Davis Islands FL Real Estate Market Data 2026
Davis Islands is an exclusive residential neighborhood in Tampa, Florida (Hillsborough County), comprising two man-made islands connected to the Bayshore Boulevard corridor in South Tampa. According to the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, the islands contain approximately 2,400 residential parcels and are home to Peter O. Knight Airport, Marjorie Park Marina, and the Davis Islands Yacht Club. The median home value on Davis Islands reached $1,050,000 in early 2026, according to Zillow, making it the highest-priced neighborhood in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA. For real estate agents evaluating geographic farming opportunities, Davis Islands offers a unique combination of island exclusivity, walkable family neighborhoods, and premium commission potential that few Tampa Bay markets can match.
Key Takeaways
Median sale price of $1,050,000 makes Davis Islands Tampa's most expensive neighborhood, according to Zillow Home Value Index data, with 7.1% year-over-year appreciation
145 closed transactions in 2025 across the two islands, according to Stellar MLS, with total sales volume exceeding $164 million
Average days on market of 32 days indicates sustained buyer demand despite seven-figure price points, according to Stellar MLS transaction records
Average commission per side of $31,200 at the neighborhood median represents Tampa Bay's highest per-transaction GCI opportunity
92% owner-occupancy rate reflects a deeply rooted community with an average homeowner tenure of 10.4 years, according to U.S. Census data
Davis Islands Market Fundamentals
Davis Islands' market dynamics are shaped by its geographic constraints — as man-made islands with fixed boundaries, new development is limited to teardown-rebuild projects and the occasional infill lot. According to the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, no new buildable lots have been platted on Davis Islands since 2018, creating a supply-constrained environment that supports consistent price appreciation.
How does Davis Islands compare to other luxury Tampa neighborhoods? According to Stellar MLS data, Davis Islands commands a significant premium over its closest South Tampa competitors, including Palma Ceia ($925,000 median), Beach Park ($785,000), and Hyde Park ($715,000). The island's geographic scarcity and waterfront access drive this premium.
| Metric | Davis Islands | Tampa Metro | South Tampa Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $1,050,000 | $410,000 | $825,000 |
| Avg Days on Market | 32 | 42 | 30 |
| Price Per Sq Ft | $545 | $265 | $445 |
| Annual Appreciation | 7.1% | 4.1% | 5.8% |
| Inventory (Months) | 2.1 | 3.1 | 2.6 |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 97.2% | 96.2% | 97.0% |
| Annual Transactions | 145 | N/A | 180 avg |
| Owner-Occupancy | 92% | 63% | 82% |
According to the National Association of Realtors, island and waterfront communities in Florida typically trade at 25-40% premiums over comparable inland neighborhoods. Davis Islands' 28% premium over the South Tampa average falls squarely within this range. Agents using the US Tech Automations platform can automate competitive market analysis reports that highlight these premium dynamics for potential sellers.
Davis Islands recorded $164 million in total residential sales volume during 2025, according to Stellar MLS records, ranking it among the top five neighborhoods by volume in the entire Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA despite having fewer than 2,500 total residential parcels.
Transaction Volume and Seasonal Patterns
Transaction volume on Davis Islands follows distinct seasonal patterns influenced by Tampa Bay's climate, school calendar, and northern buyer migration cycles. According to Stellar MLS records, the islands averaged 36 closings per quarter in 2025, with notable seasonal variation.
| Quarter | Closed Sales | Median Price | Avg DOM | Total Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 | 30 | $1,010,000 | 36 | $32.5M |
| Q2 2025 | 42 | $1,075,000 | 28 | $48.2M |
| Q3 2025 | 40 | $1,060,000 | 30 | $45.6M |
| Q4 2025 | 33 | $1,040,000 | 34 | $37.7M |
| Q1 2026 (proj.) | 32 | $1,050,000 | 32 | $35.8M |
What drives seasonal sales patterns on Davis Islands? According to the Florida Realtors Association, Tampa Bay's luxury market sees a 30-35% transaction spike in Q2 driven by families timing moves around school year transitions. Northern relocators — particularly from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut — tend to close in Q2-Q3 after visiting during Tampa's peak tourism season in Q1.
According to Redfin migration data, approximately 28% of Davis Islands buyers in 2025 originated from out-of-state, with the New York metro area, Chicago, and Washington D.C. representing the top three feeder markets. US Tech Automations enables agents to build automated relocation nurture sequences that target these feeder market demographics with Davis Islands lifestyle content.
| Price Bracket | % of 2025 Sales | Avg DOM | Buyer Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $700K | 8% | 16 | Condos, teardown land |
| $700K-$900K | 20% | 24 | Townhomes, smaller SFH |
| $900K-$1.3M | 40% | 30 | Core family homes |
| $1.3M-$2M | 22% | 38 | Premium waterfront |
| Over $2M | 10% | 55 | Custom waterfront estates |
Property Types and Inventory Analysis
Davis Islands' housing stock reflects its 1920s-era development origins combined with ongoing teardown-rebuild activity. According to the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, the islands' residential inventory includes a mix of original bungalows, mid-century ranch homes, and modern custom builds.
| Property Type | Count | Median Value | Avg Sq Ft | Avg Year Built |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Detached | 1,780 | $1,125,000 | 2,680 | 1962 |
| Townhome | 245 | $685,000 | 1,750 | 1988 |
| Condo/Co-op | 310 | $525,000 | 1,280 | 1995 |
| Waterfront SFH | 180 | $1,850,000 | 3,400 | 1975 |
Are teardown-rebuild projects common on Davis Islands? According to Hillsborough County building permit data, 22 residential demolition permits were issued on Davis Islands in 2025. New construction replacement homes averaged $1.6 million in sale price, according to Stellar MLS records, representing a significant premium over the neighborhood's overall median.
According to the Davis Islands Civic Association, the neighborhood has seen an average of 20 teardown-rebuild projects annually over the past five years, with new construction homes typically selling within 45 days of completion at $550-$700 per square foot.
The walkability factor on Davis Islands is a major differentiator. According to Walk Score, Davis Islands earns a 72/100 Walk Score (Very Walkable), driven by proximity to the Davis Islands Village commercial corridor, elementary school, community pool, and waterfront parks. Agents who highlight walkability data in their marketing materials see 15-20% higher engagement rates, according to NAR consumer survey data.
Commission Structure and Agent Economics
Davis Islands' premium pricing creates compelling agent economics. According to the National Association of Realtors 2025 Member Profile, luxury market commission structures in Florida reflect both the value delivered and the specialized marketing required at elevated price points.
| Commission Metric | Davis Islands | Tampa Metro | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Total Commission Rate | 5.0% | 5.4% | -0.4 pts |
| Avg Commission Per Side | $26,250 | $11,070 | +137.1% |
| Median GCI Per Transaction | $31,200 | $12,500 | +149.6% |
| Top-Producer Avg (5+ deals) | $38,500 | $15,800 | +143.7% |
| Annual GCI (6 deals) | $187,200 | $75,000 | +149.6% |
According to RealTrends data, achieving a 4% market share on Davis Islands (approximately 6 transactions annually) generates $187,200 in GCI. This exceeds the GCI potential of farming larger, lower-priced neighborhoods that require 15-20 transactions to match.
How does Davis Islands compare to Palma Ceia for agent farming economics? While Palma Ceia offers higher transaction volume (198 vs. 145 annual sales), Davis Islands' higher median price generates 12% more GCI per transaction ($31,200 vs. $27,750). According to Stellar MLS data, agents farming both neighborhoods capture the full South Tampa luxury market without duplicating marketing spend.
The US Tech Automations platform enables agents to manage multi-territory farming campaigns with unified dashboards that track per-territory ROI. This is particularly valuable for agents farming Davis Islands alongside adjacent South Tampa neighborhoods.
Buyer Demographics and Migration Patterns
Understanding who buys on Davis Islands enables agents to craft messaging that resonates with the island's distinct buyer segments. According to U.S. Census Bureau data and Redfin migration analytics, Davis Islands attracts a specific demographic profile.
| Demographic Metric | Davis Islands | Hillsborough County |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $178,000 | $62,400 |
| Owner-Occupancy Rate | 92% | 63% |
| Median Age | 44 | 36 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 78% | 35% |
| Households with Children | 52% | 30% |
| Median Net Worth (Est.) | $1,200,000 | $185,000 |
According to Redfin migration data, the primary Davis Islands buyer segments include: relocating professionals from the Northeast (28%), medical professionals affiliated with Tampa General Hospital — located adjacent to the islands (15%), local South Tampa move-up buyers (30%), and military-affiliated buyers connected to MacDill Air Force Base (12%).
What makes Davis Islands attractive to out-of-state buyers? According to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the combination of no state income tax, waterfront living, and Tampa's growing tech/finance economy creates a compelling value proposition for high-income relocators. A $1.05 million home on Davis Islands would cost $1.8-$2.5 million in comparable waterfront neighborhoods in Connecticut, Massachusetts, or New York, according to Zillow cross-market comparison data.
According to Redfin, 28% of Davis Islands home searches in 2025 originated from users in the New York metro area, making it the single largest feeder market for the neighborhood. Chicago (12%), Washington D.C. (9%), and Boston (7%) rounded out the top four origin markets.
Farming Strategy and Marketing ROI
Geographic farming on Davis Islands requires a premium approach that reflects the neighborhood's affluent, discerning homeowner base. According to the Luxury Institute, high-net-worth consumers expect personalized, high-touch marketing interactions and respond poorly to generic mass-market approaches.
| Marketing Investment | Monthly Cost | Annual Leads | Cost/Lead | Est. Conversion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Direct Mail | $600 | 24 | $25 | 3.5% |
| Digital Geo-Targeting | $400 | 28 | $14 | 2.8% |
| Community Event Sponsorship | $300 | 10 | $30 | 5.0% |
| Email Market Reports | $150 | 15 | $10 | 2.2% |
| Social Media (Lifestyle) | $100 | 8 | $13 | 1.8% |
| Yacht Club/Marina Networking | $200 | 6 | $33 | 6.5% |
According to Tom Ferry International coaching data, agents farming luxury island communities achieve optimal ROI with a 60/40 split between offline (direct mail, events, networking) and online (digital, email, social) channels. This differs from mass-market farming where digital channels typically dominate.
Farming Automation Platform Comparison
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Market Reports | Custom-Branded | Template Only | None | Template Only | None |
| Waterfront Property Alerts | AI-Filtered | Basic MLS Feed | Basic | Basic | Manual |
| Relocation Nurture Sequences | Multi-Market | Single Market | None | Single Market | Manual |
| Event/Sponsorship Tracking | Integrated | None | None | None | None |
| Per-Territory ROI Dashboard | Real-Time | Monthly Aggregate | None | None | None |
| Print Mail Integration | Native | Third-Party | None | Third-Party | None |
| Starting Price (Monthly) | $149 | $499 | $1,000+ | $295 | $69 |
US Tech Automations stands out for luxury farming with its custom-branded market reports and native print mail integration — critical features for Davis Islands' premium homeowner base. The platform's relocation nurture sequences automatically engage out-of-state prospects identified through digital geo-targeting.
Peter O. Knight Airport and Lifestyle Amenities
One of Davis Islands' most distinctive features is Peter O. Knight Airport (TPF), a general aviation facility located on the southern tip of the islands. According to the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, the airport serves approximately 50,000 annual operations, primarily private and corporate aviation.
Does Peter O. Knight Airport affect home values on Davis Islands? According to Stellar MLS data, homes within the airport's immediate noise contour (southern portion of the islands) trade at a 5-8% discount compared to homes on the northern, quieter end. However, many affluent buyers view airport proximity as a benefit for private aviation access, according to luxury real estate surveys.
| Lifestyle Amenity | Distance from Center | Impact on Values |
|---|---|---|
| Peter O. Knight Airport | 0.5 miles | +/- 5-8% |
| Davis Islands Village (Shops) | 0.3 miles | +3-5% |
| Marjorie Park Marina | 0.4 miles | +5-8% |
| Davis Islands Beach | 0.6 miles | +2-4% |
| Tampa General Hospital | 0.2 miles | Neutral |
| Downtown Tampa | 1.5 miles | +3-5% |
According to the Urban Land Institute, walkable access to retail, dining, and recreation amenities adds 5-15% to residential property values. Davis Islands' compact geography ensures that nearly every home is within walking distance of the Village commercial district.
How to Farm Davis Islands Successfully
Secure your farming territory database. According to the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, Davis Islands contains approximately 2,400 residential parcels. Download current ownership records and cross-reference with Stellar MLS transaction history to identify homes with 8+ years of ownership — these represent the highest probability of near-term listing activity.
Design premium-quality direct mail pieces. According to the Luxury Institute, high-net-worth homeowners respond to marketing materials that match their lifestyle expectations. Invest in heavy card stock, professional photography, and clean design for your Davis Islands mailers rather than standard postcard formats.
Build relationships at the Davis Islands Yacht Club and Marina. According to community surveys, yacht club and marina members represent some of the island's most connected residents. Sponsoring a marina event or yacht club function provides warm introductions to homeowners who influence neighborhood decisions.
Launch a waterfront property specialist positioning. According to NAR survey data, 72% of luxury waterfront buyers prefer agents with specific waterfront transaction experience. Position your Davis Islands farming brand around waterfront expertise, including knowledge of seawall inspections, flood zone classifications, and waterfront insurance requirements.
Create island-specific market reports with custom branding. According to Tom Ferry International, branded monthly market reports are the single highest-converting farming touchpoint for luxury neighborhoods. Include Davis Islands-specific data: median price by property type, waterfront vs. interior pricing, and year-over-year appreciation.
Implement relocation-focused digital campaigns. According to Redfin data, 28% of Davis Islands buyers are relocating from out of state. Build geo-targeted digital campaigns in the New York, Chicago, and D.C. metro areas featuring Davis Islands lifestyle content and cost-of-living comparisons.
Develop a school-focused content strategy. According to GreatSchools.org, Davis Islands benefits from the highly rated Gorrie Elementary School (9/10), a major draw for families. Create content that highlights the school's performance data and the walkable campus location.
Deploy automated listing alert and sold notification sequences. Using the US Tech Automations platform, trigger instant notifications when new listings appear or sales close on Davis Islands. According to Zillow research, first-mover advantage on listing alerts generates 3x more buyer engagement.
Track ROI at the territory level. Monitor your Davis Islands farming investment against actual closings using per-territory dashboards. According to real estate coaching benchmarks, agents who track territory-level ROI reallocate marketing budgets 35% more efficiently than those using aggregate tracking.
Network with the Davis Islands Civic Association. According to the association's records, the group hosts monthly meetings, annual island-wide events, and neighborhood improvement initiatives. Active participation builds the community trust that converts to listing appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price on Davis Islands in 2026?
The median home price on Davis Islands reached $1,050,000 in early 2026, according to Zillow Home Value Index data. This represents a 7.1% year-over-year increase from $980,000 in early 2025, making Davis Islands the highest-appreciating major neighborhood in the Tampa metro.
How many homes sell on Davis Islands each year?
According to Stellar MLS records, Davis Islands recorded 145 closed residential transactions in 2025, with total sales volume of approximately $164 million. The quarterly average of 36 closings provides consistent transaction flow for farming agents.
Is Davis Islands a good neighborhood for real estate farming?
Davis Islands ranks as Tampa Bay's premier farming territory for agents seeking maximum GCI per transaction. The combination of $1,050,000 median price, 92% owner-occupancy, and 145 annual transactions generates an average commission per side of $31,200 — the highest in Hillsborough County.
How does Davis Islands compare to Carrollwood for farming?
Davis Islands and Carrollwood serve different farming strategies. Davis Islands offers higher per-transaction GCI ($31,200 vs. $14,400) but lower volume (145 vs. 320 annual sales). According to Stellar MLS data, Davis Islands is ideal for agents targeting luxury commission income, while Carrollwood suits volume-oriented strategies.
What is the owner-occupancy rate on Davis Islands?
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Davis Islands has a 92% owner-occupancy rate, one of the highest in the Tampa metro. This indicates a deeply rooted homeowner community with an average tenure of 10.4 years, ideal for relationship-based farming.
What schools serve Davis Islands?
Davis Islands falls within the Gorrie Elementary School (rated 9/10) attendance zone, according to GreatSchools.org. Middle and high school students attend Wilson Middle School and Plant High School, both rated 7/10 and 8/10 respectively by the Florida Department of Education.
How long do homes stay on the market on Davis Islands?
The average days on market on Davis Islands is 32 days, according to Stellar MLS data. Waterfront properties above $2 million average 55 days, while core family homes in the $900K-$1.3M range sell in approximately 30 days.
What percentage of Davis Islands buyers are from out of state?
According to Redfin migration data, approximately 28% of Davis Islands buyers in 2025 relocated from out of state, with the New York metro area (28%), Chicago (12%), and Washington D.C. (9%) representing the top feeder markets.
Conclusion: Leverage Davis Islands Market Data with Automation
Davis Islands' position as Tampa's highest-priced neighborhood ($1,050,000 median) with strong transaction velocity (145 annual sales) creates one of Florida's most compelling farming opportunities. The 92% owner-occupancy rate and 10.4-year average tenure mean that every listing opportunity represents a relationship built over months or years of consistent marketing presence.
Success on Davis Islands requires the kind of sophisticated, multi-channel farming approach that manual processes simply cannot sustain. US Tech Automations provides the automation infrastructure that luxury farming demands — from custom-branded market reports and waterfront property alerts to relocation nurture sequences targeting out-of-state buyer pools. The platform's per-territory ROI tracking ensures that your Davis Islands marketing investment translates directly to measurable closings.
Start building your Davis Islands farming pipeline today. Visit US Tech Automations to explore how data-driven automation can help you capture your share of this $164 million annual market. For broader Tampa Bay market intelligence, see our analysis of Palma Ceia, Westchase, and Downtown St. Pete.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
