Groundbreaking Announced for Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami
The Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami, which will be the highest residential structure south of New York City, is scheduled to break ground on October 27th, 2022.
The groundbreaking for the 100-story collection of 9 glass boxes in downtown Miami, is the result of an alliance between the New York and Miami-based developer PMG, the Toronto-based private equity firm Greybrook Realty Partners, and the international hospitality giant Hilton.
The 1,049-foot tower will rise at 300 Biscayne Boulevard, which will be located across from Bayfront Park at the northwest intersection of Biscayne Boulevard and Northeast Third Street.
360 individual homes will be included on the site, along with 205 bedrooms and suites in the five-star hotel.
The building will also contain 1,321 square feet of commercial and retail space, as well as parking for up to 694 cars and 350 bicycles.
The third cube, which is located towards the base of the tower, rotates in response to the pool deck, while the second cube, which is placed further to the east, forms an outdoor dining area for an expensive restaurant. The first cube rotates upward at street level to welcome locals and guests while supporting the entire tower.
Peacock Alley, a specialty restaurant, indoor/outdoor pre-function and event spaces, conference and boardrooms, a resort-style pool deck with private cabanas, a spa, and a fitness facility will all be considered signature areas.
Residences will feature the newest smart home technology with access to concierge services through a personalized mobile app. The app will have a comprehensive list of services, including the ability to make reservations for meals, 24-hour room service, spa and fitness services, house cars, access to valet service, package delivery, and dog walking.
Sales for the project began in March 2021 and sold 75% within the first 9 months. Now the project is sold out! The designer for the project is listed as BAMO.
The price of a residence begins at $1 million, and PMG Residential is in charge of sales and marketing.
Hilton Management Services will be in charge of running the Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami.
Demolition has already begun on the existing asphalt as well as field site borings being completed. Deep Soil Mix permit has been issued and work was started in July 2022.
The tower is expected to be finished in 2025.
If you or anyone you know has an interest in acquiring it, contact Lucas Lechuga via email at lucas@miamicondoinvestments.com or by phone at 786-247-6332.
Miami Condo Investments Celebrates its 15 Year Anniversary
On May 17th 2007, Lucas Lechuga launched one of the most successful condo websites in Miami. With just a desire to bring better user experience, real estate listings, and news, Lechuga has achieved just that and so much more!
Over the years, he was able to develop a way for users to search for their potential properties through alternative methods instead of the traditional zip code searches and he also found a way for consumers to access market statistics without ever having to make a call or enduring tedious research methods.
In 2017, for the 10 year anniversary of the website, the average users ranged from 40,000 unique visitors per month globally from 200 countries. Still pacing as the #1 Miami Condos Website, 2022 brings over 100,000 unique visitors per month globally just through Google.
Not only does Miami Condo Investments offer a unique real estate listing experience, but you can also enjoy new construction tower updates, real-time inventory data, condo ranking system, up-to-date condo tower photos, rentals, and a real estate blog posted daily.
We are also in the process of some new landing pages aiming to be even more user and mobile friendly, searching with specific criteria, and a new mobile app. We will update everyone once we get closer to a launch date.
As far as the team…During our last anniversary, our team included six agents and now our team is growing along with the website. We have reached 9 agents that assist buyers and sellers with all of their real estate needs. We also have 3 office admins, including assistants and marketing pros.
We are so grateful for all of the accomplishments that this website and our team has completed over the past 15 years and we can’t forget about our readers and clients. Thank you so much for allowing Miami Condo Investments to be your most knowledgable partner while navigating the real estate market. We look forward to serving you and Miami the next 15 years!
Miami Real Estate Sales Soar for the 16th Consecutive Month
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.”
Russian Buyer Purchases MarinaBlue Condo with Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency has made headway this past year within the real estate market. To compete with multiple offers or to make offers more appealing, buyers have been utilizing different types of the digital currency.
The digital asset is not only being accepted for real estate transactions but for the purchase of goods and services as well. Miami nightclubs, retail shops, and airlines are starting to accept this form of payment. Other large chain retail stores including Overstock.com, Microsoft, and Home Depot are also on the crypto train.
Within the real estate market, many developers are beginning to accept crypto on their new construction towers. PMG was one of the first developers to begin accepting crypto on their new construction tower, E11EVEN Hotel & Residences. A penthouse at Arte Surfside was also recognized for being one of the largest cryptocurrency transactions ever.
Lucas Lechuga recently closed on a MarinaBlue unit #4803 to a buyer from Russia for $465,000. The buyer purchased the unit using cryptocurrency. The unit itself features 1 bedroom + den, 1.5 bathrooms that offered views of the ocean, downtown Miami, and Biscayne Bay. This unit boasts 10-foot ceilings with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and marble flooring throughout.
This unit is considered the second-highest price sale for a 1 bedroom ever at MarinaBlue.
Floor-to-ceiling Impact-resistant Sliding Glass Doors and Windows
9-foot Ceilings in Most Condos; 10-foot Ceilings starting on the 44th Floor; Lofts with 18-foot Ceilings
Penthouse Units with 20-foot ceilings
Full-size Stackable Washer and Dryers by Frigidaire
European-style Cabinetry and Stainless Steel Sink in Kitchen
Stainless Steel Refrigerator/Freezer, Microwave and Oven/Stove by Whirlpool
Master Bath Features Marble Floors and Double Vanity
Spacious Walk-in Closets
If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing one of the units at MarinaBlue, or any information on the cryptocurrency process, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at lucas@miamicondoinvestments.com or by phone at (786)247-6332.
$12.3 Million Setai Sale Leads Miami Condo Weekly Sales
Sales for Miami-Dade once again surged this past week with the most expensive condo sale closing at Setai Miami Beach. According to the MLS, residential sales totaled $2.7 billion for all of July 2021, reaching 67 percent higher than the previous year.
Condo sales totaled a staggering $148 million compared to last week’s $131 million. The previous week’s volume rose from 208 to a total of 226. The average condo sales price also rose from $632,000 to $640,500.
The most expensive condo sale that occurred was a luxury condo at Setai, which sold for $12.3 million. After 39 days on the market, the unit sold for close to $3,391 per square foot. Our very own, Lucas Lechuga brought in the buyer for this property.
The second-highest and fewest days on the market condo sale occurred at One Thousand Museum for $5.6 million at $1,212 per square foot. This property was on the market for 1 day.
July Sales
Residential sales rose 58% in July with 3,632 closings, which consist of mostly condominium transactions. Single-family sales increased by 15% to 1,373 and condo sales increased by 104% to 2,259 sales.
The luxury market also experienced a leap in sales rising 110% for single-family homes compared to July 2020. For luxury condo sales, an increase of 323% compared to last July.
Shoma Group Buys North Bay Village Land for $15.78 Million for a Proposed Mixed-Use Project- Shoma Bay
Shoma Group, led by CEO Masoud Shojaee has recently purchased a 1.79 acre lot in North Bay Village. The development group purchased the land through two separate deals for a total of $15.78 million.
The lot located at 1850 79th Street Causeway sold for $8.38 million while the lot with a current retail building at 1872 79th Street Causeway sold for $7.4 million. Both properties were purchased with a mortgage through North Bay Finance & Investments.
The plans for the ‘Shoma Bay’ development were presented and approved by the North Bay Village in March 2021. The mixed-use development will house a 19-story tower that will include 333 residential units, 36,068 square foot approved Publix grocery store, 6,315 square feet of retail, and a 666 garage spaces. Ten of the spaces will be dedicated to electric charging vehicles, and the garage will be located on top of the Publix.
The amenities will include a pool, bowling alley, complimentary snack station, wework café, clubroom, and more to be determined.
MSA Architects are the lead designers on this project. MSA have also designed the Waverly at Surfside, Porto Bellagio, and the Marriott Miami Beach.
The Ultimate Market Stat Monday: Downtown Development Authority’s Mid-Year Report
Despite the fact that many media outlets and whispers in the marketplace would leave you to believe that the cards are stacked against us in the Miami condo market, things really aren’t so bad according to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Mid-Year 2017 Report. As they state in the report, “2017 has not been the best of times, but it hasn’t been the worst of times either.”
I have included the full 28 page report below, but also a synopsis…
RENTALS
The report separates the rental market into two sub-categories. Conventional rentals are the rental-only buildings that are all managed by one company. 2017 has brought 969 new rental units to the market, leaving just under 3,600 under construction. The condo rentals are considered shadow inventory since there is no way to tell whether a unit would be a rental, resale, or final sale until after delivery.
Amazingly, despite increased inventory, rental prices have increased slightly in conventional rental communities. I had previously been skeptical about the rental community market with so much inventory going up, but our neighborhood is very attractive and people are flocking in.
The segments of the rental market showing the biggest price gains are 1 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms, showing 3.4% and 3.6% growth since last year respectively. Studios are showing a slight decrease in price, but I suspect that this is due to the fact that tenants who would typically take a studio are now taking one bedrooms. Three bedrooms are less plentiful in the neighborhood, so are almost always a good investment opportunity.
PRE-CONSTRUCTION
The market in new developments is also hanging on. The researchers report that 2016 and 2017 YTD have garnered about 50% of the sales experienced in 2015, which experienced 25%-50% less than 2014. It’s undeniable that things have changed, but we will survive and the projects will be sold.
While the market has slowed markedly, projects that are currently under construction and 55%-60% sold do not seem to be in distress, according to the researchers.
One submarket that could flourish in the upcoming 18 months is the smaller-scale boutique project market. According to the report and our experience, these developments tend to capitalize on infill lots between the larger developments and do very well when the larger buildings slow down.
RESALES
Our resales are facing a tremendous amount of inventory with a 6% decline in overall pricing since last year. From July 2016 to June 2017 there were an average of 99 resales sold. That rate needs to be raised by an additional 500-700 listings sold per month to reach pricing equilibrium.
The conclusion of the report is that because so many new construction projects continue to be delivered and fewer projects are announced, we could see some stability in 2018 if nothing crazy happens.
Market Stat Monday: Almost $50 Million In Contracts Signed Post-Irma
It has been a few weeks now since the skies have cleared in Greater Downtown Miami after Hurricane Irma’s brush, and despite a little bit of flooding and debris, we were very lucky. Now that cleanup is under way, how have the condo sales fared?
Not too bad, if I must say. Despite having only two functional weeks in September, nearly $50 million in resale contracts were signed on 79 total units.
The least expensive listing to find a buyer was at the Loft II Downtown, where a 770 square foot one bedroom was listed for $175,000. Of the 79 units that went to contract, 50 of them were listed for under $500,000. We will find out the final sales prices once they close.
In the luxury segment, there were a total of 6 properties listed over $1 million that found buyers. Among them was the crown jewel penthouse #1 at Asia on Brickell Key. With nearly 5,000 interior square feet through three levels including a dramatic rooftop terrace with a private pool, the sellers had asked $8.5 million, or $1,715/square foot.
Comparing September of 2017 to September of 2016, you will see that 2016 brought both a higher number of transactions as well as a higher volume of listings sold, but not enough to make it an overall better month considering that September 2017 was short due to people being distracted by the hurricane and Hurricane Matthew didn’t brush South Florida until October of last year. September of 2016 brought just over $60 million of listings sold, with 119 total transactions.
To celebrate the end of a successful yet stressful September, let’s check out some photos of that Asia Penthouse!
First Resales At ECHO Brickell Hit The Market
The project is not slated to open until Spring of 2018 (a delay from the previous estimate we were given), but the first resales have begun to sprinkle the market at ECHO Brickell. It is unclear at this point whether the sellers are unwilling/unable to close on their units, or if they had intended to be resales all along. More than likely, they had always intended to be resales as I had heard whispers of similar deals being offered as pocket listings back in 2014… but here we are.
The project is slated to be among the most luxurious addresses in the neighborhood, joining the ranks of the Jade Residences at Brickell Bay, Santa Maria and the Four Seasons, only with the latest security technology including robotic parking and biometric recognition access in the elevators and amenities. There will also be a 50,000 gallon fish tank to greet guests in the lobby (thankfully not the James Bond Villain-esque shark tank initially proposed). Here are the details of the first three available resales…
Lower Penthouse 4902
On level 49, the floor plates have slimmed down considerably with the architectural curve toward the top of the building and there are only two residences per floor. These are also considered lower penthouses. They each have 3 bedrooms plus a den, 3.5 baths and a gorgeous view of South Brickell, the Biscayne Bay and the sunset over Coral Gables. The view is quite spectacular, I wish that my photos had turned out better when I previewed this plan back in January, but the building was still too much of a construction site on this level.
What I find to be very interesting is that LPH 4902 is being offered as a resale for $4.95 million, yet the developer is offering LPH 5002 for $6.5 million. They have the same layout aside from 5002 being slightly smaller and higher. I have reached out to the developer’s office to see what sorts of customizations they have added to 5002 and will report back once they respond.
Residence 3802
In the middle section of the building, there are four residences per floor and the 02 line in this section is actually my favorite layout of all the units in the building. It is a 2 bedroom, 3 bath layout with a large den near the third bedroom that is large enough to serve as a convertible guest room. The plan has 1,802 interior square feet, a great use of space (in my personal opinion) and is on the southeast corner, offering bay and South Brickell skyline views.
This one is being offered for $3.2 million. The developer is no longer carrying any of these floor plans, but this pricing is not far off from where it was when they were.
Residence 1004
The one bedroom plans at ECHO Brickell sold out almost immediately when they came to the market in late 2013/early 2014. On these floors, there are six units per floor and 1004 is located on the southeast corner. From the 10th floor, the view will be overlooking the treetops and buildings of South Brickell, which gives a park-like feel. It will be especially nice in the summertime, when the Royal Poinciana trees are in full bloom, lighting the street up with a canopy of red flowers. It is being offered for $892,000 and has 804 interior square feet.
Remaining Developer Inventory
As I mentioned before, the developer is still carrying a handful of residences, mainly highly customized plans including duplex lofts, panoramic residences that are combinations of several units and penthouses. The remaining developer inventory ranges in price from $1.9 million for a 2 bedroom on a high floor with sunset views, to $42 million for the opulent Carlos Ott Penthouse.
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?
