Panama City Beach

Your Panama City Beach Real Estate Expert

Zack Seltzer leads Seltzer Real Estate, a boutique brokerage built for buyers who want straight answers and smart strategy in Panama City Beach. A University of Florida business graduate and licensed broker since 2018, Zack combines sharp financial insight with deep local knowledge of waterfront and investment properties.

With more than 264 career sales totaling over $106 million—and $22.2M closed in the past year alone—Zack has become one of the most trusted names on the Emerald Coast. He’s known for clear pricing guidance, accurate rental and insurance advice, and the kind of on-the-ground intel that helps clients make confident, profitable decisions in one of Florida’s most dynamic coastal markets.

Panama City Beach Real Estate Market Insights

• Median Sale Price: $525,000

• Average Days on Market (DOM): 65 days

• Months of Supply of Inventory: 5.5 months

• Price Appreciation (YoY): +3.5%

The Panama City Beach real estate market is balancing out—inventory has grown, prices are still rising modestly, and buyers now have more breathing room to find the right fit. With five-and-a-half months of supply and average DOM at 65 days, financed buyers have more room to compare on-market properties and pursue price reductions on homes that need updating. 

Condos with prime Gulf access often move differently than single-family homes—tour the best condos early in the day and consider weekday showings for single-family homes; if you want to write quickly, have pre-approval ready and set listing alerts so you see new listings the moment they hit CPAR.

Living in Panama City Beach

Life in Panama City Beach centers on 27 miles of white-sand beaches and abundant outdoor access. US Highway 98 is the main corridor for daily errands and commutes; Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) makes regional travel straightforward. Major employers like Tyndall Air Force Base and the Naval Support Activity Panama City underpin local employment and support year-round demand for rentals and sales.

The community blends vacation rhythms with full-time neighborhoods—planned communities such as Wild Heron and Carillon Beach offer yard space and sidewalks, while beachfront condos concentrate amenities and rental opportunities. Consider commute time to work or school and flood insurance needs when comparing on-market properties.

Crime & Peace-of-Mind in Panama City Beach

This area is served by the Panama City Beach Police Department.

• Violent Crime Rate: 5.1 per 1,000 residents.

• Property Crime Rate: 45.2 per 1,000 residents.

Those numbers mainly come from busy tourist and commercial areas. Most residential neighborhoods, especially planned communities away from the beach, see much lower crime. The police department also offers a vacation-watch program to help homeowners while they’re away or renting short-term.

Panama City Beach Real Estate: Buyer FAQs

How competitive is the market for homes in Panama City Beach?

Inventory in the Panama City Beach market has opened up a bit, but good homes don’t linger long—about 65 days on average. Places close to the beach or in neighborhoods like Wild Heron and Carillon Beach can still see fast offers. If you’re serious about buying, have financing ready and keep an eye on new listings each week so you can move when something fits.

What are the key differences between buying a condo versus a single-family home here?

A condo often means waking up to Gulf views and having the maintenance handled through HOA dues. Single-family homes, on the other hand, give you more privacy, yard space, and control over upkeep. The right choice depends on how you’ll use the property—and if rentals are part of your plan, always read the community’s short-term rental rules before buying.

How do property taxes and flood insurance work for a coastal home in Bay County?

Bay County’s property tax rate averages about 0.75% of a home’s assessed value. Many coastal areas fall within FEMA flood zones, so mortgage lenders will require flood insurance there. It’s smart to request insurance quotes early in the process to see how those costs affect your total monthly payment.

Is Panama City Beach a good place to buy a real estate investment property?

Absolutely. The tourism economy keeps rental demand strong, especially for Gulf-view condos and homes near the water. Before buying, check each condo association’s rental policy and local regulations—some limit short-term stays—then watch for new listings in areas that allow flexible rental options.