What’s the best time of year to buy a house in Tampa?

Insights from Tampa Real Estate Experts Emeri & Joe Lewkowicz

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Tampa, one of the first questions you’re probably asking is: “When is the best time of year to buy?” As Tampa real estate experts with more than 40 years of combined experience, we’ve guided thousands of families and investors through this exact decision. And here’s the truth: the best time to buy depends on your goals—whether you want more choices, less competition, or the strongest negotiating power.

But let’s break it down season by season so you can see exactly how the Tampa market behaves and when Emeri and Joe Lewkowicz’s buyers tend to get the biggest wins.

The Hidden Sweet Spot for Serious Buyers (December–February)

If you're looking for the strongest negotiating leverage, winter is hands down the best time to buy a home in Tampa.

While the rest of the country battles snow, our winters are mild, sunny, and incredibly active—yet buyer competition is still far lower than in spring or summer. Sellers who list in winter are often highly motivated. Maybe their home didn’t sell during the fall, or they’re relocating for work, or they simply want to close before the new year picks up.

What this means for you:

1. More negotiating power

2. Less competition

3. Faster closings

4. Opportunities to snag overlooked listings
   
   

In our experience, buyers who purchase in January and February often walk away with some of the best deals of the year—and we’ve negotiated hundreds of them.

The Season of Inventory & Energy (March–May)

Spring is when the Tampa real estate market truly comes alive. More homeowners choose to list during these months, which means buyers enjoy the largest inventory of the year. If you’re someone who wants options—different neighborhoods, styles, price points, or home ages—spring is usually your season.

However, keep in mind: with more inventory comes more competition. Tampa’s booming job market and steady population growth mean buyers are active and motivated.

What we tell our clients:
If you’re shopping in spring, preparation is everything. Get pre-approved early, tour homes quickly, and be ready to write strong offers. This is where having agents who know the Tampa market deeply—Emeri and Joe—makes all the difference. Our local insight helps you identify the right home before the rest of the market jumps on it.

High Demand & Fast-Paced Deals (June–August)

Summers in Tampa are hot, humid, and fast-moving—both in temperature and real estate activity.

School is out, families are relocating, and buyers are trying to close before the next school year begins. Summer buyers are motivated and inventory is still relatively strong, though not as high as in spring.

But here’s where our team sees a shift:
By late July and August, competition begins to cool, and sellers who overpriced earlier in the season start reducing their asking price.

If you're patient (and strategic), this can be your moment to secure a well-positioned property with fewer competing offers.

A Balanced Market with Pricing Opportunities (September–November)

Fall in Tampa is one of the most underrated buying seasons. As the summer rush settles, sellers become more willing to negotiate—especially those who want to close before the holidays.

Inventory may not be as high as spring, but the homes that remain are often from sellers who are open to conversations and realistic about the market.

We often tell our investors:
“If you want a solid deal without the bidding wars, fall is your friend.”

So… When Should You Buy?

Here’s our expert summary after decades in Tampa real estate:

1. For the best prices and negotiations: Winter

2. For the most inventory: Spring

3. For fast-moving opportunities: Summer

4. For fewer bidding wars and motivated sellers: Fall
   
   

But at the end of the day, the very best time to buy a home is when you’re ready—and partnered with experienced agents who understand this market deeply.

With over 40 years of combined experience, Emeri & Joe Lewkowicz have helped thousands of buyers find the right home at the right time of year. Tampa’s market is always changing, but the one constant is this: having seasoned local experts on your side gives you the advantage every time.