2025 Homebuyer & Seller Trends — What This Year’s Data Means for Orange Beach, Ono Island, Gulf Shores, and Perdido Key
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As I study this year’s buyer and seller data, I’m focused on what it means for our stretch of shoreline—Orange Beach, Ono Island, Gulf Shores, and Perdido Key. The National Association of REALTORS® 2025 Generational Trends Report gives a clear picture of who’s moving, how they search, and what they buy—insight we can turn into smart action along the Gulf Coast.
Who’s Buying in 2025
Boomers remain the single largest cohort of buyers at a combined 42 percent, followed by Gen X at 24 percent. First-time buyers account for 24 percent overall—lower than last year’s 32 percent—so affordability and value positioning matter. Gen X posts the highest median household income at $130,000, with Older Millennials next at $127,500.
What They’re Choosing
The detached single-family home continues to dominate at 75 percent of purchases—a helpful signal for both our coastal new builds and well-maintained resales. Buyers expect to stay a median of 15 years, and the “typical” home is 1,900 square feet, three bedrooms, two baths, built around 1994. That aligns with many well-located Gulf Coast homes and points to renovations that deliver modern efficiency without losing coastal character.
How Far They Move
The median distance between a buyer’s previous home and the one they purchase is 20 miles, unchanged year over year. For the oldest three generations, that median jumps to 35 miles; Younger Millennials sit at 12 miles. Practically, that means a steady flow of regional and near-regional moves into our market—second homes, new primary residences, and repositioning closer to the water.
How Buyers Actually Find the Home
Online discovery is still king—51 percent find the home on the internet—yet real estate professionals are pivotal touch points. Twenty-nine percent ultimately found the home through an agent, and 86 percent of buyers cite an agent as an information source during the search. The search itself typically lasts 10 weeks, with buyers viewing a median of seven homes.
The Hardest Part
Across age groups, the most difficult step is simply “finding the right property” at 55 percent. Here, curated strategy matters—thoughtful pre-market preparation for sellers and sharper neighborhood-level guidance for buyers.
Why New Construction Is Attractive Right Now
Among those seeking new builds, the top driver is avoiding renovations and potential system problems, at 42 percent. If you’re considering a new home on Ono Island or in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, I can help you weigh location, construction type, wind-rated components, and long-term maintenance to match your goals.
Strategy Notes for Gulf Coast Sellers
- Lean into lifestyle clarity. Because buyers are staying longer (median 15 years), they will prioritize community access, boating conveniences, and everyday livability. Let’s highlight the features that matter most for our coast—dockage options, proximity to boating, beach access, and resilient materials.
- Meet buyers where they search. High-quality media and accurate, timely data on SearchTheGulf.com increase your home’s discoverability online, while planned private previews and agent outreach convert attention into showings.
- Position for convenience. With many buyers moving 20–35 miles, emphasize easy access routes, nearby services, and predictable travel times to beaches and marinas.
Strategy Notes for Gulf Coast Buyers
- Clarify the must-haves. In a market where “finding the right one” is the biggest hurdle, I’ll help you pre-rank neighborhoods, canal types, and construction styles so we can act quickly when the match appears.
- Balance new vs. renovated. If you want turnkey comfort, new construction may reduce risk and near-term maintenance. If you value location and value-add potential, a well-located 1990s home can be modernized with today’s coastal standards.
- Plan for tenure. With a typical 15-year horizon, smart choices around materials, elevation, and energy design pay off over time here on the Gulf.
Let’s Put Your Plan in Motion
When you’re ready to explore Ono Island homes, Orange Beach boating properties, Gulf Shores new construction, or listings across Perdido Key, I’ll tailor the search, align timelines, and negotiate with precision. Explore all Gulf Coast listings at www.searchthegulf.com—the Gulf Coast’s premier website for searching coastal real estate.
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2025 Gulf Coast Real Estate Trends: Orange Beach, Ono Island
2025 Homebuyer & Seller Trends — What This Year’s Data Means for Orange Beach, Ono Island, Gulf Shores, and Perdido Key
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