Miami Luxury Real Estate 2025: Cash Remains the Rule in an Ultra-High-End Market

In an article published yesterday, Realtor.com highlighted a striking reality in Miami’s upscale real estate market: cash continues to dominate luxury home transactions, especially at the highest price tiers. This pattern underscores a unique dynamic where financial flexibility—more than ever—drives market strength and seller confidence in the region.

Key Insights from Realtor.com:

• All-cash transactions are now the norm in Miami’s luxury segment:
  • Homes priced between $1M–$5M see 53.5% cash sales.
  • Properties above $10M are purchased with cash nearly 59% of the time.
• Ultra‑luxury condos and homes are overwhelmingly cash purchases:
  • 83% of condos priced over $2,000 per square foot sold for cash.
  • 79% of high-end single-family homes were cash transactions.
• Transaction volumes have soared compared to pre-pandemic levels:
  • Condo sales over $2,000/square foot increased 631%.
  • Single-family luxury sales are up a staggering 1,200%.
• Miami’s luxury listings are booming:
  • The metro area had nearly 50,000 active listings in July, with over 20% priced at $1M or more—far above the national average of 13.8%.
• Sellers are showing unusual patience:
  • Luxury homes linger longer—median days on market: 96.5 days, longer than in markets such as New York or Los Angeles.
  • Many sellers opt to delist rather than lower prices, maintaining confidence in Miami’s cash-rich buyer pool.
• The role of international and cash buyers is pivotal:
  • High-net-worth individuals from around the world look to Miami as a safe, desirable investment—favoring speed, convenience, and privacy over financing.

Market Implications & Context

These all‑cash trends reinforce Miami’s reputation as a global luxury real estate powerhouse—especially when viewed alongside broader market dynamics:

• Miami is among a handful of metros with year-over-year home price declines, yet the luxury segment remains resilient.
• Delistings remain elevated, reflecting strategic pricing confidence among sellers—even amid cooling demand. Miami had 27 delistings per 100 new listings in May—one of the highest rates nationwide.
• Gables Estates in Coral Gables recently overtook Beverly Hills as the most expensive U.S. neighborhood, highlighting Miami’s growing muscle in ultra‑luxury markets.

Top 5 Mainland Miami Preconstruction Condo Development Most Likely to Break $4,000 Per Square Foot

Earlier this week, I reported that One Park Grove became the first mainland Miami condo development to break the $3,000 per square foot threshold for resales (not including pre-construction contracts)—and it did so not once, but three times in the past 12 months. That milestone signaled a shift in the pricing power of Miami’s mainland luxury market, one that many thought was still years away.

Now the question becomes: what’s next? Which upcoming developments have the potential not only to follow in One Park Grove’s footsteps, but to push values into uncharted territory above $4,000 per square foot on the resale market?

While there’s no way to know for sure (preconstruction contracts aren’t publicly recorded until closings occur), here are the Top 5 mainland Miami preconstruction condo developments most likely to break $4,000 per square foot once they deliver and resales begin.

1. St. Regis Residences Brickell

As one of the most anticipated launches in Miami, the St. Regis Residences Brickell checks nearly every box for record-breaking resale potential. Set on a prime waterfront site with private, gated access, the project pairs a world-class location with the cachet of the St. Regis brand—long synonymous with ultra-luxury hospitality.

Brickell, Miami’s financial district, continues to attract global wealth, and this development’s combination of exclusivity, waterfront views, and brand prestige make it a strong contender to cross the $4,000 per square foot line.

2. Four Seasons Residences Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove has quietly emerged as Miami’s hottest neighborhood, with recent sales at One Park Grove proving just how high values can climb. Enter the Four Seasons Residences Coconut Grove, set directly across from Regatta Park, Dinner Key Marina, and Biscayne Bay.

Anchored by the prestige of the Four Seasons brand, the residences deliver sweeping water views of Biscayne Bay alongside Regatta Park and the marina, all within Coconut Grove’s highly walkable setting—an ideal formula for top-dollar resales. If One Park Grove can set new records, Four Seasons Residences Coconut Grove may be the project that takes the next leap.

3. The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami

Brickell Key is one of the most unique enclaves in all of Miami, and The Residences at Mandarin Oriental will rise on the last remaining waterfront lot there. With unmatched exclusivity, panoramic views, and the pedigree of the Mandarin Oriental brand, this project offers buyers a rare opportunity to own in a setting that cannot be duplicated.

That combination of scarcity, branding, and location could easily propel resales into the $4,000 per square foot range, especially as international buyers continue to favor turnkey, waterfront branded residences.

4. Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami

While not waterfront, Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami brings something entirely different to the table: height and history. Rising 100 stories, it will be the tallest skyscraper in Miami and the first supertall tower south of New York City.

As the first Waldorf Astoria branded residences in the city, the tower will redefine Miami’s skyline and create a true architectural icon. For collectors of rare, trophy properties, its cachet could easily translate into resales well above $4,000 per square foot.

5. 888 Brickell by Dolce & Gabbana

The final entry on this list is 888 Brickell by Dolce & Gabbana, a bold new development that will stand as the tallest tower in Brickell (tied in height with Waldorf Astoria) and the first branded residence by the Italian fashion powerhouse.

While not on the water, its height, branding, and ultra-luxury positioning could attract global buyers seeking something unique. In a competitive luxury market, 888 Brickell’s mix of design, fashion, and visibility make it one of the strongest contenders to cross the $4,000 per square foot mark on resales.

Final Thoughts

The mainland Miami luxury condo market has already entered a new era, with One Park Grove proving that $3,000 per square foot is not only possible but repeatable. Looking ahead, the next great milestone will be $4,000 per square foot on resales—and these five projects are best positioned to get there first:

• St. Regis Residences Brickell – waterfront exclusivity, St. Regis prestige
• Four Seasons Residences Coconut Grove – Grove location, Four Seasons brand
• Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami – last Brickell Key waterfront site
• Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami – Miami’s first supertall skyscraper
• 888 Brickell by Dolce & Gabbana – tallest in Brickell, iconic fashion brand

In a city defined by constant reinvention, it’s only a matter of time before one of these towers rewrites the record books.

Miami Tops Altrata’s 2025 Report as the Global Epicenter for Ultra-Wealthy Second Homes

According to Altrata’s newly released Residential Real Estate 2025 report, Miami has officially cemented its position as the top destination in the world for ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals seeking second homes. With over 13,200 UHNW individuals owning secondary residences in the Magic City, Miami now outranks all other U.S. cities—including New York and Los Angeles—in this category. Globally, it ranks #1 as the most popular second-home destination for the ultra wealthy, a testament to its rising global status and appeal among elite buyers.

Several factors continue to make Miami an irresistible draw for the ultra-wealthy. Florida’s tax-friendly policies—particularly the absence of a state income tax—have long made Miami a haven for wealth preservation and strategic investing. But beyond financial benefits, Miami offers a lifestyle that few global cities can match. Its year-round sunshine, vibrant arts and culture scene, thriving culinary destinations, and pristine beaches combine to create an ideal environment for both full-time living and seasonal retreats. Furthermore, Miami’s geographic location and international airport offer unmatched access to Latin America, Europe, and key financial hubs, making it a practical and prestigious base for international UHNW individuals.

The report also places Miami among the top five cities worldwide in total UHNW residential footprint, alongside global heavyweights like London, Hong Kong, New York, and Los Angeles. This reinforces a growing trend: the ultra wealthy are increasingly viewing Miami not just as a vacation destination but as a cornerstone in their global real estate portfolios. As the global UHNW population is projected to grow by more than 33% over the next five years, Altrata anticipates that demand for high-end residential real estate will follow suit—and Miami is poised to absorb a significant portion of that surge.

For Miami’s real estate professionals, developers, and investors, the data presents clear opportunities. Demand is expected to skyrocket for luxury condos, waterfront estates, and gated communities—particularly in neighborhoods like Miami Beach, Brickell, Coconut Grove, and Coral Gables. New development projects that prioritize privacy, design sophistication, top-tier amenities, and global branding will have a distinct edge in this new landscape. Additionally, marketing strategies must be tailored to UHNW sensibilities, highlighting security, exclusivity, and long-term asset value.

Looking ahead, Miami’s luxury real estate market is entering a new era of international significance. With the UHNW population projected to grow rapidly and Miami emerging as a clear favorite, we can expect a rise in upscale development, increased buyer competition, and a greater emphasis on properties that deliver both lifestyle and legacy value. For agents, investors, and developers, now is the time to double down on Miami’s unprecedented momentum.

The Residential Real Estate 2025 report from Altrata doesn’t just confirm what many in the industry already suspected—it quantifies it. Miami isn’t just hot. It’s global, it’s elite, and it’s leading the charge in the future of luxury residential real estate.

Miami Luxury Real Estate Nearly Doubled in Value Over the Past Five Years, Knight Frank Report Reveals

Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2025 reveals that Miami has emerged as one of the top-performing luxury real estate markets globally, outpacing nearly every other major city outside Dubai. The report highlights that a $1 million investment in Miami’s prime residential market in January 2020 would have grown to $1.9 million by January 2025, reflecting a remarkable 90% increase in value.

This explosive growth underscores Miami’s evolution into a magnet for global wealth—driven by favorable tax policies, an influx of remote workers, and high-net-worth individuals seeking lifestyle, climate, and investment advantages. The report notes that Miami, along with Palm Beach and Aspen, has benefited from “super-charged growth” as global wealth becomes increasingly mobile.

Over the past five years, geopolitical upheaval, the COVID-19 pandemic, and shifting economic patterns have redefined global property markets. Yet, amid that uncertainty, Miami has thrived. The city’s robust performance aligns with broader global trends noted in the report: luxury real estate continues to be viewed as a cornerstone of both wealth preservation and growth, with 44% of global family offices planning to increase their real estate exposure over the next 18 months.

What’s driving Miami’s continued ascent? According to the Wealth Report, it’s a confluence of factors:

• Affluent migration from high-tax states like New York and California.
• Lifestyle shifts accelerated by remote work, making Miami an appealing primary residence.
• Limited supply of prime properties in coastal neighborhoods.
• Strong interest from international buyers, particularly from Latin America and Europe.

With Miami forecasted to continue its upward trajectory in 2025, the city remains a beacon for luxury property investment. Whether as a primary residence, second home, or long-term investment, Miami continues to prove its value to the world’s wealthiest investors.

International Finance Exec Pays $110 Million for Vacant Land on Indian Creek Island Next to Jeff Bezos

A 1.84-acre vacant lot located at 9 Indian Creek Island Road has sold for $110 million, making it one of the highest land-only residential transactions in Florida history. Originally listed for $200 million, the parcel is located within Indian Creek Island, the ultra-exclusive enclave in Biscayne Bay often referred to as “Billionaire Bunker,” and is directly adjacent to Jeff Bezos’ Miami mansion.

When the property was first listed, speculation swirled that Jeff Bezos would ultimately be the buyer, given his recent acquisitions on the island. However, it has since been confirmed that the buyer is an international finance executive, not Bezos. The newly sold parcel sits directly next to two of the Amazon founder’s properties.

Jeff Bezos’ Indian Creek Island Acquisitions

Since 2023, Jeff Bezos has purchased three properties on Indian Creek Island, totaling 5.52 acres of waterfront land at a total cost of $237 million. Two of the parcels are adjacent; the third is located elsewhere on the island.

Notable Indian Creek Island Sales (2020–2025)

Below is a list of the most significant residential sales on Indian Creek Island within the past five years, including verified sale prices, lot sizes, and buyers:

Total Value of Notable Sales (2020–2025): Approximately $457 million

Indian Creek Island: The Crown Jewel of South Florida Luxury Real Estate

With only 41 estate lots, a private 18-hole golf course, its own municipal police force, and a single guarded bridge, Indian Creek Island offers unrivaled privacy and exclusivity. The man-made island in Biscayne Bay is home to some of the world’s most powerful and recognizable figures—from CEOs and celebrities to royalty and former heads of state.

As Jeff Bezos continues to grow his presence and history-making deals like the recent $110 million land sale make headlines, Indian Creek Island remains the gold standard of ultra-luxury real estate in the United States.

Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami-A $50 Million Penthouse Epitomizing Luxury and Investment Potential

In the heart of Miami, an architectural masterpiece rises, setting a new benchmark for luxury living and investment opportunities. The Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami, an iconic structure unparalleled in its design, has unveiled its crown jewel: a $50 million penthouse located in its ninth cube. This penthouse doesn’t just offer a residence; it offers a statement, positioning its inhabitants atop the highest residential edifice south of the Big Apple.

This penthouse is more than just a living space; it’s a testament to opulence and strategic investment. Spanning 13,119 square feet, it boasts features that cater to the discerning tastes of hedge fund magnates: a private gym for those early morning workouts, a theatre for private screenings, a wine room showcasing the world’s finest vintages, and a library that can double as a space for strategic meetings. The 360-degree views encompassing Miami Beach, Downtown Miami, and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean are bound to inspire and invigorate its residents.

The penthouse’s design is both lavish and functional, with six spacious bedrooms, nine state-of-the-art bathrooms, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. The primary suite is a haven, complete with luxury walk-in closets and Italian-crafted marble-finished vanities. The flexibility to tailor spaces, be it a personal gym or a contemporary kitchen, adds a personal touch, ensuring that each resident’s unique needs are met. The renowned design firm, BAMO, has lent its expertise to the interiors, ensuring that every inch exudes sophistication.

The Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami itself is a marvel, with its nine offset glass cubes enveloped in a shimmering “glass skin.” This 1,049-foot tower will house 360 private residences, alongside 205 guestrooms and suites that form part of the luxury hotel. The hotel’s signature spaces, private amenities, and the renowned Peacock Alley of the Waldorf Astoria brand are all housed within the first three cubes. The visionary design was a collaborative effort between Sieger Suarez Architects and the illustrious architect Carlos Ott.

For those who seek exclusivity, the tower offers a plethora of amenities. From a resort-style pool deck, holistic wellness spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center to an owners-only lobby and bar, every detail has been meticulously curated. The integration of the latest smart home technology via a dedicated mobile app ensures that residents have access to a myriad of services at their fingertips, from spa reservations to dog walking services.

Hilton Management Services, known for its commitment to unparalleled service, will manage the Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami. This ensures that both residents and visitors experience the epitome of luxury and world-class experiences.

If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.

Cher’s Former Miami Beach Mansion Hits the Market

What was once the iconic pop star, Cher’s, former Miami Beach residence, is now on the market at $42.5 million. Located at 46 La Gorce Circle, this waterfront mansion is currently owned by Canadian investor James Eaton and his wife, Cecily. Only three years ago, the couple paid $17 million for the house.

Cher originally bought the estate in 1993 for $1.5 million to use as her private residence, but she only lived there for three years before selling it to Calvin Klein co-founder Barry Schwartz for $4.4 million.

The estate offers 150 feet of Biscayne Bay frontage and sits on three-quarters of an acre. Built in 1953, the home offers six bedrooms, six full bathrooms, and an indoor courtyard expanding over 12,000 square feet. The exterior space includes a 50-foot-long pool, a pool house, a hot tub, a cold plunge, and an outdoor shower.

The 77-year-old pop sensation Cher is best known for her work on hit songs like “Believe” and “If I Could Turn Back Time,” as well as for her roles in films like “Moonstruck” and as one-half of the well-known combo Sonny & Cher. Although her activity in the entertainment industry has decreased, she just introduced a gelato line.

Cher is in the process of selling some of her other real estate investments. She recently put her Malibu home—which she has owned since before her stint at La Gorce Island—on the market for $85 million last year. She paid $3 million for the site in 1989 and then built the 13,000-square-foot mansion on it, slashing the price this year to $75 million.

Jeff Bezos Buys Waterfront Mansion on Indian Creek Island for $68 Million

Third-richest man in the world and billionaire Jeff Bezos reportedly paid $68 million for a waterfront mansion on Miami’s Indian Creek Island. An organization that bought the demolished home at 11 Indian Creek Island Road was controlled by the founder of Amazon.

Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sánchez, a former news reporter, and pilot, were searching for a new or restored property in the Miami region. He probably began looking for a home when in Miami in May for the Formula One Grand Prix. Given that he has looked at residences on La Gorce Island, Star Island, and North Bay Road in Miami Beach, he might potentially be prepared to buy additional properties.

The home was originally built in 1965 with some additional renovations completed in 1985. The home features 9,300 square feet of living space with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms on 2.8 acres. According to tax records, the sellers are listed as hotelier Tulia Soucy de Gonzalez Gorrondona.

Other notables on Indian Creek Island include hedge fund manager Eddie Lampert, businessman Carl Icahn, Tom Brady, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, musician Julio Iglesias, and auto dealer magnate Norman Braman.

David Guetta is also under contract to purchase the beachfront spec home at 37 Indian Creek Island Drive, which has a $69 million asking price.

Miami Beach’s Star Island is Now Ranked as the Nation’s Highest Priced Neighborhoods

Miami Beach’s exclusive Star Island has taken the top spot among the most expensive areas in the country, surpassing Port Royal in Naples, FL, Beverly Hill’s Gateway, and Trousdale Estates in Beverly Hills. In 2022, the price of the typical home sold on the island was $40.2 million, an increase of $16.7 million and 71% from 2019 when it was $23.5 million.

Ken Griffin, the founder of Citadel and a heavyweight in the hedge fund industry, has spent a total of $170 million over the past few years buying a collection of five houses on the island. Griffin made a big impression when he paid $75 million for a 1993 demolition on 1.8 acres at 8 Star Island Drive. At the time, the sale broke a record for Miami-Dade County single-family home sales, but Griffin is no stranger to shattering records.

Griffin also bought the nearby 10 Star Island for $25 million, 11 and 12 Star Island Drive for about $37 million, and 13 Star Island for $32.5 million in an off-market purchase. Also, he was the owner of 14 Star Island, which he acquired for $24 million in 2020 and reportedly traded for 13 Star Island for $18.5 million with former New York Yankee and real estate mogul Alex Rodriguez.

Griffin is not the only well-known investor who has bought and sold on the Island. Stuart Miller, the executive chairman of Lennar, paid $33 million for the old 4 and 5 Star Island Drive owned by Thomas Kramer, which marked the beginning of a protracted series of deals on the renowned island. With Todd Michael Glaser, Stuart Miller created an extravagant model home at 22 Star Island that was designed by DOMO Design and sold for $49.5 million in an off-market transaction managed by David Solomon and David Miller.

The owner of the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies, Robert Pera, purchased the 1.9-acre property next door from Miller in 2019 for $25 million. A contentious 28,000 SF seaside home with a basketball complex is being built by Pera. Marc Iacovelli sold the historic Carl Fisher estate at 46 Star Island Drive to Roger and Sloan Barnett for $39 million on the other side of 22 Star Island. On the island, Shay Kostiner recently sold his vacant lot at 44 Star Island for $10 million, while Anthony Hsieh, the founder and CEO of LoanDepot, just paid $30 million to purchase 34 Star Island Rive.

Just over the MacArthur Causeway from Fisher Island’s entrance and Miami Beach’s South of Fifth district, the gated Star Island has long been one of Miami’s most sought-after neighborhoods. The Army Corps of Engineers constructed the island in 1922 as part of a dredging project, and Carl Fisher turned it into an island for the affluent and well-known. Celebrities and billionaires like Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Philip Frost, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Alex Rodriguez, Stuart Miller, and Vladislav Doronin currently reside on the island.