What Do First-Time Buyers Need to Know About Homes for Sale in Vero Beach and Daytona Beach?

Buying your first home in Florida can feel scary, but you’re actually stepping into a buyer’s paradise—especially in 2025. Smart choices and right timing could save you thousands of dollars on your dream home.

Housing market data shows that Florida’s median home price hit $412,400 in May 2025. Home sales also dropped 12.6% YoY, giving buyers more power to negotiate than before. In the Florida market, sellers now compete for your attention instead of the other way around. Let’s take a closer look:

Florida Housing Market Today

The Florida housing market shows amazing signs for new buyers. Homes sit on the market for 67 days on average across the state.

Price drops happen on 31.7% of all listings right now. Only 10.9% of homes sell for more than the asking price. From skyrocketing price labels on houses to regular price drops—how the tables have turned.

Quick Glance at the Florida Housing Market:

• Months of supply increased to 6 months, meaning plenty of choices for buyers
• You have significantly more negotiation power than sellers.
• Most properties receive single offers instead of bidding wars
• Inventory levels are high, so you have time to make smart decisions

Vero Beach: Your Upscale Coastal Choice

Homes in Vero Beach cost about $379,000 right now according to Redfin. This price sits 14% below what you’d pay nationally for similar homes.

Vero Beach homes take 103 days to sell on average. But you won’t face scary bidding wars since most buyers make single offers here.

Why Vero Beach Works for First-Time Buyers

You get a peaceful coastal lifestyle with cultural activities nearby. The area attracts wealthy retirees, which helps keep property values stable over time.

Vero Beach Advantages:

• Market competitiveness scores only 10 out of 100, meaning low competition
• Price per square foot reaches $247, offering good value
• Strong migration interest from New York buyers supports long-term growth
• Most properties sell under asking price, creating negotiation opportunities

Flood risk affects 66% of properties in the area, so factor in insurance costs. However, strong migration from northern states means a positive outlook for future property values.

👉 Looking for peaceful coastal living with low competition? Browse 1.5k+ homes for sale in Vero Beach with excellent negotiation opportunities on Houzeo, America’s best home buying website.

Daytona Beach: Your Budget-Friendly Option

Homes in Daytona beach average $320,000 according to February 2025 data. You’ll pay 23% less than the national average in this market.

Homes sell faster, within 70 days, compared to Vero Beach’s longer timeline. Prices went up 6.7% last year, showing steady and healthy growth.

Daytona Beach Benefits for New Buyers

You’ll find affordable entry points throughout Volusia County for first-time buyers. Most homes sell under asking price, which gives you plenty of room to negotiate.

Daytona Beach Market Perks:

• Price per square foot averages only $192, making it very affordable
• Market competitiveness scores 29 out of 100, still favoring buyers
• 81% of homes sell below the listing price, perfect for negotiations
• The motorsports culture creates a unique and exciting community vibe

The tourism industry keeps the local economy stable year-round. You can get affordable flood and fire insurance since risks are manageable at 53% and 57%, respectively.

Comparing Your Two Main Options

Both markets favor buyers over sellers in today’s economic conditions. Vero Beach costs more but has much less competition from other buyers.

Daytona Beach offers cheaper entry prices and faster sales timelines. Each area attracts different types of people and offers hugely varying lifestyles.

• Vero Beach: $379,000 median price, 103 days to sell, upscale living
• Daytona Beach: $320,000 median price, 70 days to sell, affordable beachfront
• Both locations offer houses that typically receive single-offers only
• Negotiation opportunities are rife in both markets currently

Consider Vero Beach for upscale coastal living with cultural amenities. Choose Daytona Beach for a deep-rooted motorsports culture and more affordable beachfront access.

How Do the NAR Settlement Changes Help You?

New rules from 2024 require written agreements before you tour any homes. You now see all commission costs upfront before making any offers.

These important changes protect you from surprise fees at closing time. Some sellers still pay buyer agent fees to attract more offers.

NAR Settlement Benefits:

• Clear commission disclosure requirements implemented for your protection.
• Negotiable fee structures for all real estate transactions.
• Written agreements protect your interests throughout the entire process.
• Enhanced transparency prevents surprise costs at closing.

Talk about agent fees before you start looking at any homes. Ask sellers to help with closing costs if they don’t pay agent fees.

Premium Alternative: Marco Island

Homes for sale in Marco Island cost around $1.4 million on average. This luxury market targets wealthy buyers looking for exclusive amenities and premium locations.

Marco Island represents the highest-end coastal living in Florida. Most first-time buyers focus on Vero Beach or Daytona Beach instead.

Should I Consider Homes in Vero Beach and Daytona in 2025?

Florida’s coastal markets offer incredible opportunities for new buyers. Both Vero Beach and Daytona Beach provide strong buyer-friendly conditions right now.

👉 Ready to explore Florida’s buyer-friendly coastal markets? You can effortlessly browse thousands of homes for sale in Daytona Beach alongside Vero Beach properties—all from your mobile device. Compare coastal opportunities, shortlist beachfront homes that fit your budget, and submit offers on the #1 home buyer app. Download the Houzeo mobile app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store for free and never miss your perfect property.