New research identifies mid-December as a period when homebuyers in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach typically see some of the strongest discounts from original asking prices.
MIAMI — October 27, 2026 — Homebuyers in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach may find greater opportunities to negotiate home prices in mid-December, according to a new analysis by real estate brokerage Redfin and Home Economics.
The research identifies seven U.S. metropolitan areas where discounts from original asking prices typically reach their seasonal peak in November or December, later than in much of the country.
In South Florida, mid-December is historically the most favorable period for buyers seeking discounts in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Tampa follows a different seasonal pattern, with discounts typically peaking in early November.
The analysis measures discounts from a property’s original asking price, including reductions made before a sale and price negotiations between buyers and sellers.
Why Discounts Tend to Peak Later in South Florida
According to Redfin, Florida’s seasonal housing patterns are partly influenced by the arrival of retirees and seasonal residents from colder parts of the country.
These buyers often arrive after the new year, when Florida’s warmer weather attracts residents from the Northeast and other northern regions.
The period before their arrival can create opportunities for local buyers to negotiate on properties that have remained on the market since summer.
Redfin also identifies the state’s hurricane season as a factor affecting homebuying activity during the earlier part of the year.
Additionally, the brokerage reports that Florida’s concentration of luxury homes contributes to the state’s seasonal pricing patterns, as higher-priced properties frequently sell below their original asking prices.
Miami Among the Nation’s Strongest Buyer’s Markets
The findings come as Redfin reports that the U.S. housing market has 63% more sellers than buyers, the largest imbalance in its records dating back to 2013.
Miami is among the strongest buyer’s markets in the country, with more than twice as many sellers as buyers, according to the company’s analysis.
Tampa, West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale are also identified as buyer’s markets.
Redfin says reduced competition during the holiday season can give prospective buyers additional negotiating opportunities, particularly when sellers have been waiting several months to secure a transaction.
The analysis also identifies mid-December as the typical period for peak discounts in Detroit, while Milwaukee and Riverside, California, generally see their strongest seasonal discounts in early November.
Fewer New Listings During the Holiday Season
Although buyers may encounter greater opportunities to negotiate toward the end of the year, Redfin notes that housing selection typically becomes more limited during this period.
New listings generally peak months before the strongest seasonal discounts appear.
As a result, buyers who wait until November or December may have fewer newly listed properties to choose from, even as some sellers become more willing to negotiate.
Redfin emphasizes that the timing of a home purchase depends on more than seasonal discounts. Property availability and individual buyer circumstances remain important considerations.
Historical Patterns, Not Guaranteed Discounts
The analysis identifies recurring seasonal patterns rather than guaranteed price reductions for individual properties.
According to Redfin, the seven metropolitan areas have historically experienced their strongest discounts later in the year, regardless of whether broader market conditions favored buyers or sellers.
The report indicates that buyers who find a suitable property during the holiday season may encounter sellers who are more receptive to negotiations.
For Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, the historical period for the strongest discounts is mid-December.
Source: Redfin and Home Economics, Holiday Season Is the Best Time For Homebuyers to Score a Deal in These 7 U.S. Metros, October 27, 2026.
Original report: https://www.redfin.com/news/best-time-to-get-deal-november-december
