There’s a lot of uncertainty in the world. But one thing that we know for sure? Real estate is always a good investment. Yeah, yeah, we’re real estate agents, of course we’d say that, but it doesn’t mean it’s any less true!
As locals who live and work in the thriving coastal town of St. Augustine, our team at The Newcomer Group has seen firsthand how the right property, in the right place, can transform a portfolio and a lifestyle. Here are a couple quick stories to show what we mean.
First, we’re investors ourselves. We bought our first home in 2016 in St. Augustine Beach. Then, in 2022 we bought the lot next door and began to build our dream home. A few months after starting construction we bought another lot on the same street. The plan there was to build another house and rent it out. It felt like a stretch financially, but deep down, we knew it was the right move. That’s when something kind of crazy happened: the owner of two more lots came to us and asked if we were interested in purchasing those. Flash forward to 2025 and we’re nearing completion of our very own boutique hotel. We cannot wait for opening day and for this new experience to become part of the St. Augustine Beach community!
Second, St. Augustine is uniquely positioned for appreciation in value. Take 108 Cedar Street in Vilano Beach. We first sold this home for a client in 2018 for $500,000. In 2021, we sold it again for $845,000. Then, in 2025, we closed a sale for the third time for $1,275,000. In short, everyone involved in these deals won: the buyers, the sellers, and now the owners of the special house in a special location. The best part? There are plenty more gems just like it all around St. Augustine.
So, whether you’re buying your first home, or building a hotel so everyone can enjoy the Oldest and Greatest City in America, it’s time to hop off the couch and hop into this hot real estate market.
Real Estate Builds Long-Term Wealth
Unlike cars or gadgets that lose value the moment you buy them, real estate tends to appreciate steadily over time. In St. Augustine, home values have increased year after year, particularly in sought-after neighborhoods like Anastasia Island, Vilano Beach, and the historic downtown. According to recent market reports, median home prices in St. Johns County have risen more than 40% over the past five years.
St. Augustine is a prime location for short-term and long-term rentals. With tourists arriving year-round and seasonal residents flocking to the coast, owning an income-producing property here can generate consistent monthly returns. Vacation homes on Anastasia Island, beach cottages in Vilano Beach, and condos near downtown are especially lucrative.
St. Augustine Continues to See Serious Population Growth
St. Augustine has been growing for 450 years and it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. The area is attracting remote workers, retirees, and families from larger metropolitan areas who crave more space, safety, and sunshine. As the demand for homes rises, so do property values.
One of St. Augustine’s most appealing features, namely its rich history, also limits how many new homes can be built in certain neighborhoods. Areas like Lincolnville and the Historic District have zoning regulations that preserve their character, which in turn helps protect and grow property values.
From the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway, water views and walkable communities make St. Augustine a dream location for second-home buyers and full-time residents alike. With year-round appeal, the city’s coastal charm ensures there’s always demand.
Why Sellers Are Still Winning in 2025
Even with interest rates fluctuating and occasional price reductions, inventory in the most popular areas remains tight. This means sellers still hold negotiating power, especially if their home is move-in ready or well-staged. Homes in zip codes like 32080 and 32084 continue to attract multiple offers.
There is a real sweet spot for homes east of A1A, with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a pool, an elevator and good rental history. If you have a property that checks a majority of those boxes, chances are we will have a buyer for you.
The Newcomer Group Advantage
Real estate is local and so are we. There’s a reason we are the #1 team in Vilano Beach, Anastasia Island, and downtown. Our team lives in the neighborhoods we represent, giving us insider knowledge and a hands-on approach that national platforms simply can’t match. Meet our team and see why we’ve earned the trust of hundreds of families in Northeast Florida.
