By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after over 20 years of selling luxury homes, it’s that the Gulf Coast real estate market is always evolving. Every year brings new buyer trends, investment opportunities, and shifting dynamics influenced by everything from interest rates to feeder markets. But 2025 is shaping up to be different. This year, we’re seeing a fascinating blend of luxury, technology, and lifestyle-driven decisions shaping how buyers and sellers approach real estate along the Alabama and Florida coasts.
Luxury Real Estate: Bigger, Smarter, More Exclusive
Buyers in 2025 aren’t just looking for waterfront properties—they want turnkey luxury. The demand for high-end new construction is soaring, but what’s truly standing out is the emphasis on smart home technology, sustainability, and private resort-style amenities.
I recently toured a new waterfront estate on Ono Island that featured a full solar backup system, a dedicated wellness suite, and yacht access right from the backyard—no expense spared. This is the level of customization today’s buyers expect.
What’s Driving Demand in 2025?
- Smart homes are the new standard – Buyers expect AI-driven security systems, app-controlled lighting, and energy-efficient technology built into their properties.
 
- Dockside luxury is in high demand – Boat slips with deep water access, hurricane-rated lifts, and even in-slip fueling options are top priorities.
 
- Exclusive coastal communities are thriving – Areas like Ono Island (link), Perdido Key, and select pockets of 30A are experiencing low inventory, strong appreciation, and high demand from feeder markets like Texas, Georgia, and Tennessee.
 
Boating & Yachting: The Ultimate Waterfront Lifestyle
As a Gulf Coast real estate expert, I always remind my buyers: your home isn’t just about the house—it’s about the lifestyle. And nothing defines our market quite like boating.
2025’s Biggest Shift?
More buyers than ever are factoring in their yacht or boat purchase alongside their home search. I’ve had multiple clients tell me:
"I’ll buy the house, but only if my boat fits the dock."
Key Trends in Waterfront Living
- Bigger boats require bigger slips – Demand for 60+ foot yacht slips in private residences is at an all-time high.
 
- Hybrid and electric yachts – Eco-conscious buyers are showing increased interest in high-performance electric runabouts, such as AX/E models.
 
- Private marinas & club memberships – Buyers unable to secure private docks are looking into high-end marina communities offering VIP access and concierge services.
 
Feeder Markets: Who’s Moving to the Gulf Coast?
Over the past two years, I’ve worked with more out-of-state buyers than ever before. The top feeder markets driving demand in 2025:
- Texas (Dallas, Houston, Austin) – High-income buyers seeking second homes, waterfront estates, and tax-friendly investments.
 
- Tennessee (Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville) – Increasing interest from vacation home buyers and yacht owners.
 
- Georgia (Atlanta) – Many buyers are relocating full-time for the coastal lifestyle.
 
- Illinois & the Midwest – Strong demand for snowbird retreats and investment properties.
 
My Advice for Buyers & Sellers in 2025
For Buyers:
- Act fast on high-end waterfront properties. The best homes are selling quickly, often off-market before reaching MLS.
 
- Work with an agent who has direct builder and seller connections. A strong network can give you access to exclusive listings before they hit the market.
 
For Sellers:
- Presentation is everything. Today’s buyers want modern, move-in-ready homes with high-end finishes.
 
- Leverage digital marketing. Staging, professional video marketing, and social media exposure are critical for attracting serious buyers.
 
Final Thoughts
The Gulf Coast real estate market in 2025 is all about luxury, lifestyle, and exclusivity. Whether you’re looking for a private island estate, a deep-water yacht slip, or an investment property in a high-demand area, now is the time to make your move.
I’d love to help you navigate this market. Let’s talk Gulf Coast real estate today.
Email me: meredith@searchthegulf.com
Call or text: (970) 389-2905
Explore listings: www.searchthegulf.com
#searchthegulf #meredithamon #becausewelivehere 
Search Coastal Alabama Homes and Real Estate For Sale
    
            
    
            
                    
                
    
        
                
            $459,000
        
                                            
                    ↓ $16,000
                
                
            637 Abita Lane, Foley
        
        
            
                4
                                    Beds                            
            
                3
                                    Baths                            
            2,456 SqFt
            Residential
                            MLS® # 383686
                    
                    
                 RE/MAX on the Coast
            
             
    
    
        
                
            $459,000
        
                                            
                    ↓ $1,000
                
                
            22984 E Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit B42, Orange Beach
        
        
            
                1
                                    Bed                            
            
                2
                                    Baths                            
            836 SqFt
            Residential
                            MLS® # 383258
                    
                    
                 Keller Williams AGC Realty - Orange Beach PHONE: 251-233-3375
            
             
    
    
        
                
            $459,000
        
                                            
                    ↓ $6,000
                
                
            24522 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 3102, Orange Beach
        
        
            
                2
                                    Beds                            
            
                2
                                    Baths                            
            960 SqFt
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                            MLS® # 372728
                    
                    
                 Keller Williams AGC Realty - Orange Beach PHONE: 251-979-5600
            
             
    
    
        
                
            $457,500
        
                
            375 Plantation Road Unit 5517, Gulf Shores
        
        
            
                3
                                    Beds                            
            
                2
                                    Baths                            
            1,125 SqFt
            Residential
                            MLS® # 385898
                    
                    
                 Realty Executives Gulf Coast PHONE: 251-747-1638
            
             
    
    
        
                
            $457,000
        
                                            
                    ↓ $2,000
                
                
            4123 Montague Drive, Gulf Shores
        
        
            
                3
                                    Beds                            
            
                2
                                    Baths                            
            1,672 SqFt
            Residential
                            MLS® # 373836
                    
                    
                 Keller Williams AGC Realty-Da PHONE: 205-369-0894
            
             
    
    
        
                
            $455,000
        
                                            
                    ↓ $10,000
                
                
            1853 Carly Street, Foley
        
        
            
                4
                                    Beds                            
            
                3
                                    Baths                            
            2,666 SqFt
            Residential
                            MLS® # 383724
                    
                    
                 Bellator Real Estate LLC Gulf PHONE: 251-978-1431
            
             
    
    
        
                
            $454,900
        
                                            
                    ↓ $5,000
                
                
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                1
                                    Bed                            
            
                1
                                    Bath                            
            763 SqFt
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                            MLS® # 370620
                    
                    
                 MarMac Real Estate Coastal CELL: 251-979-2250
            
             
    
    
        
                
            $454,500
        
                                            
                    ↓ $5,000
                
                
            505 E Beach Boulevard Unit 1b, Gulf Shores
        
        
            
                2
                                    Beds                            
            
                2
                                    Baths                            
            1,015 SqFt
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                            MLS® # 384802
                    
                    
                 RE/MAX on the Coast
            
             
    
    
        
                
            $454,500
        
                
            2737 State Highway 180 Unit 1101, Gulf Shores
        
        
            
                3
                                    Beds                            
            
                2
                                    Baths                            
            1,260 SqFt
            Residential
                            MLS® # 383547
                    
                    
                 Realty Executives Gulf Coast PHONE: 251-978-4078
            
             
    
    
        
                
            $454,000
        
                
            9228 Hammock Road, Elberta
        
        
            
                3
                                    Beds                            
            
                2
                                    Baths                            
            1,687 SqFt
            Residential
                            MLS® # 386764
                    
                    
                 Coldwell Banker Reehl Prop Fairhope PHONE: 317-797-1294
            
             
    
    
        
                
            $452,162
        
                                            
                    ↓ $1,260
                
                
            6152 Milo Loop, Gulf Shores
        
        
            
                4
                                    Beds                            
            
                3
                                    Baths                            
            2,532 SqFt
            Residential
                            MLS® # 382297
                    
                    
                 VC Realty LLC
            
             
    
    
        
                
            $452,000
        
                
            939 W Beach Boulevard Unit 503, Gulf Shores
        
        
            
                1
                                    Bed                            
            
                1
                                    Bath                            
            700 SqFt
            Residential
                            MLS® # 376204
                    
                    
                 Century 21 J Carter & Company CELL: 251-979-8216
            
             
         
     
        
     
 
 
 
    
                
                                                            
                                            
                                        
                        
                        By Meredith Folger Amon | November 4, 2025
                        
                        
Ono Island Boat Ramp: A Friendly, Owner-Focused Guide
Welcome
I’m Meredith Folger Amon, a Gulf Coast real estate advisor and Ono Island homeowner. Neighbors, friends, and homeowners often ask me how to make launch days effortless at our ramp. Here’s the upbeat, plain-English version I share—focused…
                     
                 
                                                            
                                            
                                        
                        
                        By Meredith Folger Amon | November 3, 2025
                        
                                             
                 
                                                            
                                            
                                        
                        
                        By Meredith Folger Amon | November 3, 2025
                        
                                             
                 
                                                            
                                            
                                        
                        
                        By Meredith Folger Amon | November 3, 2025
                        
                                             
                 
                     
             
 
    
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