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.

Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner Make a Move to Miami with a Purchase of an $11 Million Waterfront Mansion

Nick Jonas and Sophie Turner
Nick Jonas and Sophie Turner

Joe Jonas and his wife Sophie Turner are the newest celebrity couple that has made the move to Miami along with countless others.

Their recent purchase of a waterfront property located at 4400 Island Road in the Bay Point Community, sits directly on a channel leading to Biscayne Bay. The couple paid $11 million for the 6 bedrooms, 8.5 bathroom estate.

This unique property was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, an American architect who has designed over 1,000 structures over his 70-year career. This specific estate was designed with harmonic accents while incorporating outdoor aesthetics. The Island Road mansion utilizes indoor gardens, a koi pond, and a grand salon with 30-foot ceilings to create a tranquil ambiance.

Over the years, this home was renovated with no expenses spared in the designs. Walking through, you’ll find Calcutta baths, Ornare closets, a sauna, gym, and steam room. Other features include a climate-controlled wine cellar and gorgeous cherry hardwood floors. The home also features a 10-foot pool, 94 feet of water frontage, and a boat dock.

The home was previously owned by Cuban-American musician Willy Chirino. Chirino is a Miami native and began his artistic career in Miami, releasing his first album in 1974. Since then, he has recorded over 20 albums and was nominated for multiple awards in 2007 at the Latin Grammy Awards. Chirino sold the home in 2014 for $4.2 million.

According to county records, the current sellers are Luis Arguello Jr. and Sylvia Chamorro. Arguello is the chairperson and CEO of DemeTech, a Miami-based maker of surgical sutures, mesh, and bone wax.

Joe Jonas is known as an American singer-songwriter and boy band member of the Jonas Brothers who debuted in 2006. Their band split in 2014. In more recent years, Joe has reunited with the Jonas Brothers and has created songs that we all know and love, including What a Man Gotta Do, Cake by the Ocean, and Sucker. Joe married Sophie Turner in March 2021.

If you’ve watched Game of Thrones, you know that Joe’s wife, Sophie Turner doesn’t need an introduction. From 2011 to 2014, she played the very difficult role of Sansa Stark. Game of Thrones was her first television role at the age of 14. Her career also placed her in other movies including X-Men, Barely Lethal, and The Prince. She has also modeled for Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

The couple listed their Enchino, California mansion in June for $16.8 million. Their home is still on the market.

This Bay Point community has seen a lot of activity in recent months with a former Goldman Sachs exec purchasing a waterfront mansion for $11.3 million and a record sale of $17.4 million in May 2021.

4400 Island Rd, Miami, FL 33137
Photo Credit: Dina Goldentayer

Hedge Fund Manager Purchases Coconut Grove Waterfront Mansion for $19 Million

3503 Main Lodge Drive in Coconut Grove
3503 Main Lodge Drive in Coconut Grove
Photo Credit: Toni Schrager

Heath Freeman, the Managing Director for a New York-based hedge fund management company (Alden Global Capital), recently joined the Miami luxury real estate market craze. According to county records, Freeman purchased in the gated community of Camp Biscayne of Coconut Grove.

Freeman, also known as the “Hedge Fund Vampire,” received his name from his company’s aggressive and savvy business strategy. This strategy included buying companies, making aggressive budget cuts while laying off its employees.

These companies mainly included media outlets and many have criticized Freeman’s tactics. Alden recently purchased Tribune publishing, a parent company for the Chicago Tribune, and the Sun Sentinel in May for $633 million.

Freeman purchased the waterfront mansion located at 3503 Main Lodge Drive for $19 million while financing $12.4 million through Wells Fargo. The estate was originally built in 2004 and featured a 12 seat theater room, gym, game room, elevator, and an 8-car garage.

Over the years, the 6 bedrooms, 6 bathroom property received renovations and increased the size to 9,700 square feet. The estate features 1 acre packed with wonderful amenities including soaring windows, Italian Marble and hardwood flooring throughout, an expansive eat-in kitchen, library, and a full guest suite.

Camp Biscayne Mansion
Photo Credit: Toni Schrager

The bayfront estate also features a 200-foot boat dock, white sandy beach, 60-foot pool, with tropical foliage covering the property to create optimal privacy. The neighborhood itself features 18 homes in the private Camp Biscayne neighborhood. Camp Biscayne is located near Mr. C Miami, Two Park Grove, and Grove at Grand Bay.

Coconut Grove Mansion Theater
Photo Credit: Toni Schrager

The seller of the Camp Biscayne property, David Ivler President of a Miami-based drone manufacturer, purchased the home in 2004 for $1.5 million and later deeded it to his wife in 2007. The property was originally listed for $22 million in March 2021.

Other waterfront homes in Miami have also sold for elevated prices including Spencer Kupferman, CEO of PKWare, purchasing $12.75 million estate while the previous owner paid $3.6 million.

On Hibiscus Island, Andrew Mirmelli purchased a waterfront mansion for $21 million and re-listed it for $30 million. Gloria Estefan also sold their Star Island home for $35 million in July 2021 to rapper Diddy. Lea Black of the Real Housewives also sold her waterfront mansion on Star Island for $34 million.

Waterfront Mansion in Coconut Grove
Photo Credit: Toni Schrager
Dock and Yard Views of Coconut Grove Mansions
Photo Credit: Toni Schrager

Nicky Jam Purchases a One Thousand Museum Luxury Condo for $6 Million

Nicky Jam
One Thousand Museum Unit 1602
Photo Credit: Darin Feldman

Nick Rivera Caminero, also known as Nicky Jam is an American singer, actor, songwriter, and rapper. He is best known for hits “Travesura,” “Te Busco,” “El Amante,’ and ‘En la Cama.”

He is especially known for his fast-paced reggaeton compositions mixed with his romantic lyrics. He has collaborated with many well-known artists including Daddy Yankee, Ozuna, Plan B, and Anuel AA. Nicky has also won 20 Billboard Latin Music Awards and 1 Latin Grammy Award.

More recently, Nicky has made Miami home, with the purchase of a luxury condo at One Thousand Museum in the Park West subdivision of Miami for $6 million. The unit features 4,600 square feet of living space with 4 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and staff quarters. This specific unit stretches over a half-floor

This incredible unit boasts all of the finest finishes including Sub-Zero, Duravit, Apure lighting, Gaggenau, Dornbracht, and Crestron. Nicky will enjoy stunning Biscayne Bay, park, and Miami skyline views from all areas of the unit.

Miami-Dade country records show the property was sold by Green House Domestic Holdings Four LLC., managed by Humberto C. Bethencourt. Bethencourt is listed as the President of R&A Consulting & Investments, Inc. The property was last sold in 2019 for $4.54 million.

One Thousand Museum was designed by the late Pritzker-winning architect Zaha Hadid and developed by Louis Birdman, Gregg Covin, Kevin Venger, and Regalia Group.

One Thousand Museum is the first residential development in South Florida to have its own rooftop helipad, making it possible for residents to travel to nearby islands, private and commercial airports, and private yachts at a moment’s notice.

One Thousand Museum Amenities

  • Spacious fitness center with state-of-the-art strength and cardio training equipment
  • Spa with private treatment rooms, steam and sauna rooms, plunge pools, and relaxation lounge
  • Multimedia theater for private movie screenings, lectures, and presentations
  • Sun & Swim Terrace with pools, lounge chairs, cabanas, and poolside towel service
  • Aquatic Center with indoor, infinity-edge pool
  • Private dining room
  • Triple-height event space overlooking Biscayne Bay
  • Private rooftop helipad
  • Specialized security and valet personnel
  • Full-service concierge
  • Bank-quality vault with individual safe deposit box for every residence

One Thousand Museum Residence Features

  • Custom Italian cabinetry by Poliform
  • Fine quartz countertops by Silestone
  • Induction cooktop, oven, steam oven, microwave, dishwasher, and integrated coffee maker by Gaggenau
  • Refrigerator by Sub-Zero
  • Faucets and fixtures by Dornbracht, Duravit, and MTI
  • Interior doors by Lualdi Porte with door handles designed by Zaha Hadid
  • Custom-designed, Italian-made walk-in closets
  • Extensive state-of-the-art home automation by Crestron, allowing residents to control a range of in-residence applications including lighting, heating, air conditioning, audio, video, window treatments, and security
  • Oversized terraces
  • East-to-west flow-through floor plans

Current notables that live at One Thousand Museum include David and Victoria Beckham and David Grutman.

These unique and luxurious units range from $4.95 million to $20 million and with the popularity of the luxury condo market, the inventory has become limited. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing one of the One Thousand Museum Residences, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at 786-247-6332.

Interior at One Thousand Museum
Photo Credit: Darin Feldman
Master Bathroom View of One Thousand Museum Unit 1602
Photo Credit: Darin Feldman
Views from One Thousand Museum
Photo Credit: Darin Feldman

Former Linebacker for the Miami Dolphins Sells Miami Beach Home for $6.25 Million

Miami Dolphins
535 Nautilus Ct, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Photo Credit: Julian Cohen

Orlandus Andre Branch III is a former outside linebacker for the Miami Dolphins, who played from 2016 until his retirement in 2019. Branch recently sold his mansion for $6.25 million after purchases in 2019 for $2.8 million. What an investment!

Located just a couple blocks from Biscayne Bay in the Nautilus neighborhood at 4535 Nautilus Court in Miami Beach. The modern mansion features 6,000 square feet of professionally designed living space.

The 6 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom new construction home features European oak and marble floors throughout and high-end kitchen appliances. The home is completely finished with a steam room, media area, and tall ceilings throughout.

Family Room of Miami Beach Mansion
Photo Credit: Julian Cohen

The exterior is perfect for entertaining with an expansive backyard with lush Florida landscaping featuring an outdoor kitchen, oversized terraces, pool, and jacuzzi. The mansion is perfectly located near South Beach, Bal Harbour, and the Design District.

According to Miami-Dade tax records, the home closed on September 3rd, to buyers Bryant M. Yunker Jr. and wife Nancy. Bryant is a retired Wall Street Broker. The Yunker’s also own Sway Lounge, located in Naples, Florida.

This property is the highest-priced sale for a non-waterfront home in the Nautilus neighborhood. This record-breaking sale is just one of the many that have occurred in Miami in 2021.

In July, a waterfront mansion sold as the highest-priced home sale ever in all of Miami-Dade. Bay Harbor Islands also had a record-breaking sale of $12.75 million on a recent waterfront home, making it the highest-priced sale in all of Bay Harbor. Our very own, Lucas Lechuga, also sold one of the highest-priced condo sales for the month of August 2021 at Setai South Beach for $12.3 million.

Miami Beach Mansion
Photo Credit: Julian Cohen
Professionally Landscape Yard of 4535 Nautilus Court
Photo Credit: Julian Cohen

Phil Collins’ Former Miami Beach Mansion set to be Demolished

Phil Collins
Phil Collins

Orlando Bravo, managing partner at Chicago-based private equity, Thomas Bravo purchased Phil Collin’s waterfront mansion in January 2021 for $40 million. Since then Bravo has been working with the City of Miami Beach Design Review Board on plans to submit blueprints for a new construction home.

The existing property located at 5800 North Bay Road features 12,153 square feet of living space including 7 bedrooms, 8 full baths, and 3 half-baths. The property also features a pool overlooking the water, a koi pond, and an expansive jacuzzi.

The 200 feet of Biscayne Bay frontage makes this location ideal with a large boat dock. The home was built in 1929 and was expanded in 1986 as well as 1987. The main house was again altered in 1991 and 2006 with kitchen and bathroom updates. The property sits on 1.2 acres of unobstructed Biscayne Bay views.

Bravo plans to replace the home with a more modern-style mansion with a tropical garden surrounding it. The new residence’s main house would include 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, a formal living room, a family room, a dining room, a movie room, and a wet bar. The residence’s 2 car detached garage would host the staff’s quarters, 2 separate suites as well as 2 home offices. The property will keep the current dock and pool but there will be an outdoor kitchen/barbecue area, spa, and gym.

Not only did Phil Collins own the property but Jennifer sold it in 2005 for $13.9 million. According to the Wall Street Journal, the property is being demolished due to the home having issues with flooding.

Waterfront Mansion Purchased by Miami Beach Investor at $21 Million – Lists the Property for $30 Million

Hibiscus Island Homes
Hibiscus Island Homes

Andrew Mirmelli, the owner of M&M Parking Management services and Investor, is now betting on the hot real estate market. With the recent purchase of a waterfront home on Hibiscus Island at $21 million, Mirmelli just relisted the property for a cool $30 million just a few days after closing.

Hibiscus Island Mansion Overlooking Biscayne Bay
Photo Credit: Julian Johnston

The luxury waterfront property shows the previous owner as Sweet Gift LLC, a company owned by Abelardo Monroy. The home located at 432 South Hibiscus Drive features 6,090 square feet of living space, 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and a 3 car garage.

Hibiscus Island Mansion
Photo Credit: Julian Johnston

The property was built in 2001 on just under half an acre. The design of the home showcases a Mediterranean style throughout with neutral colors easily flowing from one room to the next. Expansive windows and tall ceilings provide endless natural light and views that can only be found on Hibiscus Island. The property also includes a custom pool, outdoor kitchen, and private boat dock with a lift.

432 Hibiscus Drive Kitchen
Photo Credit: Julian Johnston

Hisbiscus Island not only features unique luxury estates, but also offers gorgeous waterfront views, 24-hour security, and a family-oriented community center/park. Boating is a prime hobby on Hibiscus Island. With a lack of fixed bridges, boats of many sizes gain access to private boat docks throughout the island. This island is also close to South Beach and downtown Miami, making it a prime location to enjoy all that Miami offers.

This luxurious estate was previously sold in 2013 at $8 million. The owner has also listed it for rent at $130,000 monthly. Mirmelli recently sold a lot in downtown Miami to developer Moishe Mana. Mana paid $12.4 million for the lot which he plans to build a mixed-use development for offices, residences, and hotels.

Hibiscus Island Mansion
Photo Credit: Julian Johnston
432 Hibiscus Drive on Hibiscus Island
Photo Credit: Julian Johnston

Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Receives Official Approval for Demolition

Waldorf Astoria Miami Rendering
Waldorf Astoria Miami Rendering

The Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Miami will rise 100 stories at 1,049 feet tall making it the “highest skyscraper south of Manhattan.” In June, the developers launched Waldorf Astoria’s official sales gallery located at 400 Biscayne Bay, right across from the construction site.

Waldorf Astoria has received official approval to begin clearing the site. According to the Miami Building Department, the demolition permit was submitted in early June 2021 and officially approved on August 4, 2021.

Waldorf Astoria Miami stacked cubes building

Clearing the actual 5,000 square foot site is estimated to cost around $30,000. The developer is working with The BG Group for demolition.

The developers include PMG with Sieger-Suarez Architects are the designers for the project. This tower will be truly one-of-a-kind with a unique design featuring 9 stacked glass cubes offsetting each other as they go vertical. Design interior created by BAMO design firm.

Waldorf Astoria Miami above the clouds

Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences will rise 1,049 feet tall and will feature 360 condos, 205 hotel rooms, and suites.

Tower Amenities:

  • Peacock Alley
  • True Waldorf Service and concierge
  • Unobstructed views of city and downtown skyline, Miami Beach and Atlantic Ocean
  • Waldorf Astoria immersive resort-style pool with outdoor café and private cabanas
  • Private Bar/ Wine Tasting Room
  • Signature Restaurant
  • All-Day Dining Brasserie
  • Pre-function and function spaces
  • Meeting and boardrooms
  • Waldorf Astoria Kids Club
  • 24-hour valet parking
  • Signature spa
  • Leading-edge fitness center with private training studios

Residential Amenities:

  • 24-hour doormen and lobby desk attendants
  • Private porte cochère with 24-hour valet service and private residential entry
  • 24-hour concierge services in addition to dedicated on-site professionals
  • Live-in resident manager and 24-hour security
  • Front-door package and service delivery via signature Concierge Closet
  • Owners Lounge with high ceilings
  • Billiard and entertainment room with panoramic bay views
  • Designed for private functions and equipped with adjacent catering kitchen
  • Private residential pool deck with whirlpools with lounging areas
  • Exclusive Waldorf Astoria Miami access and benefits, including preferred spa and restaurant rates and access to à la carte hotel services

Property Markets Group, Greybrook, and Hilton are also partnering on the project. The groundbreaking is still planned for the beginning of 2022.

New Tower-Ambienta Coral Way Receives Official Design Approval

Ambienta Coral Way in Miami
Ambienta Coral Way in Miami

On Wednesday, Ambienta Coral Way received official design approval to begin the $20 million condominium project. Ambienta Executive Vice President Carlos Balart met with Miami’s Urban Design Review Board to discuss the design and construction approval.

Ambienta Coral Way will rise 8 stories on the corner of Coral Way and Southwest 31st Road, just steps from local restaurants, nightlife, and shopping. This development will also include two retail spaces including a restaurant.

Ambienta Developers, a Chile-based development company, is responsible for Ambienta and Revuelta Architecture International is behind the design. Revuelta is also responsible for the designs of Brickell Flatrion and Santa Maria. This is Ambienta Developer’s second project, with their first being Ambienta Bay Harbor in Bay Harbor Islands.

The 79 unit tower will feature floorplans ranging from 1 to 3 bedrooms with 600 to 1,200 square feet of living space. One and two bathroom options are available. Pricing for Ambienta Coral Way will start at $390,000 and continue to increase based on floor plans and finishes.

Development Amenities:

  • Gym
  • Party Room
  • Pool with cabanas
  • Outdoor kitchen
  • Kitchen facilities
  • Waterfront spa
  • Sauna
  • Picnic Area
  • Club Room
  • Valet
  • Deeded Beach Access

This development will replace two existing apartment buildings. Pre-sales are anticipated to begin later this year, with construction beginning in early 2022. Construction is expected to be completed by late 2024. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Ambienta Coral Way, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at  [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.

Gloria Estefan Sold Star Island Mansion for $35 Million

1 Star Island Drive in Miami
Star Island homes in Miami Beach

The Miami luxury real estate market is hot! It is so hot, that multiple real estate records have been broken in the last few months for Miami-Dade. Just last month, a luxury mansion sold for the highest price sold home in all of Miami-Dade history at $65 million.

1 Star Island Drive in Miami
Photo credit: Jill Eber with Coldwell Banker Realty

Bay Harbor Islands also had a record-breaking sale of $12 million just last week, making it the highest sold home on all of the 2 islands. We are seeing more and more luxury residential homes sell than ever in the past few years and now we can add Gloria Estatfan’s mansion to the list!

Kitchen at 1 Star Island Drive
Photo credit: Jill Eber with Coldwell Banker Realty

Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio sold their Star Island Mansion for $35 million at the end of July. The buyer for this property is unknown but according to tax records, the buyer is listed under an LLC managed by Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group.

The gated waterfront mansion located at 1 Star Island Drive features a main house as well as a guest house situated on 1.3 acres of bliss. The two-story main house boasts 3 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, rich hardwood and marble floors throughout, arched doorways, and a large refined kitchen with remarkable ocean views.

Star Island Miami
Photo credit: Jill Eber with Coldwell Banker Realty

At the front of the property is the separate 3 bedroom, 2.1 bathroom guest house. The grounds also feature a pool/spa, private boat dock, tropical foliage, and palm trees providing plenty of privacy. Sean “Diddy” Combs is also the neighbor of this gorgeous estate.

Gloria and Emilio first purchased the home for $1.84 million in 1993. The property has been on and off the market since 2015 at $40 million but the last list price in 2020 was $27.9 million.

Although their house sold, they will reside in their primary home which is reported to be within proximity to Star Island.

Star Island in Miami
Photo credit: Jill Eber with Coldwell Banker Realty