Orlando’s Luxury Market Remains Resilient as High-End Buyers Stay Confident

Written by:

Alejandra Rodriguez

Date:

14 Apr 2026

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Despite widespread headlines about rising mortgage rates and a cooling housing market, Orlando’s luxury real estate segment remains steady. Homes priced above $1.5 million continue to sell, and affluent buyers in this tier show little concern about interest rates or political shifts.

Bent Danholm, broker and co-owner of Danholm Collection in Central Florida, has tracked the region’s high-end market for years. He says the uncertainty affecting lower price ranges has yet to impact his clients. “We haven’t seen it become any more difficult or any easier for us to sell a home in the last six to twelve months,” Danholm says. His average sale is around $1.8 million, and most buyers pay cash.

Why High-End Buyers Are Unfazed

Many of the factors disrupting the broader housing market — volatile interest rates, stricter lending, and economic uncertainty — have little effect on buyers who rarely use mortgages. Danholm explains that his clients are insulated from rate hikes because they typically purchase homes outright.

Political and global events also have a limited effect on this market. While some international buyers have paused U.S. purchases, Danholm notes an uptick in Brazilian buyers over the past year and steady demand from British buyers. “The people who buy the high-end properties don’t really care too much about our political situation,” he says.

Unlike investors looking for rental income or buyers seeking vacation deals, these clients are purchasing in exclusive communities such as Keene’s Pointe and Isleworth. Often, these homes stand empty when owners are away, reflecting a different set of priorities. For these buyers, the property is often a second or third residence, not an income-generating asset.

Inventory Rises

Inventory in Orlando’s $1 million-plus segment has increased slightly compared to last year. Danholm attributes this to unrealistic pricing and ineffective marketing, not to a drop in demand. Well-priced, well-marketed homes continue to move quickly. He points to a recent listing that sat unsold for 316 days, which he attributes to overpricing and a lackluster marketing plan.

By contrast, Danholm’s team recently handled five listings in a luxury Winter Garden community where the average days on market was 120. They sold three of those homes in 22, 28, and 72 days, respectively. The third sale took longer because it was initially listed above Danholm’s recommended price. Still, it sold faster than the neighborhood average, and these sales brought the community’s average days on market down from 120 to 78.

Danholm emphasizes that pricing remains the single most important factor. “If you find a home that’s well-priced and well-marketed, you need to make a decision quickly,” he says. He recalls a recent client who hesitated overnight on two properties, only to see both go under contract before they could act.

Buyer and Seller Mistakes

Danholm sees two recurring mistakes: buyers believing they have plenty of time, and sellers overpricing their homes.

For buyers, hesitation can mean missing out. Properties that are priced correctly do not linger, even with more inventory available. Danholm describes situations where buyers want to “sleep on it,” only to lose the home to a faster offer.

For sellers, the most common error is listing a property above market value, expecting there will be room to negotiate. In reality, overpriced homes attract little interest at first. Buyers often save these listings and wait for price reductions, then submit low offers once the price drops. “You end up selling for a lot less than you could have gotten in the first place,” Danholm says.

He is selective about the listings he takes, insisting on realistic pricing from the outset. According to Danholm, no amount of marketing can overcome the impact of an inflated asking price.

What Could Change

Looking ahead, Danholm is less concerned about interest rates or local inventory levels than about broader economic risks. He points to the ongoing conflict with Iran and the resulting energy crisis as potential threats to the overall economy. While cash-heavy luxury buyers are still active now, a prolonged downturn could eventually affect even this segment.

Currently, however, Orlando’s luxury market remains stable. Homes that are priced appropriately continue to attract buyers and sell quickly, with little evidence of the hesitancy or slowdown seen in lower-priced segments.

Key Takeaways

Orlando’s high-end real estate market is defined by buyers who are less sensitive to interest rates and economic headlines. Most purchase with cash and are motivated by lifestyle, not investment returns. For sellers, success depends on setting a realistic price from the start and executing a strong marketing strategy. Overpricing leads to longer market times and, ultimately, lower sale prices.

Buyers, meanwhile, should be prepared to move quickly on well-priced homes, as hesitation can mean missing out. In today’s luxury market, decisiveness and realism are rewarded, while outdated expectations can lead to missed opportunities or disappointing results.

About the Expert: Bent Danholm is a broker and co-owner of Danholm Collection in Central Florida, specializing in luxury properties above $1.5 million. He also co-owns Maxim Realty LLC in Southwest Florida and hosts American Dream TV.

This article is based on information provided by the expert source cited above. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consult qualified professionals before making any real estate or financial decisions.