Manatee County’s retail investment market has shown both momentum and moderation over the past 18 months. While population growth continues to drive long-term demand, recent sales data shows mixed signals in pricing and cap rate trends across retail property types.
Overall Market Activity
In the past 12 months, 102 retail properties changed hands, totaling approximately 800,000 SF in turnover and $146 million in volume. This volume exceeds the five-year average of $139M and far outpaces the 10-year average of $117M, indicating a healthy investment environment.
In 2024, total volume reached $121.2 million across 77 deals, with an average price of $277.14/SF. Year-to-date (as of June) records show volume coming in at $60.8 million in sales from 54 transactions. Although clocking a faster pace in the number of deals with a comparable volume, the average price and price per square foot are lower when compared to 2024 at $1,689,593 and $184.48/SF.
Cap Rate Comparison: 2024 vs. 2025 YTD
| Property Type | 2024 Cap Rate | 2025 YTD Cap Rate |
| Overall Market | 7.2% | 7.2% |
| Malls | 6.6% | 6.5% |
| Power Centers | 8.2% | 8.2% |
| Neighborhood Centers | 7.5% | 7.4% |
| Strip Centers | 7.2% | 7.2% |
| General Retail | 6.9% | 6.9% |
| Other Retail | 7.7% | 7.7% |
While most cap rates remain stable YTD, mall assets show slight compression, dropping from 6.6% to 6.5%. Meanwhile, general retail and strip centers continue to offer the most pricing stability, supported by consistent investor demand.
Price Per Square Foot Snapshot (Market Avg.)
| Property Type | 2024 Avg. Price/SF | 2025 YTD Price/SF |
| Overall Market | $201.65 | $204.57 |
| Malls | $193.49 | $198.70 |
| Power Centers | $140.15 | $142.03 |
| Neighborhood Centers | $155.68 | $159.00 |
| Strip Centers | $188.66 | $192.67 |
| General Retail | $248.10 | $250.58 |
| Other Retail | $134.57 | $137.36 |
Takeaway:
Manatee’s retail investment market remains resilient. Stabilized cap rates, rising price/SF in all categories, and long-term demographic growth position the submarket for continued interest—particularly in neighborhood, strip, and general retail segments.