Fort Lauderdale Market Update: Rates Stabilize High, Inventory Rises – Dec 19, 2025

The Fort Lauderdale housing market shows steady momentum into the final weeks of 2025, with stabilizing rates and slowly rising inventory creating a balanced landscape. Whether you're a buyer eyeing more options, a seller testing demand, or an agent guiding clients, this week's data highlights opportunities amid economic shifts.

📉 Mortgage Rates Climb Back Higher — Key Insights for You

Mortgage rates ticked up to near 3-month highs by Friday, December 12, despite last week's Fed cut. Why no drop? Fed funds target overnight loans (24 hours), while mortgages are 30-year commitments that move daily—often ahead of Fed actions.

Current averages (Dec 12, 2025):

• 30-yr Conventional: 6.32%

• 15-yr Conventional: 5.77%

• 30-yr FHA: 5.90%

• 30-yr VA: 5.92%

• 7-yr ARM: 6.01%

• 30-yr Jumbo: 6.43%

  
  

For buyers: Rates are stabilizing, so lock in now before potential hikes.For agents/sellers: Highlight financing options to attract cautious buyers in this balanced market.

Source: Mortgage News Daily

🏠 Inventory Edges Up, Demand Holds Steady

South Florida (Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, through Nov 2025) sees modest inventory growth, easing pressure while pendings dip slightly:

• Total listings: 56,800 (+425 MoM)

• Active listings: 47,700 (+469 MoM)

• New listings: 9,496 (-632 MoM)

• Pending listings: 9,030 (-129 MoM)

  
  

Nationally, inventory at 1.52M (Oct 2025) remains well below the 43-year average of 2.23M—still a seller-friendly baseline. This uptick gives buyers more choices without sparking a frenzy.

Source: Realtor.com / NAR

📅 Key Economic Dates to Watch

Upcoming data will shape Fed moves and rates:

• Dec 16, 2025: Jobs Report/Unemployment

• Dec 18, 2025: CPI Inflation

• Jan 14, 2026: PPI Inflation

• TBD (rumor Dec 19): Core PCE Inflation

• Jan 28, 2026: Fed Rate Decision (26.6% chance of 25bps cut; current target: 3.50%-3.75%)

  
  

Markets expect stability unless inflation cools or jobs weaken.

Source: CME Group

🔑 What Buyers and Sellers Should Do Now

Buyers:

• Shop listings now with rising inventory for better leverage.

• Compare loan types (FHA/VA lower than conventional) and get pre-approved.

• Target Fort Lauderdale areas with steady appreciation.

  
  

Sellers/Agents:

• Price competitively to capitalize on growing active listings.

• Use data-driven marketing to draw fall/winter buyers.

• Monitor Fed signals for timing your move.

  
  

🌟 Fort Lauderdale's market stays balanced: rates high but steady, inventory ticking up for buyers, and demand supporting sellers. National lows persist, but local gains signal opportunity.

Stay agile with these trends—partner with a local expert for South Florida insights. Our team at The MPH Team – Compass Florida is here for personalized strategies on buying, selling, or marketing.

Written by Lourdes Maestres

The MPH Team – Compass Florida

Weekly Market Insights for Broward & Fort Lauderdale