As the busy season for Miami real estate progresses, we’ve noticed quite the increase of inquiries from both renters and buyers for one of Edgewater Miami’s most upscale developments: the beautiful, Biscayne Beach. Its most notable feature is found on the ground floor of the building – mainland Miami’s first-ever beach club, complete with sand, lounge chairs, beach volleyball, and cabanas. Also, a highlight of the building is the gorgeous interiors by internationally-acclaimed celebrity interior designer, Thom Filicia (of Bravo’s hit TV show, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy). Completed in July of 2017, Biscayne Beach saw its first condo resale in September and has since seen 6 other resales closed to date.
Let’s check out the stats for our prospective renters and buyers…
Current Inventory
According to the MLS, there are 68 units currently available for rent of the building’s 391 total residences, 9 listed as pending rentals, and 48 marked as rented. Of those 68 units available for rent, 20 are 1-bedroom floor plans, 34 are two-bedrooms, 12 are three-bedrooms, and the final two are a penthouse and a beach house residence.
82 units at Biscayne Beach are currently listed for resale, with 3 marked as pending, and 7 closed.
Closed Rentals
Here are the price ranges for the closed rentals to date:
-1 bedroom units: $2300 – $2900 per month
-2 bedroom units: $2,500 – $4,200 per month
-3 bedroom units: $5,200 – $6,600 per month
Closed Resales
Here are the sales prices for the 7 resales that have closed to date:
-1 bedroom units:
-#1009 – $573,000 ($488 per sq ft)
-#2009 – $504,000 ($477 per sq ft)
-#3509 – $530,000 ($501 per sq ft)
-3 bedroom units:
-#1907 – $1,050,000 ($499 per sq ft)
-#2307 – $1,255,000 ($597 per sq ft)
-#3307 – $1,250,000 ($594 per sq ft)
-#4007 – $1,400,000 ($666 per sq ft)
The fact that all the closed resales so far are either of the 07 or 09 lines tells us that these two floor plans are the building favorites. Considering that they are located at the southeast (07 line) and southwest (09 line) corners of the building, there’s no wonder why. The view really opens up to the south with the added bonus of being able to enjoy views of the Downtown Miami skyline and sunset.
While stunning bay views, gorgeously designed interiors, and high-end finishes are bountiful at Biscayne Beach, there’s no question that its amenities are what makes this building so unique. From a family-friendly club room and children’s water feature at the impressive beach club to a residents-only amenities floor with a BBQ, tennis courts, dog walking area, and a pool; all it’s missing now is a tenant for the large, commercial restaurant space on the waterfront side of the lobby level. Check out the photos below.
If you or anyone you know has an interest in leasing or purchasing a condo at Biscayne Beach, email us at [email protected] to speak with one of our expert agents.
Biscayne Beach’s Ultimate “Sandcastle In The Sky” Asks $9.5 Million
While doing their pre-construction sales, the developer of Biscayne Beach used the tagline, ‘Sandcastles in the Sky,’ and now they have released the details of the ultimate one. Penthouse 7 sprawls over 7,500 square feet of interior space with soaring ceilings, tons of natural light and views of practically all of South Florida.
It has 4 bedroom, a den, 5 full bathrooms and 2 powder rooms. In the master bath, there is a private sauna and the rooftop boasts a private pool. The developer is offering it decorator-ready for $9,453,900. Have a look at the photo preview and let us know what you think!
The Full List Of Downtown Miami Area Condos With Fannie Mae Approval
Let’s talk about financing. Many people already know that financing in condos is far more difficult than single-family homes and very few buildings in Miami have achieved that coveted “Fannie Mae Approval”, but which ones did make the cut? Here’s our updated list with expiration dates of the approvals.
SLS Brickell (expires June 2018)
SLS Brickell almost didn’t get to be on this list. According to the executives at Related Group, the inspectors from Fannie Mae were under the impression that it was a condo-hotel... something that would disqualify the property from Fannie Mae Approval. After a site inspection, they could see that it is not a condo hotel. SLS Brickell is a hotel with a tower of residences on the top. They look the same, but work very much differently. Approved!
1010 Brickell (expires February 2018)
This is the first of two buildings who have their approval but are not yet completed. Although it is unarguably behind schedule, I’m really looking forward to see 1010 Brickell open. It is the first building I have seen in Brickell that has such a wide range of amenities for kids of all ages.
1010 Brickell is currently sold-out, but the Fannie Mae approval will help with people who are interested in resales.
Brickell Heights East& West (expires December 2017)
We have covered the Brickell Heights opening extensively and are so pleased with how it turned out. Three members of the Miami Condo Investments team have already signed up for Equinox and are loving the classes!
This is going to be the building for people who want to be in the middle of everything. It is right between Brickell City Centre and Mary Brickell Village, offering a host of entertainment choices. I have heard people who are concerned about the plans to build a 75 story tower called 18 on the lot directly to the north, but it is my opinion that this will not happen. I feel it is simply a sexy tower with approvals to help increase the land value. That’s a pretty common tactic in land sales, but we can talk more about it in another post…
LeParc at Brickell (expires January 2018)
If you’re the type of person who likes to be near the hustle and bustle of city life, but not necessarily right in the middle of it, Le Parc at Brickell is for you. It is a boutique condo that is walking distance to Brickell’s Financial District, but is also located behind Simpson Park. Simpson Park is a natural hammock on the corner of South Miami Avenue and SE 15th Street and offers trails to experience the natural habitat of this area before the estates and high rises were here.
Fun fact: it is naturally MUCH cooler in the middle of Simpson Park than it is on the street.
Centro (expires February 2018)
This past Monday, we visited the market statistics for Centro and were amazed at how few transactions there were. This is a great opportunity for someone who Ubers everywhere (or Lyft if you’re part of the #DeleteUber movement). There are no parking spots included with the units, so this is for someone who wants a true city lifestyle. Aside from the lack of parking, the location and finishes are great.
Canvas (expires January 2018)
Now we’re going to skip North to the Arts & Entertainment district. Canvas is also still under construction and will need to extend their approval because the building is not quite topped off yet. I feel it will be closer to the middle of 2018 before these units are ready to close.
Crimson (expires June 2017)
If you’re in the market for a LEED certified waterfront condo, then you need to look into Crimson. You also need to hurry because their approval expires at the end of the month. No word yet on whether they intend to renew it.
Biscayne Beach (Expires December 2017)
With interiors by Thom Filicia, Biscayne Beach opened last month to rave reviews. They are currently 99% sold-out of their developer inventory and over have of the units have already closed. Two Roads Development (who is also developing the nearby Elysee) paid off their construction loan and are now sitting pretty as buyers begin to move in.
If you missed the developer inventory, we have listed a beautiful 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom plus den corner layout with south and east views. It is available with one of the best views of Miami, decorator ready for your personal touch at $1.75 million.
Miami Condo Investments’ Most Popular Buildings in Greater Downtown Miami
I thought about doing a TBT post today, but then changed my mind. There is so much going on in today’s real estate market, why talk about the past? New buildings are opening every month, people are curious about how these new buildings compare to the ones that were new in years past. So which buildings are currently the most popular by condo shoppers?
I took a look through our Google Analytics report to see what our readers are looking at the most. In the time period from May 14, 2017-June 14, 2017, MiamiCondoInvestments.com received a total of nearly 73,000 page views. Of those, here are the ten most viewed building pages. This list does not include views of individual listings, just of the building pages themselves, where you can find inventory lists, market statistics and closed sale/rental data.
1 – SLS Brickell – 1,219 views
It makes sense that SLS Brickell would take the number one spot with an overwhelming lead. The project was very much anticipated by future tenants, owners and pool-party-goers alike. Move-ins began in late December/early January and have moved on at a rapid pace, leaving the building almost at full occupancy now, with demand still strong. Our agents alone have handed out 16 sets of keys in the building, with a healthy book of buyers and prospective tenants still shopping.
2 – Reach at Brickell City Centre – 731 views
I would have been surprised if Brickell City Centre didn’t make this list! This project was the catalyst that fueled the buying craze in Brickell over recent years and reinvigorates the neighborhood that was once a dense yet sleepy enclave of beautiful high rises that became quiet at night. Reach was the first residential tower to open in Brickell City Centre, and is also approaching occupancy. When the project initially opened, one bedrooms started at $2,400-$2,450/month, but now have risen to $2,650/month.
3 – Brickell Heights East – 715 views
The newest new building on the block also made the list, and no surprise there. Our photo tour of Brickell Heights just days before they opened was one of the most popular blog posts so far this year, and the amount of calls we get for it is a very good sign that the initial occupancy of the building will go smoothly.
4 – 1100 Millecento – 700 views
Millecento’s place as number 4 on the list was a bit more surprising, but not in a bad way. It’s not the newest building in the area, so people aren’t hungry for a preview. There’s really no drama going on with the building (that I have heard of at this time), so people aren’t looking for gossip and info. We still receive a healthy amount of calls and contact requests on Millecento, so I feel it’s safe to say that the traffic is good ol’ prospective residents. That’s great!
5 – Biscayne Beach – 638 views
Edgewater’s newest new building is also on the charts. We covered the progress & opening extensively, so it makes sense that blog readers are interested in the progress. We also have a beautiful 3 bedroom unit listed on the 30th floor with direct bay and Downtown Miami views. It is well-priced and a blank canvas inside. With the amount of attention the building receives, I feel that it will sell quickly.
6 – The Bond on Brickell – 615 views
The Bond is very popular for people who want to live in a brand-new condo in Brickell, but prefer understated elegance and high quality finishes over the kitschy excess that is SLS Brickell. We receive many calls about this building, and there have also been many of our clients who have called about SLS Brickell but then chosen The Bond. It is like SLS Brickell’s quieter sister.
7 – The Plaza at Brickell East Tower – 531 views
The Plaza is basically a Brickell staple. I was surprised that it received more views than any of the IconBrickell towers, but that just shows what the market is interested in. We did a market report on Monday about The Plaza and found that sellers and landlords fare better in today’s market by removing that horrible outdated berber carpet from 2008. There is too much competition in the neighborhood to expect buyers and tenants to sign up for old berber carpet (in case I didn’t make my point on Monday).
8 – BrickellHouse – 530 views
Despite their garage saga, BrickellHouse remains a popular building in the neighborhood. Yes, the garage is broken. No, we don’t know when it will be fixed. Despite that, the finishes are quite lovely, the views and location are great and it remains very popular among our clients.
9 – IconBrickell Tower 1 – 477 views
Of course IconBrickell would be on the list. It has remained one of our most requested buildings since it opened… even since the pool closed. The pool should reopen by the end of the year.
10 – Jade Residences at Brickell Bay – 468 views
Jade is one of the most luxurious buildings in the neighborhood, even after 13 years. Although most buildings in Brickell have beautiful bay views, Jade is where you go if you want an extremely luxurious setting with private elevators and direct bayfront. The only building it competes with is the Santa Maria, except that Jade is more modern and in a more walkable section of the neighborhood.
Do you think that the top viewed buildings on our website are surprising, or expected?
Video Tour of 3 Bedroom Condo at Biscayne Beach
As the new darling on the block, Biscayne Beach has garnered much interest from buyers, renters, and Realtors alike. Many are eager to see its finishes, views, and floor plans. Last week, a client of mine closed on a spacious, 3 bedroom unit at Biscayne Beach. Located on the southeast corner of the 30th floor, it boasts breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, and city skyline from its 10-foot high floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Judge for yourself, but I consider it one of the best views in Miami.
The unit will hit the market next week with an asking price of $1.75M. It will include two side-by-side parking spaces located on the 1st floor.
Biscayne Beach’s First Rentals Hit The Market; Restaurant Space Available
Renters and hopeful restaurateurs rejoice! Biscayne Beach’s first rental apartment has hit the market, as well as the much-anticipated restaurant space.
The restaurant space takes up 7,835 square feet of the second floor including the large terrace overlooking the beach club. It is offered at a very competitive rate in order to be filled as soon as possible. The previous restaurant concept had planned to open later in the year. We had heard that it was a Turkish or Mediterranean theme, but cannot confirm since the deal fell apart before the build-out started. Here is the floor plan of the restaurant, from the offering memorandum we received this morning.
Personally, I see a high-end restaurant with American cuisine and fresh seafood being most successful in this location. The restaurant would service the beach club (which will reportedly offer 250 public memberships for sale, 391 memberships to building residences as well as their guests) and the general public.
The first residential rental to be offered is unit 2905, which hit the market yesterday for $5,000/month. The property is currently still decorator-ready, but should be finished out and shined up by July 1. It has two bedrooms, a den off of the kitchen and 3 bathrooms. The pricing of rentals in a brand-new building is always an experiment since there is nothing to really compare the apartments to and we do anticipate a surge of availability once the closings draw to completion. I am excited to see what the market will bring to Biscayne Beach!
Let us know your thoughts on the restaurant concept and the rental values. What do you think we’ll see? In the meantime, here is a video tour of the restaurant space.
Inside Biscayne Beach
Today is the day! Biscayne Beach is officially open! They received their TCO on April 21, so were able to begin closings today. Here is a sneak peek from our tour as well as from the developer representative’s social media posts. How do you think it turned out?
The lobby.
The pool.
The Biscayne Beach Club.
There are 13 poolside cabanas.
The kitchens.
I was really impressed with these super hight floor-ceiling windows.
The units are being delivered decorator-ready, so the new owners can now choose their finishes.
The Biscayne Beach Club Could Offer Memberships To The Public
In anticipation of their opening day, I took the liberty of reading Biscayne Beach‘s 674 page prospectus that will be given to each of the 391 owners at closing. Nerdy? Probably, but I’m also a girl in the know. I learned some interesting tidbits including the cable service will be through Hotwire, valet parking will be through Park One, the building will be managed by First Service Residential, and the developer is retaining the rights to offer beach club memberships to the public.
According to the prospectus, the “Outside Members” will be capped at 250 at any given time and these members have to pay into the condominium association. It reads:
The Developer, during the period in which it is entitled to elect a majority of the Board, and thereafter the Condominium Association, each reserve the right, in their sole and absolute discretion, to sell memberships in the Beach Club to members of the general public who are not Unit Owners (“Outside Members”), upon such terms and conditions as the Developer or the Condominium Association, as applicable, may determine in their sole discretion, provided that the number of such memberships outstanding at any one time shall not exceed 250. All fees and other revenue by the Developer from the sale of such memberships shall be the sole property ofthe Developer, and shall not be considered revenue or income of the Condominium Association.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, each of the Outside Members shall also pay to the Condominium Association, periodic dues based on a proportionate share of the estimated operating costs of the Beach Club, as described in Section 20. The Common Elements of the Condominium, and any other portions of the Common Elements as the Condominium Association may, from time to time, elect to make available to Outside Members, shall be subject to various easements relating to the Beach Club, as described in Section 17.
The prospectus also went on to explain that the developer reserves the right to assign up to four of the 13 cabanas for exclusive use of the owner of that apartment. If the cabanas are not assigned, they are to be used by the Beach Club.
What we don’t know is whether the developer chose to exercise these rights, or what the cost of the Beach Club membership would be if they do decide to offer it. Personally, I love the idea. It would be like having The Standard on the mainland! What do you think?
Biscayne Beach Receives TCO But Pushes Back Closings
Image by Jennifer Behar Cervera
It has arrived! Biscayne Beach received its TCO (temporary certificate of occupancy) today, one day after it was expected, according to representatives of the developer. They were expecting the TCO to arrive yesterday, but hey… it arrived on “Miami time” and we are very happy to see this step in the right direction.
Due to disclosure guidelines, the closings are able to begin 10 days after completion. Instead of beginning today, they will now begin May 1. Since the initial TCO is for floors 7-35.
We knew this day was coming soon, and the developers are right on schedule. They had anticipated a late April opening for Biscayne Beach, and here we are. The first closing statements have been sent out for review and closings begin Friday, April 21. The TCO is expected on Thursday, so the developer is really not wasting any time beginning the closings. If the TCO does not arrive on time, the closings will be delayed but we do not anticipate any problems.
Because the TCO has not yet been delivered, we have been unable to preview the finishes and views, but are very excited to do so on Friday when we walk through a unit that we are closing on. This apartment is going to come back to market as a resale and I expect that it will not last long. It is a lovely 2,103 square foot corner apartment on a high floor. There are 3 bedrooms, a den, 4 full baths and is a corner unit. The southeast corner offers south views of the skyline as well as east views of the bay and Miami Beach (the best view offered). You can see the floor plan and more information about the apartment here.
Biscayne Beach was an enormous success for the developers and sold very quickly. I am sure that the buyers will be impressed with how it turns out. We have started a list of buyers and tenants who are interested in the units as they come to the resale and rental market. If you would like to be notified of a particular plan listed for sale or for rent, just reach out.
