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
    
            
    
            
                    
                
    
        
                
            $445,000
        
                                            
                    ↓ $5,000
                
                
            100 Peninsula Boulevard Unit 104a, Gulf Shores
        
        
            
                3
                                    Beds                            
            
                3
                                    Baths                            
            1,879 SqFt
            Residential
                            MLS® # 383357
                    
                    
                 Fiv Realty Co Alabama LLC
            
             
    
    
        
                
            $445,000
        
                                            
                    ↓ $5,000
                
                
            1117 West Beach Boulevard Unit 404, Gulf Shores
        
        
            
                1
                                    Bed                            
            
                1
                                    Bath                            
            615 SqFt
            Residential
                            MLS® # 385897
                    
                    
                 Dalton Wade, Inc
            
             
    
    
        
                
            $445,000
        
                                            
                    ↓ $5,000
                
                
            939 West Beach Boulevard Unit 303, Gulf Shores
        
        
            
                1
                                    Bed                            
            
                1
                                    Bath                            
            700 SqFt
            Residential
                            MLS® # 384411
                    
                    
                 Dalton Wade, Inc
            
             
    
    
        
                
            $444,900
        
                                            
                    ↓ $5,000
                
                
            1010 West Beach Boulevard Unit 304, Gulf Shores
        
        
            
                2
                                    Beds                            
            
                2
                                    Baths                            
            1,042 SqFt
            Residential
                            MLS® # 376465
                    
                    
                 Coldwell Banker Coastal Realty
            
             
    
    
        
                
            $440,000
        
                                            
                    ↓ $10,000
                
                
            527 Beach Club Trail Unit C202, Gulf Shores
        
        
            
                1
                                    Bed                            
            
                2
                                    Baths                            
            674 SqFt
            Residential
                            MLS® # 369764
                    
                    
                 Keller Williams AGC Realty - Orange Beach PHONE: 251-269-8864
            
             
    
    
        
                
            $440,000
        
                                            
                    ↓ $10,000
                
                
            6054 Andhurst Drive, Gulf Shores
        
        
            
                3
                                    Beds                            
            
                2
                                    Baths                            
            2,012 SqFt
            Residential
                            MLS® # 379795
                    
                    
                 Real Broker, LLC
            
             
    
    
        
                
            $440,000
        
                                            
                    ↓ $59,900
                
                
            Pastoral Lane, Elberta
        
        
            
                0
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                0
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            0 SqFt
            Land
                            MLS® # 381158
                    
                    
                 National Land Realty
            
             
    
    
        
                
            $440,000
        
                
            767 Wedgewood Drive, Gulf Shores
        
        
            
                3
                                    Beds                            
            
                2
                                    Baths                            
            1,700 SqFt
            Residential
                            MLS® # 376689
                    
                    
                 Amerisell Realty
            
             
    
    
        
                
            $440,000
        
                                            
                    ↓ $25,000
                
                
            1872 West Beach Boulevard Unit A 206, Gulf Shores
        
        
            
                2
                                    Beds                            
            
                2
                                    Baths                            
            1,252 SqFt
            Residential
                            MLS® # 379316
                    
                    
                 Avenue Realty
            
             
    
    
        
                
            $440,000
        
                
            17908 Fancy Boulevard, Foley
        
        
            
                3
                                    Beds                            
            
                3
                                    Baths                            
            2,481 SqFt
            Residential
                            MLS® # 385110
                    
                    
                 Coldwell Banker Coastal Realty
            
             
    
    
        
                
            $440,000
        
                
            2715 State Highway 180 Unit 1209, Gulf Shores
        
        
            
                3
                                    Beds                            
            
                2
                                    Baths                            
            1,260 SqFt
            Residential
                            MLS® # 384264
                    
                    
                 IXL Real Estate
            
             
    
    
        
                
            $440,000
        
                
            645 Plantation Road Unit 6110, Gulf Shores
        
        
            
                2
                                    Beds                            
            
                2
                                    Baths                            
            915 SqFt
            Residential
                            MLS® # 384392
                    
                    
                 Kaiser Sotheby's Int-GS PHONE: 251-978-0745
            
             
         
     
        
     
 
 
 
    
                
                                                            
                                            
                                        
                        
                        By Meredith Folger Amon | November 3, 2025
                        
                        
Owning on the Water: My Gulf Coast Maintenance Playbook for Orange Beach and Ono Island
I live and work where salt air, sun, and water meet the Orange Beach shoreline and the canals of Ono Island. Coastal homes here are a lifestyle investment, and they reward steady care. Below is the practical…
                     
                 
                                                            
                                            
                                        
                        
                        By Meredith Folger Amon | November 3, 2025
                        
                                             
                 
                                                            
                                            
                                        
                        
                        By Meredith Folger Amon | November 3, 2025
                        
                                             
                 
                                                            
                                            
                                        
                        
                        By Meredith Folger Amon | November 2, 2025
                        
                                             
                 
                     
             
 
    
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