From record homeowner equity gains and easing affordability pressures to surging commercial investment and evolving development priorities, February reinforced South Florida’s position as a resilient and globally competitive real estate market. Here’s your curated look at nine key stories shaping the region’s residential, rental, commercial, and development landscape.
Housing Wealth Climbs as Affordability Improves Nationwide and in Miami
Typical U.S. homeowners gained roughly $147,000 in housing wealth over the past five years, while Miami–Fort Lauderdale homeowners saw average gains near $300,000. Nationally, the median single-family home price rose 1.2 percent year over year to $414,900, with 73 percent of metro areas posting price increases. At the same time, lower mortgage rates and rising incomes improved affordability, with average monthly mortgage payments declining to about $2,057 and the share of income spent on housing falling to 22.9 percent, signaling a more balanced market environment.
Miami-Dade Rents Hold Firm Despite Heavy Construction Pipeline
Rental demand remains strong across Miami-Dade County, with occupancy at 94.9 percent for buildings with 50 units or more. In-place rents increased 2 percent year over year, while renewal rents rose 2.2 percent, reflecting continued tenant retention. However, construction deliveries outpaced absorption, pushing new-lease rents slightly negative at minus 0.1 percent in Miami and minus 0.9 percent in Fort Lauderdale, leading 10 to 15 percent of properties to offer concessions.
Ultra-Luxury Thresholds Reset as $10M-Plus Sales Accelerate
Miami-Dade's uber-luxury threshold, representing the top 1 percent of sales, reached $10.4 million. Million-dollar single-family homes accounted for 55 percent of total dollar volume, while more than 70 percent of million-dollar condo and townhome transactions were all-cash. In 2025, the market recorded 114 sales above $10 million, capped by a $101.5 million Coconut Grove sale, underscoring sustained demand from high-net-worth buyers.
Commercial Investment Rebounds as Private Capital Leads
Miami recorded approximately $9 billion in commercial real estate transactions in 2025, representing a 35 percent increase over the prior year. Retail investment surged 88 percent to $2.2 billion, while multifamily sales climbed 97 percent to $2.6 billion. Lower borrowing costs and continued population growth helped bring investors back, with private buyers accounting for nearly two-thirds of all transactions.
$323.8M Construction Loan Advances Four Seasons Coconut Grove
CMC Group and Fort Partners secured a $323.8 million construction loan from Bank OZK to fund a 70-unit Four Seasons Private Residences development in Coconut Grove. The 20-story tower broke ground in October 2025 and is expected to be delivered by mid-2028. Residences will feature expansive terraces, 11-foot ceilings, and private elevators, complemented by amenities including a spa, wellness facilities, dining venues, and resident lounges.
International Buyers Dominate Miami’s New-Construction Market
Miami’s position as the leading U.S. market for international homebuyers, with foreign investors accounting for approximately 52 percent of all new-construction sales. Colombians and Argentines lead buyer activity, followed by purchasers from Mexico and Brazil. About 51 percent of international transactions are all-cash, and Brickell remains the most sought-after neighborhood among global buyers.
Miami Emerges as a Buyer-Friendly Market
Canvas Real Estate’s February market analysis identified Miami as one of the nation’s most buyer-friendly markets. Pending home sales rose 6.3 percent year over year in December 2025, even as national pending sales declined. Increased inventory, longer days on market, and fewer bidding wars have given buyers more negotiating power, while sellers continue to achieve steady price appreciation projected at roughly 2.5 percent annually.
Frida Kahlo-Inspired Condos Planned for Wynwood
PMG and LNDMRK Development unveiled plans for the Frida Kahlo Wynwood Residences, a 244-unit condominium project designed by Carlos Ott and CUBE 3. The development will offer studio to three-bedroom residences, some with deeded office suites, and feature wellness-focused amenities, curated art installations, and shared social spaces that blend art, lifestyle, and community.
Mayor Blocks Wetlands Development Outside Urban Boundary
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava vetoed a proposal to develop a heavy-equipment headquarters on a 246-acre site outside the Urban Development Boundary. The plan would have paved over approximately 160 acres of wetlands. The mayor cited environmental risks, flood-control concerns, and insufficient mitigation, reinforcing the county’s commitment to long-term sustainability and planning controls.
Stay Ahead in South Florida Real Estate
From rising homeowner equity and improving affordability to renewed commercial investment and globally driven demand, February highlights South Florida’s continued momentum and market recalibration.
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