the event focused on home values, building permits and, population growth. Randy Thibaut, a land and new home sales/development expert; Denny Grimes, a residential real estate expert; and Stan Stouder, a real estate expert were the featured speakers.
I wanted to share with you a few data items that I received, which are important to the Southwest Florida real estate market.
- 1,000 people per month are moving to Lee County. In 2014, the population of Lee County was at 653,485 people. This number grew to 665,845 people in 2015.
- New construction permits are rising each year. In 2013, the number of multi-family new construction permits was at 388 and it rose to 854 in 2014; however, the big jump occurred in 2015 with 2,850 new permits issued.
- Rentals are in high demand with low supply. Last year, three new apartment complexes were completed (Colonial Commons Apartments in Central Lee County, 332 units; Channelside Apartments in South Fort Myers, 325 units; Mirage Bay Apartments in Central Lee County, 137 units). For 2016 and 2017, several apartment complexes with more than 1,000 units will be under construction.
- Market is remaining constant with a stable increase on a yearly basis.
Moving to Southwest Florida
Real estate wise, things are looking great in the Lee County area of Southwest Florida. Want to be one of the many people flocking to the area? You can be! I can help answer your questions about homes in this area, as well as activities, shops, restaurants, golf clubs, and more nearby. To inquire about purchasing a home down here, contact me at 239-214-1039.