If you’ve seen headlines about home prices dipping nationwide, it’s natural to wonder what that means for your property here in St. Augustine. Whether you’re enjoying life in a single-family home in Palencia or soaking up ocean views in Vilano Beach, here’s the truth:
Most homeowners in St. Johns County are still sitting on the strongest equity positions we’ve seen in over a decade.
Even with slight moderation in some pockets, the long-term gains far outweigh the short-term noise. That equity gives you powerful options if you’re planning to sell or make your next move.
Why Equity is Your Advantage
Home equity rises and falls alongside home prices. When prices surge, equity compounds. When prices cool, equity growth slows but doesn’t disappear. And after the unprecedented price surge of 2020-2022, St. Augustine homeowners have gained years of appreciation that small fluctuations simply can’t erase.
Inventory across Northeast Florida hit historic lows during the pandemic, sending competition and values soaring. That placed local homeowners, especially on Anastasia Island, Davis Shores, and beachside communities, in an incredibly strong financial position.
Now, as inventory increases and the market normalizes, price growth has leveled out. But the equity? It’s still there. And in most neighborhoods, it's still rising.
Putting St. Augustine’s Equity Picture Into Context
Let’s look at the big picture.
Data from Zillow shows home prices nationwide are up 45% since March 2020. And even in markets experiencing slight price declines, the average dip is around 4%. That’s not nearly enough to offset five years of massive growth.
Locally, St. Johns County has consistently outperformed national averages. This includes neighborhoods like Anastasia Island, Vilano Beach, Lincolnville, St. Augustine Beach, and even St. Augustine South. They have all seen multi-year appreciation that continues to benefit long-term homeowners today.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency confirms it: every single U.S. state has seen prices rise over the last five years, and Florida is among the strongest performers. If you’ve owned your home for more than a few years, odds are you’ve built a meaningful equity cushion.
Is a Market Crash Coming?
We’ll cut to the chase: No. For anyone worried that small price dips mean your equity is at risk, here’s what Realtor.com Senior Economist Jake Krimmel says:
“The slight recent declines in aggregate value and total home equity are not cause for concern . . . large price declines nationally are extremely unlikely in the near term.”
This is what we’re seeing daily: balanced, steady market activity. The Newcomer Group has had an eight-figure team total for monthly sales every single month in 2025 except one. These are not the conditions that precede a crash.
St. Augustine remains one of Florida’s most desirable coastal markets, and demand for beachside, walkable, and historic homes continues to push values upward over time.
What This Means If You’re Thinking About Selling
Your equity is your leverage.
Sellers across Anastasia Island, Vilano Beach, and Downtown St. Augustine are using the equity they’ve built to move into their next chapter with confidence. Many homeowners are purchasing their next property with smaller mortgages or even paying in cash. Others are using that equity to upgrade into larger coastal homes, transition into low-maintenance luxury condos, or relocate while maximizing their net proceeds. For some, it’s simply an opportunity to unlock wealth that has been growing quietly for years.
After helping more than 1,700 families and generating over $750 million in sales, we can confidently say that most St. Augustine homeowners are in the strongest position they’ve ever been in.
The Newcomer Group Is Here To Help You Strategize
Even with price normalization in some markets, St. Augustine homeowners are still sitting on exceptional equity. And that equity may be far higher than you expect.
If you’re considering selling your home, check out our Seller’s Guide, packed with local insights, data-backed strategy, and a taste of the elevated marketing your home deserves. Then, let’s connect, run the numbers, and show you exactly how far ahead you really are.
