Stuart, Florida · Updated September 2026
Stuart, FL Real Estate Guide: Buying & Selling a Home
Stuart is the county seat of Martin County and calls itself the Sailfish Capital of the World, with a historic downtown on the St. Lucie River and beaches on nearby Hutchinson Island. This guide from William Merchant, REALTOR® with RE/MAX Gold, covers Stuart-area neighborhoods, current home values, homestead rules, flood insurance and what to check before you buy or sell.
Neighborhoods
Popular areas in and around Stuart
Downtown & Historic Stuart
Walkable streets, the Riverwalk along the St. Lucie River, the Lyric Theatre and historic properties dating from the 1880s to the 1940s.
Sewall's Point
A separate town on the peninsula between the St. Lucie and Indian rivers, known for waterfront homes.
Hutchinson Island
The barrier island east of Stuart, home to Stuart Beach, Bathtub Beach, the Elliott Museum and the House of Refuge. Many properties here are condominiums.
Unincorporated Stuart
Many homes with a Stuart mailing address sit in unincorporated Martin County, from riverfront areas to inland golf and single-family communities.
For Buyers
Buying a home in Stuart: what to know
City of Stuart or unincorporated Martin County?
The City of Stuart covers only about 9.5 square miles. Many homes with a Stuart address are in unincorporated Martin County, and the jurisdiction affects property taxes, permits, zoning and flood-insurance ratings. Check the jurisdiction on the Martin County Property Appraiser's record for any home you consider.
Property taxes and the homestead exemption
To qualify, you must own the home and make it your permanent residence by January 1, then apply with the Martin County Property Appraiser by March 1. The exemption deducts $25,000 from assessed value, plus a second exemption of about $25,000, now adjusted each year for inflation, on assessed value above $50,000. After you qualify, assessed value can rise no more than 3% or the change in the Consumer Price Index each year, whichever is lower. Taxes reset for a new owner, so don't budget from the seller's current bill.
Flood zones and flood insurance
Most homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, and homes with federally backed mortgages in high-risk A or V zones must carry flood insurance. Look up any address on Martin County's flood zone resources. The County reports 25% and 10% flood-insurance discounts for unincorporated residents through its Class 5 Community Rating System status; the City of Stuart and other towns are rated separately.
Condos, HOAs and inspections
For condominiums, especially on Hutchinson Island, ask for the association's budget, reserves, insurance and any special assessments before you commit. Florida insurers commonly ask for a wind mitigation inspection and, on older homes, a four-point inspection, so get insurance quotes during your inspection period.
For Sellers
Selling a home in Stuart
With Stuart homes selling for a median of about 96% of list price and taking about 50 days to go under contract (Zillow, mid-2026), accurate pricing matters. William prepares a pricing analysis from recent comparable sales, plans photography and marketing that shows off waterfront and lifestyle features, and negotiates through inspections, appraisal and closing.
Lifestyle
Living in Stuart
- Stuart has called itself the Sailfish Capital of the World since 1957.
- Downtown's Riverwalk, restaurants, shops and the Lyric Theatre sit along the St. Lucie River.
- Stuart Beach and Bathtub Beach are on nearby Hutchinson Island.
- Attractions include the Elliott Museum, the Florida Oceanographic Society Coastal Center, the Stuart Heritage Museum and the House of Refuge.
- Location: about 40 miles north of West Palm Beach and about 110 miles from Miami.
- A Brightline station in Stuart is planned to begin service by 2028.
Also see William's Jensen Beach, Palm City, Hutchinson Island, Hobe Sound and Port St. Lucie real estate guides.
FAQ
Stuart real estate questions
What is the typical home value in Stuart, FL?
Zillow's Home Value Index put the typical Stuart home value at about $374,124 as of August 31, 2026, down 1.0% over the prior year, with a median of about 50 days to pending. Values vary a great deal between waterfront, downtown and inland homes, so ask William for current numbers for your street or a free home valuation.
Is a Stuart address always inside the City of Stuart?
No. The City of Stuart is small, about 9.5 square miles with an estimated 19,451 residents as of July 2025, and it is the county seat of Martin County. Many homes with a Stuart mailing address are in unincorporated Martin County, which can affect property taxes, permits, HOA rules and flood-insurance ratings. Confirm the jurisdiction for any property you consider.
When do I file for the homestead exemption in Martin County?
You must own the home and make it your permanent residence by January 1, then apply with the Martin County Property Appraiser by March 1. The exemption deducts $25,000 from assessed value, plus a second exemption of about $25,000, now adjusted each year for inflation, on assessed value above $50,000, and after you qualify your assessed value can rise no more than 3% or the change in the Consumer Price Index each year, whichever is lower.
Do I need flood insurance in Stuart?
Homeowners policies usually do not cover flood damage, and homes with federally backed mortgages in high-risk flood zones (A or V zones) must carry flood insurance. Look up any address on Martin County's FEMA flood zone map. Martin County reports that unincorporated county residents receive 25% (high-risk zones) or 10% (lower-risk zones) flood-insurance discounts through its Class 5 Community Rating System status; the City of Stuart and other towns participate separately, so ask your insurance agent which rating applies.
What is Stuart, Florida known for?
Stuart has called itself the Sailfish Capital of the World since 1957. It is known for its historic downtown and Riverwalk along the St. Lucie River, nearby beaches on Hutchinson Island such as Stuart Beach and Bathtub Beach, and attractions like the Elliott Museum and the Florida Oceanographic Society Coastal Center.
How can William Merchant help me buy or sell in Stuart?
William Merchant is a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Gold who serves Stuart, Palm City, Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach and the rest of Martin County, with a 5.0 average rating from 26 verified client reviews on Experience.com. Call or text (772) 800-2274 to discuss buying, selling or relocating.
Market figures change monthly. Tax, insurance and legal information on this page is general information, not advice; confirm details with the Martin County Property Appraiser, your insurance agent or an attorney. William Merchant, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Gold. Each RE/MAX office is independently owned and operated.
Work With William
Buying or selling in Stuart?
Call or text William Merchant, REALTOR® with RE/MAX Gold, for a no-pressure conversation about your plans.