New Report Shows Miami as the Most Competitive Rental Market in the United States

Rental Market
Rental Market

Renting is at its greatest level in fifty years, with almost 44 million American households renting. However, some renters found it difficult to find a new place to call home in 2022, particularly in the highly sought-after South Florida region, which has long been a popular relocation destination for individuals from all over the country.

Additionally, in the past two years, more people have relocated to the Sunshine State as a result of laxer rules and the growing use of remote work. As a result, migrants found themselves in a competitive market with local residents looking for units, making Miami-Dade the most popular rental market in the country.

RentCafe.com examined the 135 biggest U.S. markets examing five crucial metrics that include the number of days apartments were vacant, the percentage of occupied rentals, the number of prospective renters, the percentage of rental renewals, and the share of apartments completed for the year.

The largest metro areas in Florida opened new apartments this year more quickly than any other city in the nation. However, this was still insufficient to meet the rising demand in such a well-liked location.

Due to record-high occupancy and high lease renewal rates, Miami had the hottest rental market in the United States. Numerous Millennials and even members of Generation Z who wanted to work and live in the Sunshine State were drawn due to a number of factors, including the absence of a state income tax, the business-friendly environment, and the thriving tech scene.

Renters in Miami are in a very difficult situation because practically all units are occupied, especially since 75% of apartment residents choose to stay put this year. As a result, Miami’s rental apartments were full in 25 days on average, with a record-breaking 32 renters competing for each available property. Additionally, despite the metro area’s stunning 2.8% rise in apartment supply in the first half of the year (the highest growth rate among the top 20 cities in the ranking), the high demand for rentals is still far from being satisfied.

Notably, the city’s favorable business environment, which draws corporate relocations and expansions, maybe the cause of this demand. Orlando is also a member of the Florida High Tech Corridor, which attracts business people, students, and young professionals.

Florida welcomed the newest residents between 2020 and 2021, according to the US Census Bureau (220,890 people looking to escape high taxes and frigid winters in the North). Arizona (170,307) and Texas (170,307) were much behind it (93,026). And even while developers are hard at work constructing apartments all around Florida, the supply of recently created rentals is just insufficient to meet the soaring demand for housing.

Legacy Hotel and Residences Construction Update

LEGACY TOWER

Legacy Hotel and Residences at Miami Worldcenter has recently completed the foundation pour making it one step closer to going vertical.

LEGACY TOWER

Legacy Hotel & Residences began selling in late 2019 and despite the pandemic, it is already entirely pre-sold, with $160 million in sales.

The luxury tower located at 942 Northeast First Avenue, will rise 55 stories making it the second tallest tower at Miami Worldcener. This mixed-use development will feature 310 residential units, 219 luxury hotel rooms, a business center, a medical office, retail space, and a rooftop atrium.

The residences will include studio to 2 bedroom floor plans with 368 to 964 square feet options. The units will be fully finished and furnished. One of the unique things about Legacy is that residents will be able to rent their units without any restrictions. This includes utilizing a short-term rental company, whether its the Legacy’s rental program, Airbnb, or VRBO

In December 2021, the developers for Legacy secured the construction financing marking it as the third-largest construction loan ever made in Florida at $334 million.

Construction is anticipated to be complete in 2024.

Legacy Hotel and Residences Construction

Miami Real Estate Sales Soar for the 17th Consecutive Month

Miami-Dade County Real Estate Sales Soar
Miami-Dade County Real Estate Sales Soar

According to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), Miami-Dade County real estate achieved its best-ever February sales month as existing condo transactions climbed by double digits for the 17th consecutive month, following the historic January 2022 and 2021 year sales.

Total house sales in Miami-Dade County increased 13.2% in February 2022, from 2,485 to 2,814. Due to low availability, Miami single-family home transactions fell 7.9%, from 1,093 to 1,007 units. Existing condo sales surged jumping up 29.8%, from 1,392 to 1,807, marking the 17th consecutive month of double-digit year-over-year condo gains.

Home sales were much higher in February 2022 compared to February 2020 with total house sales up 51.1% compared to February 2020, from 1,862 to 2,814. Miami single-family house sales are up 13.9% while condo purchases are up 84.8% from January 2020.

Miami luxury condo sales are up 45.4%, with mid-market transactions ranging from $400,000 to $600,000 on the rise. In addition, Miami’s existing condo luxury ($1 million and more) sales increased 45.4% year on year to 237 deals.

Miami single-family houses valued between $400K and $600K climbed 24.7 percent year over year in February 2022, with 389 sales. Miami’s existing condo sales in the $400K-$600K price range surged 101.8 percent year over year to 345 deals in February 2022.

Single-family home inventory fell 29.3 percent year on year in February 2022, from 3,128 active listings the previous year to 2,212 this month. Condominium inventory fell 55.1 percent year on year to 5,272 from 11,735 during the same time in 2021.

Months’ supply of inventory for single-family homes has been decreasing since July 2019, suggesting high demand. Months of inventory for single-family homes fell 39.3 percent to 1.7 months, indicating a seller’s market. Existing condominium inventory fell 74.5 percent to 2.6 months, indicating a seller’s market. A balanced market between buyers and sellers provides six to nine months of supply.

The total number of active listings at the end of February 2022 fell 49.6 percent year on year, from 14,863 to 7,484.

In February 2022, Miami-Dade County single-family median prices grew 19.1 percent year over year, rising from $450,000 to $536,000. The median price of a single-family home in Miami has climbed for 123 straight months (10.25 years), the longest unbroken stretch on record.

Year over year, the median price of existing condos grew by 26.7 percent, from $300,000 to $380,000. The median price of a condo has risen in 125 of the previous 129 months.

Mortgage rates have typically been low, making house purchases more accessible. The average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage was 3.76 percent in February, up from 3.45 percent in January, according to Freddie Mac. The overall commitment rate for 2021 was 2.96 percent.

Miami real estate is attracting several bids, with buyers willing to pay above the asking price. In February 2022, the median percent of the initial list price obtained for single-family houses was 98.7 percent, up 1.5 percent from 97.2 percent the previous year. For existing condominiums, the median percent of the original list price obtained was 97.8 percent, up 3.7 percent from 94.3 percent last year.

Miami cash sales accounted for 75.6 percent of all sales in February 2022, which is much higher than the national average. In February 2022, cash transactions accounted for 43.9 percent of Miami closed sales, up from 35.8 percent in February 2021. According to the most recent NAR figures, cash accounts for around 25% of all house sales in the United States.

Cash sales made up 53% of all existing condo sales in Miami and 27.5 percent of single-family purchases.

Miami Real Estate Sales Soar for the 16th Consecutive Month

Miami Real Estate Sales for January 2022
Miami Real Estate Sales for January 2022

According to the MIAMI Association of Realtors and the Multiple Listing Service, Miami-Dade County real estate extended its record run of house sales with its best-ever January sales month, as existing condo transactions climbed for the 16th consecutive month.

The record-breaking 2021 included the greatest annual total dollar volume, all-time year total house sales, most single-family home sales, most condo transactions, and the highest number of cash transactions. Now, 2022 brings its best January sales month in history.

Homes sales rose 19.6% in January from 2,211 to 2,645. Single-family home transactions increased from 968 to 1,008 transactions at about 4.1%. Condo sales saw a higher increase at 31.7% from 1,243 to 1,637 transactions. This marks the 16th month of double-digit condo gains.

Compared to last January, home sales are up 42.4% from 1,857 to 2,645 with single-family homes at 13.6% and condos at 68.8%

Luxury condo sales also surged at 69.9% compared to last January at 192 transactions. Single-family luxury homes rose 20.4% at 201 sales.

Median-priced Single-family homes between $400-$600k rose 31.3% to 386 transactions for January. Condo sales in that same price range rose 98% with 303 sales in January.

Inventory decreased for both single-family homes and condos. Single-family homes decreased by 9.1% while condos decreased by 3.6%.

Median family homes sale prices increased 10.8% in January. Single-family home prices rose for the 122 consecutive months while condo prices increased for 124 consecutive months.

Total dollar volume hit $2.1 billion in January with single-family home volume increased 16.7% while condo volume increased 56.2% for January.

The sales percentage of Miami out preforms the Nation while in state, single-family home sales increased 1.4% in January 2022. Condo sales increased 6.7% in January 2020.

Single-family median sales percentages reached 98.1% for January 2022. The median sales percentage for condos increased by 3.2% compared to last year’s median sales percentage.

Cash sales in Miami make up 40.1% of real estate transactions, which is 48.5% more than the national average for January 2022. Cash sales made up of 49.4% of condo transactions while 25% of the single-family transactions were in cash.

According to the Miami Chairman of the Board, Fernando Arencibia Jr. stated, “The demand for Miami real estate has never been higher from both domestic and global homebuyers. Major U.S. companies opening HQs in Miami, surging domestic and global migration to South Florida, a larger percentage of Florida residents in their prime home-buying years, the expansion of remote work, low mortgage rates, Florida’s low taxes, relaxed Covid restrictions, South Florida’s healthy lifestyle and more have each played roles in Miami’s booming sales.”

Another Record Breaking Quarter for Miami Dade Real Estate with the Second-Highest Quarterly Home Sales in History

Miami Dade County Real Estate
Miami Dade County Real Estate

The Miami-Dade County real estate market is still on fire and we have the numbers to prove it. According to the Miami Association of Realtor’s, Miami-Dade County real estate has yet again broke another record for second-highest quarterly Home sales in 2021 quarter three. After last quarter’s record-breaking sales, this is of no surprise.

Sales, once again home sales have surged with a 35.5% increase compared to this time in 2020. Real estate sales are currently at 9,962 for this quarter with last year at 7,351. Single-family real estate transactions rose 2.2% (3,923 transactions) from last year with condo sales increasing by 72% (6,039 transactions).

Total home sales also jumped 40.2% from quarter 3 of 2020 at 9,962 transactions. It’s a large win for luxury condo sales with a sales increase of 199.1% with 643 transactions. Luxury single-family home sales increased at 67.3% for quarter three.

Median home prices have also increased for single-family home by 19% from $420,000 to $500,000 and condo median prices increased at 26.9% from $264,000 to $335,000.

Cash sales increased for Miami by 67.4% higher compared to the national figure. For closed sales, cash represented around 38.5% of those sales. This was a large increase compared to 2020 at 27.3%. For Miami condo sales, cash sales represented 47.1% and 25.1% for single family transactions.

Lack of inventory has been a continued barrier in the current market with single-family homes representing about 2.2 months of inventory and 4.3 months for condominiums. These numbers represent a strong seller’s market. Single-family home inventory decreased by 26.8% while condo inventory decreased by 43.1% compared to quarter two.

There are many variables to the continued increase in real estate sales. That includes low interest rates, restrictions lifted from traveling overseas, and lower pandemic restrictions in Florida have all aided in the surge of the real estate market.

U.S. Lifts Restrictions for International Travelers November 8th-Will this Change the Miami Real Estate Market?

International Travel for Miami Can Commence
International Travel for Miami Can Commence

Since the pandemic, the Miami condo market has flourished with record-breaking sales, massive tech companies making moves to Miami, and new developments being announced every day. One of the biggest variables that South Florida has always counted on was the international buyers, but due to travel regulations, foreign buyers have dwindled.

In the past 12 months, homes sales for international buyers have dipped to 31% making it the lowest since 2011, with Florida having the most sales to foreign buyers. Although Miami has seen a surge in condo sales this past year, the majority were domestic buyers.

With President Biden’s announcement of lifting travel restrictions for foreign travelers from certain areas in Canada and Countries in South America, this is big news for the real estate market itself. Beginning November 8th, vaccinated travelers can resume travel into the United States. With this, we can expect to have an increase in international buyers.

According to the Miami Chairman of the Board (MIAMI Association of Realtors), Jennifer Wollmann, with international travel resuming in the United States in November, the expectation is that foreign home buying will grow in the coming months.

According to Biz Journals, elections in Peru and Colombia are soon and South Florida may see an influx in buyers from those areas. The Senior Vice President of the Related Group, Eric Fordin has stated that he was surprised at the number of international buyers taking an interest in the District 225 project. According to Fordin, the new construction tower has over 100 buyers that are from Colombia.

Even with the increase in new construction towers, inventory remains at an all-time low for single-family homes and condominiums. Currently, there are only 631 condos in new or under construction remaining unsold.

According to The White House press release, there will be a second phase to requirements for all inbound foreign travelers in January 2022.

Miami Dade County Breaks More Records for Home Sales in September 2021

Miami Dade Record Sales
Miami Dade Record Sales

Home sale records continue to be crushed month over month for Miami-Dade, marking its best September sales in history and setting the bar for the most condos sold in a year’s time. The previous annual record was 17,142 in 2013, while the current condo sales have equaled 17,942 with only 3 months to go!

According to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), homes sales for Miami Dade have risen 20.2% at 3,031 transactions. This is up from the 2,521 transactions that occurred in 2020. Simultaneously, we saw a dip in single-family home sales at 3.6% at 1,241. This may be due to the lack of single-family home inventory. Condo sales have exponentially increased at 45.2% at 1,790 for September.

According to the Miami Chairman of the Board Jennifer Wollmann, with international travel resuming in the United States in November, the expectation is that foreign home buying will grow in the coming months.

Miami is also on track to have its best year ever for single-family home sales. For September, single-family home sales have increased by 35.3% at 3,031 total transactions.

Miami condos sales have increased by 45.2% in September with major increases in pricing for properties over $250,000.

Luxury sales have also been in the records spotlight with a 31.4% increase with 209 sales for September. For properties $1 million and up, sales have increased 96.5% at 167 transactions. Currently, there is a 3.9 month of supply for luxury single-family homes and a 9.4 month supply for luxury condos.

Single-family home pricing falls between $400,000 to $600,000 increasing by 27.4% higher than September 2020. Condo sales also saw a heavy rise at 161.1% with sale prices between $400,000 to $600,000.

Inventory has decreased for both single-family homes as well as condominiums. Inventory single-family homes decreased by 42.1% since 2019. Condominiums have decreased from 68.8% since 2019 as well.

Single-family home median prices have increased by 11.5% from $435,000 to $485,000. Condo median prices have increased by 24.5% from $265,000 to $330,000

Miami-Dade cash sales are up by 62.2% and represent 37.3% of Miami’s closed sales in September. According to statistics from the National Association of Realtors, almost 23% of all United States home sales are cash. Cash sales count for 45.9% of Miami condo sales with 24.9% for single-family sales.

You Can Now Buy Two Arte Surfside Condos for 560 Bitcoin

Arte Surfside Accepts Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin has become one of the ultimate currencies in Miami. Now more than ever, consumers are able to utilize crypto for food purchases, nightclubs, and real estate. Arte Surfside completely revolutionized the real estate market by being one of the first developments in Miami to begin accepting Bitcoin for their luxury condos.

The developers for Arte Surfside currently have two luxury units for sale for a combined price of $31 million or 560 bitcoin. According to the developers, Alex Sapir and Giovanni Fasciano have stated that offers can be made in either bitcoin or ethereum.

According to Sapir, “We were overwhelmed by the amount of calls we received from qualified buyers just after announcing our ability to facilitate cryptocurrency transactions for the condominiums at Arte. Real-world crypto transactions haven’t made their way fully into the mainstream yet, so it’s clear that top holders around the world pay attention when new opportunities to transact open up.”

One of the crypto units at Arte is listed at $18.95 million and features 6,982 square feet of living space. The second unit is listed at $11.9 million and is around 3,500 square feet. These incredible units boast oceanfront views, wraparound terraces, large walk-in closets, and high-tech entry access.

Building amenities include an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, full-size tennis court, state-of-the-art gym, yoga studio, sauna, catering kitchen, and white-glove butlers.

Arte Surfside Amenities:

  • A 75-foot indoor swimming pool
  • An outdoor swimming pool, sundeck, and poolside cabanas
  • Rooftop tennis court
  • State-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio
  • Sauna and steam room
  • Tranquil meditation pond
  • Children’s playroom
  • Residents’ lounge with billiards and catering kitchen
  • Temperature-controlled parking spaces

Arte Residence Features:

  • Expansive terraces clad in travertine with ipe decking
  • Gracious kitchens featuring Poliform cabinetry, Italian marble countertops, and Gaggenau appliances
  • Sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean

In June, a penthouse in Arte sold for a record-breaking $22.5 million in crypto. The type of cryptocurrency for this sale was not released. With more developers jumping on the crypto train, we can expect in the future that digital currency will eventually play a larger role in the real estate market and potentially affect how we make offers for our buyers and negotiate for our sellers.

Arte outdoor swimming pool
views of ocean from Arte pool deck

Miami Real Estate Breaks Another Record for August 2021

Record Breaking August 2021 for Miami Dade County
Record Breaking August 2021 for Miami Dade County

The Miami-Dade real estate market keeps smashing records over and over! For August 2021, a new record was set for the most homes sold in a quarter for Q2 in 2021. In April alone, we saw the best sales month in the history of Miami Dade county. Now, another record was set with the best August sales month in history!

There are multiple reasons for these records breaking, which include companies and executives moving their businesses to Florida in the masses, lower taxes than other states, record-low mortgage rates, and reduced covid restrictions.

Total homes sales surged 30.6% for August 2021 with an increase to 3,299 from 2,527 properties in 2020. There was a slight decrease in sales for single-family homes at 3.5% sliding from 1,357 to 1,309 from August of last year. However, we did see a 70.1% increase in condo sales from 1,170 to 1,990 compared to last year.

All price ranges have also increased for August 2021, especially in the $300,000 and higher range. The median sales price for single-family homes is up 20.3%, placing the average price at $500,500. Condo median prices are also up from the previous year from $265,000 to $335,000.

Insufficient inventory has also impacted sales. We have seen less inventory specifically for single-family homes which has decreased by 27.4% for August 2021 and 41.9% for condominiums.

Single-family luxury homes have also increased by 68.8% with 258 sales than 2020. Luxury condo sales increased by 217.1% with 222 sales.

Total volume for Miami-Dade real estate reached $2.5 billion in August 2021, with single-family homes increasing from 37.4% at $1.4 billion. Condo volume also increased from $490.8 million to $1.1 billion, at 129.2%.

Cash sales have also played a huge role in transactions. Buyers are paying cash at asking or over asking prices for listings. Cash sales represented 38.9% of all closed transactions for August. Cash sales accounted for 47.6% of condo sales and 25.8% of single-family sales.

Miami is on track to have its best year in sales for condos and single-family transactions ever. Within 8 months, total sales have already surpassed 2020’s numbers at 26,931 from 26,345 (2020). The highest year for sales in Miami was in 2013 at 30,041 total transactions.

Total Number of Transactions Increased for this Week’s Miami Dade Condo Sales

Miami Dade Weekly Condo Sales September 12th-18th
Miami Dade Weekly Condo Sales September 12th-18th

Over the past few weeks, we have seen a steady incline in overall condo sales including volume and number of sales. This is of no surprise with the increase of companies, execs, and people taking up residency in Miami-Dade County.

Coming in at $123 million, this week’s condo sales volume increased from $85.3 million in the week prior. The total number of sales has risen to 198 for this week, up from 128.

The average price for condo sales reached $622,000 which has actually decreased from $666,000 then the week prior.

Leading this week’s condo sales in a luxury unit at Continuum South Beach that sold for $8 million or $2,708 per square foot. This luxury property located at 100 S Pointe Dr. Unit #3507 was sold to tech entrepreneur Hari Ravichandran, who is the CEO of Jump Ventures and Aura.

Last week’s highest condo sale was lead by Lucas Lechuga (Luxe Living Realty-Miami Condo Investments) with the sale of a Setai Miami Beach condo that sold for $12.3 million.

The sale coming in second includes a luxury unit at Palazzo Della Luna on Fisher Island. The property sold for $7.5 million or $2,045 per square foot and was on the market for 324 days. Luxe Living Realty’s Dora Puig represented the seller.