Insights from Emeri & Joe Lewkowicz, Tampa Real Estate Experts
This is one of the most common questions we hear lately — from first-time buyers, long-time homeowners, and seasoned investors alike:
“Is Tampa getting too expensive… or is there still room to grow?”
After more than 40 years of combined experience working in Tampa real estate, we can tell you this: the answer depends on how you’re looking at the market — and where.
Let’s break it down the way we explain it to our own clients.
Why Tampa Feels Overpriced Right Now
There’s no denying it — prices today are very different from what they were even five years ago.
Tampa has experienced:
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Rapid population growth
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An influx of out-of-state buyers from higher-cost markets
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Strong job expansion in healthcare, tech, finance, and logistics
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Lifestyle demand fueled by Florida’s tax advantages and year-round sunshine
When buyers who are relocating from New York, California, or Chicago see Tampa prices, they often say, “This still feels affordable.” But for local buyers who’ve lived here for decades, the appreciation can feel overwhelming.
That’s where the “overpriced” narrative comes from — context matters.
Why Tampa Is Still Undervalued (Yes, Really)
Here’s the part many headlines miss.
When you compare Tampa to other major metro areas with similar growth, lifestyle, and economic drivers, Tampa is still playing catch-up.
We’re seeing:
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A major city with professional sports teams
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A thriving waterfront lifestyle
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A growing downtown and surrounding neighborhoods
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Strong rental demand from both long-term residents and seasonal renters
Yet Tampa home prices are still significantly lower than markets like:
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Miami
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Austin
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Nashville
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Raleigh
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Many West Coast metros
From an investment standpoint, this matters. Appreciation doesn’t happen in a straight line — it follows infrastructure, demand, and long-term desirability. Tampa continues to check those boxes.
What Buyers Should Know Right Now
If you’re waiting for a dramatic “crash,” we want to be honest with you — that’s unlikely. What we are seeing instead is normalization.
That means:
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Less frenzy than 2021–2022
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More negotiation power for buyers
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Opportunities in specific neighborhoods, not blanket discounts
For buyers, the key is buying smart, not just buying cheap. The right property in the right location — even at today’s prices — can outperform a “deal” in the wrong area over time.
This is where local expertise makes the difference.
What Sellers Often Get Wrong
Some sellers assume they can price based on yesterday’s peak numbers and still attract multiple offers.
The reality? Today’s buyers are informed, cautious, and selective.
Homes that are:
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Properly priced
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Well-presented
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Located in strong micro-markets
are still selling — and selling well.
Homes that are overpriced simply sit.
Our job as your advisors isn’t to chase unrealistic numbers — it’s to help you maximize value while still moving the property efficiently.
Our Take After 40+ Years in Tampa Real Estate
Tampa isn’t overpriced across the board — it’s evolving.
Certain pockets are fully priced. Others are still undervalued, especially when you look at:
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Long-term rental demand
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Future development plans
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Lifestyle-driven migration trends
This market rewards strategy, patience, and local insight.
That’s why we don’t give one-size-fits-all advice.
Whether you’re buying your first home, selling a long-time property, or investing for the next decade, the real question isn’t “Is Tampa overpriced?”
It’s:
“Am I making the right move in the right area at the right time?”
That’s the conversation we love having — and one we’ve been having with Tampa families and investors for decades.
If you’re thinking about making a move, we’re here to help you see the full picture — not just the headlines.
— Emeri & Joe Lewkowicz
Tampa Real Estate Experts | The Lewkowicz Group
