Why smart investors are falling in love with Sarasota’s historic buildings

I’ve spent decades walking the streets of Sarasota and the Suncoast, and let me tell you, there’s something special about our historic buildings. These aren’t just pretty façades. They’re powerful investment opportunities hiding in plain sight.

If you’ve ever driven past one of our gorgeous old buildings and thought, “Wow, that place has a story,” you’re absolutely right. And it might also have a serious upside.

Let’s dig in.

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Tax perks that make these properties shine

When you invest in a qualifying historic building here in Sarasota County, you unlock some pretty impressive incentives.

• Local tax exemption: Up to 100% exemption on the increase in assessed value from qualified improvements for up to 10 years.

• Federal tax credit: A 20% federal income tax credit is available for certified historic, income-producing structures.

• Preservation easements: Commit to protecting the historic character and receive additional tax benefits.

• Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs): Downtown landmark owners can sell unused development rights to other projects.

  
  

Bottom line: you’re not just buying a building. You’re buying an opportunity with built-in savings.

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History never goes out of style

Sarasota’s history isn’t just in museums. It’s in the architecture you walk by every day, from Mediterranean Revival storefronts to the iconic Sarasota School of Architecture. These buildings bring character, warmth, and authenticity that new construction simply can’t match.

And when you own one, you’re not just an investor. You become a steward of Sarasota’s story. That connection creates real community value, which can boost visibility, traffic, and long-term appreciation.

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Historic buildings in Sarasota are stronger than you think

Here’s a little secret: many of Sarasota’s historic structures are built like tanks. Thick concrete walls. Terrazzo floors. Old-growth wood. These aren’t flimsy buildings. With thoughtful renovation, they often outlast and outperform newer builds.

Historic designation can also give you some flexibility on certain code requirements, like the FEMA 50% rule and hurricane standards, helping to keep renovation costs in check.

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A win for your wallet and the community

Historic buildings do more than look good on Instagram.

• They attract tourism, which boosts surrounding businesses.

• They create pride and identity in neighborhoods.

• They help stabilize property values, even during market swings.

Investors love them because they often weather downturns better than trend-driven developments. Locals love them because they make Sarasota feel like Sarasota.

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How I help my clients make it happen

This is where my heart and my expertise really live.

I’ve spent years helping buyers and investors find, evaluate, and transform historic properties into thriving, income-producing assets. I know the city’s preservation process inside and out, from tax exemptions to Certificate of Appropriateness applications. I can help you identify which buildings qualify, guide you through every step, and connect you with the right architects, planners, and preservation experts.

And because I’m a lifelong Floridian, I don’t just know the rules. I know the stories behind these buildings.

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Want to explore Sarasota’s historic gems?

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a piece of Sarasota’s history, now is the time to look closer. The incentives are real, the opportunities are growing, and the charm is unmatched.

Whether you’re buying your first investment property or adding to a portfolio, historic buildings give you something few investments can: value with soul.

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Angelia Young is a Commercial Real Estate Broker, GRI, CPMS, and founder of A. Young Realty Group in Sarasota, Florida. She helps investors and businesses make smart, strategic moves in one of the fastest-growing markets in the state. Read more here: https://www.angeliayoung.com/about-angelia-young

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