Why Brevard Buyers Are Ending Up in 30+ Year-Old Homes (And What It Means for You)

By Ryan McAllister – Coldwell Banker Realty

If you’ve been searching for a home in Brevard County lately, you may have noticed a common trend: many of the homes available are not brand new. In fact, quite a few were built in the 1980s or even earlier.

This is not just a local quirk. A recent report out of Tampa Bay revealed that more than half of all homes sold in Florida this year are at least 30 years old. That number is not only surprising, but also a reflection of how the entire housing market across the state is shifting.

So what is driving this trend? Why are buyers increasingly ending up with older homes, even when they may have hoped for something newer? More importantly, what does it mean for you if you’re planning to buy here in Brevard?

Let’s take a closer look at what is happening and how to navigate it wisely.

New Construction Is Lagging Behind Demand

One of the biggest reasons older homes dominate the market is simple: we are not building enough new ones. The pace of construction slowed significantly in the early 2000s and has never fully recovered. Between rising costs for materials, labor shortages, and fewer buildable lots in desirable areas, the result is a major shortfall of new inventory.

Here in Brevard, you can see it especially in popular communities like West Melbourne, Viera, and Rockledge. New homes are available, but they are often priced well above what the average buyer can comfortably afford. A newly built single-family home in a decent neighborhood now typically starts well over $450,000, and that is before adding in upgrades, lot premiums, and closing costs.

With limited options and higher price tags, buyers in the $300,000 to $400,000 range are naturally looking at resale homes, many of which were built in the 1970s, 80s, or 90s.

Older Homes Offer Charm, But Require Caution

There is no question that older homes can offer character and charm that newer construction may lack. Mature landscaping, larger lots, and established communities are all part of the appeal. However, buyers need to go into these purchases with clear expectations.

Older homes often come with aging systems. Roofs, HVAC units, plumbing, and electrical work may all be approaching the end of their life span. This is not always a problem, but it can affect insurance, financing, and the true cost of ownership.

Many insurance companies in Florida, especially in coastal counties like Brevard, have become more strict about issuing policies on homes with older roofs or outdated electrical panels. If your future home has a roof that is more than 15 years old or wiring that no longer meets code, it might require replacement before a policy can be issued. And without insurance, financing becomes impossible.

This is why many buyers are now requesting four-point inspections and wind mitigation reports upfront, even before making an offer. They want to know what they are dealing with and whether it is going to be a financial headache down the road.

Why Brevard Buyers Are Still Choosing Older Homes

Even with the risks and maintenance concerns, older homes remain the most available and accessible inventory on the market.

In areas like Cocoa, Titusville, and parts of Palm Bay, there are far more older homes for sale than new ones. Many of them have been well maintained or partially updated, offering buyers a reasonable price point with the ability to improve over time. For families who need space and a decent location, the trade-off makes sense.

Some sellers are also putting in the work before listing, replacing roofs, installing new AC systems, or remodeling kitchens and baths. These move-in-ready older homes offer the comfort of modern updates, without the price tag of new construction.

At the same time, buyers are becoming more savvy. They are looking beyond finishes and staging and are paying close attention to things like foundation quality, insulation, and the condition of major systems.

What Buyers Can Do to Protect Themselves

If you are considering buying a home that was built 30 or more years ago, the most important thing you can do is prepare.

Start by scheduling a detailed home inspection, and ask about the age and condition of the roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. A qualified inspector will help you spot potential issues and estimate how much life is left in those systems.

Request a wind mitigation report. This report can not only provide insight into the home’s hurricane resistance, but it can also result in substantial savings on your insurance premiums if the property has storm-rated features like impact windows, shutters, or reinforced garage doors.

Work with your Realtor to pull the property’s permit history, so you know what work has been done and whether it was done legally. If you’re planning to update the home, ask about renovation loan options, which can roll improvement costs into your mortgage.

And finally, keep an open mind. An older home is not automatically a money pit. With the right updates and a strong location, it can be a smart, affordable path to homeownership in a high-demand area.

Final Thoughts

Florida’s housing market is adjusting after years of rapid growth and tight inventory. In Brevard County, the homes buyers can afford and actually purchase are often 30 or more years old. While this trend presents challenges, it also opens up opportunities, especially for those who are well-informed and proactive.

Older homes are not just a compromise. In many cases, they are where real value lives. The key is knowing what to look for, what to avoid, and how to structure your offer to protect yourself.

If you are shopping for a home in Brevard and feeling uncertain about the options, let’s connect. I’ll help you understand the age and condition of the homes you’re viewing, so you can buy with confidence — whether it was built in 2025 or 1975.

Ryan McAllister
Realtor®, Coldwell Banker Realty
📞 321-704-7103
🌐 RyanSellsBrevard.com
📧 Ryan.McAllister@cbrealty.com

Helping buyers in Brevard see the full picture, not just the year built.