New residential construction on Longboat increases in quantity, value

Demand for luxury living on Longboat Key has been on an upward trend the last six years, according to new construction permit data. 

“We have a lot of new houses, so there’s definitely an upswing in that because we’re reviewing the plans,” Longboat Key Building Official Patti Fige said. 

In 2017, the Planning, Zoning & Building Department issued five new residential construction permits. A couple years later in 2022, that number jumped to 32. To date in 2023, there have been 17 new construction permits issued. 

The median value of new residential construction has also steadily increased, from $475,000 in 2017 to $1,679,420 in 2023 to date. 

According to Fige, houses the department has reviewed seem to be growing larger in recent years. The average square footage is now around 6,000 to 7,000, though this year Fige said there are some that have far exceeded that. 

“We’ve permitted two, if not more, that are 22,000 square feet or more,” Fige said. “And I don't know that I’ve had that before.” 

Fige also said she’s seen quite a few alterations to existing structures in which many residents are completely renovating condos. Other, more minor, alterations such as wind pressure and impact resistant windows and doors have also trended upwards, according to Fige.