LAKELAND, FL, January 19, 2026 – Population growth, infrastructure expansion, and conservation initiatives are colliding across the Southeast. In 2025, that convergence fueled historic demand for high-quality agricultural and farm assets that anchor the region’s land market, alongside continued interest in development-ready and commercial properties. As a result, Saunders Real Estate closed more than $1.07 billion in transactions in 2025, marking the most active year in the firm’s history.
During the year, Saunders completed 438 total transactions representing $1,071,115,365 in total transaction volume across 158,210 acres throughout the Southeast. Agricultural and farm sales drove a significant share of that activity, underscoring continued investor and operator demand for productive agricultural land. In addition, the firm closed more than 1,042,120 square feet of commercial sales and completed 138 commercial leasing transactions, reflecting strong momentum across its diversified platform.
Closed in January 2025 by Saunders Real Estate advisors Bo Jahna, Jeff Cusson, and Dean Saunders, the sale of Corrigan Ranch encompassed 5,862 acres, including 2,164 acres in conservation and 3,698 unencumbered, in Indian River County, Florida.
“Property across the Southeast continues to move at a meaningful scale, and that momentum carried through 2025,” said Tyler Davis, President of Saunders Real Estate. “Closing more than $1 billion in a single year speaks to the depth of our platform and the trust our clients place in us. From transaction volume to acreage and conservation activity, the year underscored just how active and competitive the land market has become”
A meaningful portion of the firm’s land activity was dedicated to conservation. In 2025, 63,551 acres, valued at approximately $221.5 million, were preserved for conservation, reinforcing Saunders’ role in balancing market demand with long-term land stewardship.
Since 2014, Saunders Real Estate has closed over $5.5 billion in transactions, spanning more than 1.137 million acres of land, a remarkable achievement that underscores the firm’s reach and influence. The firm’s nearly three-decade track record now exceeds $8 billion in total transaction volume since 1996, positioning Saunders among the most active land brokerage firms in the region.
Trent Saunders brokered the 5,633-acre agricultural land sale of Owl Hammock Farms, closing in February 2025 for $52.5 million.
Headquartered in Lakeland, Florida, Saunders Real Estate operates throughout Florida and key Southeastern markets, with offices in Tampa, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina. The firm specializes in agricultural land, conservation properties, transitional land, and commercial real estate, serving landowners, developers, conservation groups, and institutional investors.
As the Southeast continues to experience rapid growth alongside increasing pressure on land supply, Saunders Real Estate remains focused on aligning economic opportunity with responsible land use, helping shape how the region grows, preserves, and plans for the future.
About Saunders Real Estate
Saunders Real Estate is a leading land and commercial real estate brokerage serving buyers, sellers, investors, and landowners across the Southeastern United States for 30 years. With over 100 advisors and offices in major U.S. markets including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, we specialize in large-acreage land transactions, commercial property sales and leasing, and property management.
To reflect our legacy and continued growth, Saunders Real Estate operates through two divisions – Saunders Land and Saunders Commercial. Our expertise spans agriculture, conservation, recreation, residential development, and commercial real estate, supported by specialized services such as forestry, land management, and investment acquisitions.
Today, Saunders Real Estate is recognized as a trusted authority in the region, delivering exceptional results through experienced leadership, innovative strategies, and a client-focused approach.