T
he COVID-19 pandemic catapulted Tampa Bay into one of the country's hottest housing markets, but sales cooled down in 2024 after a few years of explosive growth and skyrocketing prices. The most expensive home sold for $11.75 million last year, the lowest top sale since 2020.

    "It was hard to predict when the market would slow down," said Jennifer Zales, an agent with Coldwell Banker specializing in luxury real estate. "Just a few years ago, no Tampa Bay home had broken the $5 million mark."

    Almost all of the region's top sales last year were waterfront properties. Despite two major hurricanes dampening fourth-quarter sales, Zales doesn't expect wealthy buyers to flee inland in 2025. Instead, she predicts luxury builders will see an increase in demand for elevated, storm-proofed homes.

    "We typically see this after a hurricane," Zales said. "People start coming back and buying retirement or second homes."

    1. 104 Ladoga Ave., Tampa: $11.75 million

    This six-bedroom, seven-and-a-half-bathroom home on Davis Islands spans 7,416 square feet and sits on about an acre of waterfront property. It was built in 2023.

    2. 2912 W Santiago St., Unit 2801, Tampa: $11.6 million

    The top-floor penthouse at the Ritz Carlton Residences broke the record for most expensive condo sold in Tampa Bay. The unit has five bedrooms and spans 11,140 square feet.

    3. 2709 Sunset Way, St. Pete Beach: $11.4 million

    This 5,542-square-foot home on Pass-a-Grille Beach has five bedrooms and seven bathrooms. It was built on a 9,348-square-foot lot overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

    4. 34 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach: $10.5 million

    This property has five bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths and was built in 2023. The home is elevated to FEMA standards and features a private gated dock with a boat lift on the intracoastal waterway.

    5. 5155 W San Jose St., Tampa: $10 million

    Located in Sunset Park Isles, this 5,265-square-foot home has five bedrooms and four full bathrooms. It was built in 2021 and offers panoramic water views.

    6. 1721 Brightwaters Blvd. NE, St. Petersburg: $9.65 million

    This 7,087-square-foot home on Snell Isle has six bedrooms and seven full bathrooms. Construction was completed in 2024.

    7. 588 Riviera Drive, Tampa: $9.65 million

    This 6,551-square-foot Davis Islands home has six bedrooms and six bathrooms. It features several outdoor spaces, including a pool with a hot tub and a private dock with a boat lift.

    8. 117 Bay Point Drive NE, St. Petersburg: $9.6 million

    Coming in at 5,105 square feet, this house on Bay Point has five bedrooms and four full bathrooms. It was built in 2013 and features luxury finishes, including marble countertops and oak floors.

    9. 400 Gulf Blvd., Belleair Shore: $9.5 million

    This five-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom home was built in 1979 and showcases mid-century style design touches. The pool area provides a lush oasis with stone detailing and multiple cascading waterfalls.

    10. 198 Blanca Ave., Tampa: $9.4 million

    This 5,078-square-foot home on Davis Islands has four bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms. It features an infinity pool, outdoor shower, and outdoor kitchen with a full bar.