Buying in Brevard: What $400K Gets You in 2025

By Ryan McAllister – Coldwell Banker Realty

If you’re working with a budget of around $400,000 and looking to buy in Brevard County, 2025 might just be the perfect time to act. While the national headlines continue to toss around talk of rising rates and tightening markets, the reality here on Florida’s Space Coast is a bit more nuanced — and for buyers, a bit more promising.

Brevard County is quietly shifting from a hyper-competitive seller’s market into a more balanced, buyer-friendly environment. This isn’t just opinion — it’s backed by the data. As of April 2025, the median home price in Brevard hovers around $359,526. While this represents a modest year-over-year increase of about 1.2%, it’s far from the breakneck appreciation we saw in 2020 and 2021. What’s more telling is that inventory has risen to over 7,200 active listings, a 7.2% jump from the previous month. Homes are also sitting on the market longer, now averaging 69 days before going under contract — nearly 20% longer than this time last year.

So what does this mean for you as a buyer? It means you have more choices. It means sellers are adjusting expectations. And most importantly, it means you have time — time to think, time to compare, and time to make an offer that reflects true market value. Gone are the days of bidding wars on every corner and waived inspections out of desperation. In 2025, $400K doesn’t just get you a house in Brevard — it gets you leverage.

Understanding Brevard’s $400K Sweet Spot

One of the biggest misconceptions buyers have is that $400,000 either isn’t enough for the kind of home they want, or that it’s enough to get them everything they want. In truth, it depends entirely on where you’re looking and what trade-offs you’re willing to consider.

Let’s start with Viera and Suntree, two of Brevard’s most desirable areas, especially for families. Here, $400,000 typically gets you a 3- or 4-bedroom home built between 2000 and 2015. You’ll likely find granite countertops, tile or vinyl plank flooring, and a screened patio or lanai. Most homes are located within HOA-managed communities, offering access to parks, walking trails, pools, and highly rated schools. While you might sacrifice lot size or some modern luxury finishes, you’re buying into long-term value — both in terms of resale and daily lifestyle. These are communities built with livability in mind, and demand remains steady even as the broader market fluctuates.

Now, shift your gaze to Palm Bay, especially in the northern and central sections, and the story changes. At this price point, you’re often looking at newer construction — homes built after 2015 — with more space, larger lots, and fewer HOA restrictions. Palm Bay is appealing for first-time buyers, growing families, and even remote workers who want square footage without the premium price tag. You’ll find open-concept floor plans, energy-efficient systems, and move-in-ready interiors. It’s one of the few areas where your dollar still stretches, especially if you’re open to being 15–20 minutes away from major hubs like Melbourne or Viera.

In contrast, $400K in beachside communities like Satellite Beach or Melbourne Beach tells a different story. Here, the price of admission is location. You might not get a large home or the most updated finishes, but what you will get is proximity to the ocean — and that’s something you simply can’t recreate. Most homes in this range are 2- to 3-bedroom condos or smaller single-family properties built in the 1970s or earlier. You may have to contend with higher insurance premiums and ongoing maintenance costs, but for many buyers, the beach lifestyle justifies the trade-offs. Walkability, charm, and coastal living are what you’re paying for — not square footage.

Then there’s Titusville and Cocoa, two of Brevard’s fastest-developing areas thanks to nearby space industry growth and expanding infrastructure. In these markets, $400K can get you a 4-bedroom home with upgraded finishes, water views, or even a pool. The lot sizes are often larger, and the pace of life is a bit more relaxed. For buyers willing to live a little off the beaten path, this is where opportunities to build long-term equity are especially strong.

What Kind of Features Can You Expect?

Across the county, most homes priced at or around $400,000 share some common characteristics. You can typically expect 3–4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and between 1,800 to 2,300 square feet of living space. Interior features often include granite or quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, luxury vinyl plank or tile flooring, and spacious primary bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Two-car garages are standard, and most homes will offer outdoor living spaces like covered patios or screened lanais — perfect for enjoying Florida’s year-round sunshine.

Smart-home features such as digital thermostats, camera doorbells, and pre-wired alarm systems are increasingly common in this range, especially in newer homes. In some cases, you may even find properties with solar panels or energy-efficient upgrades, depending on the year built. Pools are less common at this price point unless you’re in an older home or further from the coast, but they’re not out of the question — particularly in Titusville, Cocoa, or sections of Palm Bay.

What you’re less likely to find at $400K are homes with direct waterfront access, brand-new construction in top-tier neighborhoods, or extensive luxury upgrades like chef’s kitchens or designer-level bathrooms. Those features usually push homes into the $500K+ range, though every now and then a rare find hits the market. The key is working with someone who can spot it before everyone else does.

Why This Market Requires Strategy — Not Just Budget

With more homes on the market and buyers regaining leverage, it’s easy to think you can take your time — and to some extent, that’s true. But don’t mistake flexibility for complacency. The best homes — the ones with a great layout, in a strong school zone, priced just right — are still moving quickly. Especially in neighborhoods like West Viera, Wickham Park, or Lockmar Estates, a well-presented $400K home can attract multiple offers in the first week.

That’s why preparation is key. The first step is securing a full pre-approval from a local lender — not just a quick online estimate, but a complete review of your financial picture. This shows sellers that you’re serious and ready, and it helps you move confidently when the right home hits the market.

Equally important is partnering with a Realtor who knows the micro-markets. School rezoning, upcoming developments, flood zones, HOA restrictions — these are all things that can affect your experience and your future resale value. Online listings rarely tell the full story. A home that looks perfect in photos might back up to a busy road, sit under a flight path, or be located in a neighborhood with pending zoning changes. These are the details I help my clients uncover — so they don’t make a six-figure decision based on surface-level impressions.

Final Thoughts

The Brevard real estate market in 2025 offers something we haven’t seen in years — a window of opportunity for buyers. With inventory climbing, price growth stabilizing, and the average home sitting longer on the market, buyers finally have room to breathe. A $400,000 budget is strong, and in this shifting environment, it can be a powerful position — if used strategically.

Whether you’re searching for your first home, moving closer to work, or planning a long-term investment, Brevard still has plenty to offer — from vibrant suburban communities to quiet coastal corners. If you’re ready to explore your options or just want to talk about your game plan, I’d be happy to help.

No pressure. Just real answers, local insight, and a clear path forward.