Miami Real Estate Sets Another Record for its Best Sales Month for November in History

Miami Market Update
Miami Market Update

Miami-Dade has seen yet another record smashed for real estate sales this year. November is now officially had its best sales month in history following highest total home sales, highest condo sales, and highest single-family home sells.

As of November, Miami has officially hit 35,961 total home sales with the previous record hitting 30,041 transactions for 2013. Although November has the highest home sales for any November in History, June 2021 is still considered the number one sales month in Miami history. November is ranked the 8th best month overall.

Total home sales for Miami-Dade County rose 22.9% for the month of November to 3,021 sales. This is up from 2,459 sales compared to October sales. Single family home sales have increased 1.2% to 1,168, while condo sales have seen a dramatic increase of 42% at 1,853.

For November, Miami home sales showed an increase at 48.6% compared to November 2019. For home sales, transactions saw a 20.2% increase and a 74.6% for condo transactions compared to November 2019.

Luxury single-family home sales saw an increase in 28.2% at 209 sales for November 2021. While luxury condo sales rose 115.6% at 207 transactions.

As for the Miami home sale supply, luxury single-family home sale are 3.6 months and luxury condos remain at 8.4 months with a trend downward month after month.

Single family homes saw an increase of 15.1% between the prices $400,000 to $600,000 with 405 transaction in November. Condo sales that were in the same price range also saw a 132.6% increase at 321 transactions.

The dollar volume totaled $2.2 billion for November with an increase in single family home volume by 14.9% and condo dollar volume at 92.8%.

For the state of Florida, closed single-family home sales totaled 27,541 bringing the total sales up 4.3% compared to last year. Condo sales are down 5.4% at 11,598 total sales.

Median home sales price rose 19.6% with a median sales price $364,900, while the condo sales price is up 19.9% with units median sales price averaging in $273,270.

Cash sales accounted for 60% of all Miami home sales more than the national average for November 2021. For closed sales, cash represented 38.4% of Miami closed sales. For condo sales, cash represented 46.9% while 24.9% represented single-family home transactions.

The demand for Miami real estate continues to increase. The factors that have caused this increase include travel restrictions being lifted to the states, low interest rates, and lack of covid restrictions.

M Tower Redesign Renderings Revealed

New Renderings for M Tower in Downtown Miami
New Renderings for M Tower in Downtown Miami

Located at 56 SW 1st St and 65 SW 2nd Street, M Tower will rise 49 stories in Downtown Miami. Recently, the developers released renderings for a redesign of the tower. M-Tower will be developed by the Miami Parking Authority and a private developer in a partnership.

The old plans showcased the property reaching 53 stories, 440 condo units, and 818 parking spaces. The tower was proposed to encompass 622,783 square feet total with 25,732 square feet of office space and 1,089 square feet of retail. These previous designs were created by Zyscovich Architects.

The new designs showcase 624 condo units, ground floor retail, offices for Miami Parking Authority, and 717 parking spaces. The architect for the redesign is NBWW Architects located in Coral Gables.

In the previous design, the older garage on the property was to be refinished and incorporate some of the new design but the current plans show an entire demolition of the site with plans to rebuild.

The property that the proposed M Tower sits on sold earlier this year to an affiliate of the Lion Group NYC for $10 million.

If the new redesign is approved by all parties, then construction will begin in 2022.

New M Tower in Miami
M Tower in Downtown Miami

Developers for Legacy Hotel & Residences Receives Third Largest Construction Loan Ever in Florida

Legacy Hotel and Residences Miami
Legacy Hotel and Residences Miami

Developer Dan Kodsi’s Royal Palm Companies recently received a $340 million construction loan for Legacy Hotel & Residences. New York-based real estate lending joint venture Silverstein Capital Partners, provided the loan for a condo-hotel construction tower that will be located in Downtown Miami at Miami Worldcenter.

According to a press release, the financing is the third-largest construction loan ever made in Florida, behind two others for projects in Miami-Dade. The other two loans were for the building of The Estates at Acqualina in Sunny Isles Beach ($558 million) and Five Park in Miami Beach ($345 million).

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 50 stories at 668 feet tall making it the second tallest tower at Miami Worldcener. This mixed-use development will feature 312 residential units, 262 luxury hotel rooms, a business center, medical office, retail space, and 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.

Not only is this loan one of the largest construction loans in Florida but this is also Silverstein Capital Partner’s first South Florida loan. Larry Silverstein of Silverstein Properties is an affiliate of the financial group and also led the development of the World Trade Center after 9/11.

Kobi Karp Architects, Design Agency, and ID & Design International designed the structure.

The ground-breaking for Legacy Hotel & Residences occurred in August 2021 and is expected to reach top-off in 2024.

Legacy Hotel & Residences at Miami Worldcenter

Plans for a 23 Story Tower Proposed in North Miami Beach

Proposed 23-Story Tower in North Miami Beach
Proposed 23-Story Tower in North Miami Beach

Miami-based Humberto Ramirez Developers are currently under contract on a North Miami Beach office building with plans to a 23-story condo-hotel.

Officially scheduled for December 13, North Miami’s City Planning & Zoning Board will be presented the proposal for the tower located at 2040 N.E. 163rd Street. The 1.09-acre site currently holds a 3 story 26,766 square foot office building with a medical practice and a consulting firm as the current tenants. The property is currently owned by North Miami Beach company, 2040 Investments.

Designed by Bermello Ajamil & Partners, the proposed tower would feature 334 condo units, 30 hotel rooms, and a 410-space parking garage (13 electric car spaces) totaling 272,660 square feet. According to the proposed plans, 144 one-bedroom units, 162 two-bedroom units, and 28 three-bedroom units.

The property would also feature 7,328 square feet of retail space. The parking garage would rise 7 stories tall and the hotel rooms would line the front of the garage.

Amenities for this tower would feature a pool deck above the parking garage, game room, and fitness center.

North Miami Beach has adopted revised zoning for its eastern portion in recent years in order to stimulate construction and increased density. The city hopes to attract additional people as well as business development to the region

Introducing the “Sky Collection” at Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami

Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences
Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences

Waldorf Astoria Hotel and Residences Miami will rise 1,049 feet tall making it Miami’s tallest and its first supertall skyscraper. The tower itself offers 100 floors of luxury residences and amenities expanding over 1.5 million square feet vertically.

With nine offset, stacked glass cubes rising over Miami, this tower will be like no other residential project in Miami or in the world. Sieger Suarez, responsible for the Burj Al Arab tower in Dubai, and Carlos Ott, responsible for Echo Brickell, have partnered on the design of this remarkable tower.

Waldorf Astoria Hotel and Residences Miami will feature 361 condo units and 205 hotel rooms. The condo residences will range from 1 to 4 bedrooms (located in cubes 4 through 7), not including the “Sky Collection” or the penthouses.

Until today, the developer of Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami had only released cubes 4 through 7. In a two-part VIP Broker event this afternoon, Cube 8, known as the “Sky Collection”, was unveiled.

Waldorf Astoria Residences Sky Collections Unveiling

The sky collection consists of four units per floor totaling 40 units altogether (floors 80-89), ranging from 2 to 4 bedroom floor plans. The 2 and 3 bedroom units will be west-facing while the 4 bedroom units will be east-facing. The residences will feature 2,465 to 2,575 total square feet including terraces. Sky residences will feature 12-foot ceilings and will have the same finishes as the penthouse residences. Sky collection pricing range from $5 to $9.2 million.

For buyers requiring more living space, Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami will have five, full-floor penthouses, all located in Cube 9 of the supertall tower. Each floor will total 13,155 square feet, including east and west terraces, and feature 14-foot-high ceilings with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The west terraces will include a summer kitchen and plunge pool. Two of the five penthouses have already sold, and the remaining three are asking $40 million.

Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences

Tower Amenities:

  • Peacock Alley
  • True Waldorf Service and concierge
  • Unobstructed views of city and downtown skyline, Miami Beach and the 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
  • A 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

Currently, Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami is 60 percent sold. At today’s VIP broker event, it was announced that full sellout (totaling $1 billion) is expected by March 2022. Groundbreaking is still planned for Q1 2022.

Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Miami

Midtown Miami Development Site Sold to ALMI Residential for Planned 389 Unit Tower

New Construction in Midtown Miami-Midtown 7
New Construction in Midtown Miami-Midtown 7

Midtown Miami has become a hotspot of late with the announcement of a new tower Standard Residences and now the newest tower to be announced Midtown 7.

Plans for Midtown 7 were originally presented to Miami’s Urban Development Review Board in 2016 but were denied due to limited information the Magellan Development Group (original developers) had proposed.

Megellan Development Group had originally partnered with the property owner, Midtown Development in 2016 and 2017. Those plans for the Midtown 7 tower included the development to rise 31 stories, feature 391 units, and 505 parking spaces.

AMLI Residential purchased the 1.85-acre site located at 3001 N.E. First Ave, Miami for $30.5 million. The site is approved for 389 residential units totaling 451,469 square feet. ALMI Residential is considered one of the largest apartment developers in the United States.

In addition to this approval, once the project is complete, ALMI Residential would transfer 28,000 square feet of retail space leasable to Midtown Development. ALMI Residential would have the first right of refusal if Midtown Development decides to sell the space.

Midtown 7 Amenities

  • Concierge
  • Private Pool
  • Covered Parking
  • Secure Entrance
  • 24-Hour Security
  • Gym
  • Social area/ Entertainment room

Alex Vadia of Midtown Development stated, “We’re happy to welcome ALMI to the neighborhood once more. On the ground level, we’ll continue to line Midtown Boulevard with local retailers, lifted by the draw of select national favorites, like Trader Joe’s, which makes the Midtown neighborhood even more walkable and enjoyable for the public.”

Construction is expected to begin in 2022 with an anticipated completion date in 2024.

New 18-Story Residential Tower Proposed in Coral Gables

Regency Residences in Coral Gables
Regency Residences in Coral Gables

The brains behind the development, Armando Codina, said the concept behind this newly proposed tower came to him because he has been wanting to downsize while continuing to live in a high-end luxury apartment without a homeowner’s association.

Codina, Chairman for Codina Partners states that this new development will provide all of the comforts and high-end amenities as the big house he grew up in with his family.

He now seeks approval for this new development concept for the tower Regency Residences. Once complete, he plans on living in the penthouse.

The proposed site for Regency Residences is a 1.75-acre site located at 2601 Salzedo Street in Coral Gables. The property was involved in a land swap with an automotive dealership in April. According to the records, the property was acquired by an affiliate of Codina Partners in Coral Gables, C/LeJeune LLC.

The proposed tower is projected to rise 18 stories tall with 329,197 interior square feet. Included in the square feet is a 4,050 square foot restaurant, 389 parking spaces, and `176 residential units. According to Codina, the residential units may be more or less, depending on demand and floor plans. These units will be referred to as “sky homes.”

Codina originally planned for three condos on the four floors under his penthouse. His most recent statement included Codina possibly leasing each of the floors separately, which equates to 10,000 to 12,000 square feet.

Smaller units will feature 1,500 to 3,000 square feet with 2 to 4 bedroom options. Smaller apartments will be available for building staff.

According to Condina, there will be no short-term leases. Larger apartments will be leased annually or on a multi-annual basis. Long-term tenants who secure a unit early will have input in the design of the units.

Development Information

  • Designer: Coral Gables-based Nicholas, Brosch, Wurst, Wolfe Associates

Amenities

  • Pool deck
  • Resort-style pool
  • Lap pool
  • Two zoom rooms
  • Library
  • Theater
  • Private meeting room
  • Dog spa
  • Fitness center
  • Social room
  • Catering kitchen
  • Summer kitchen

Coral Gables Development Review Committee will meet on October 5th to review and consider plans for Regency Tower. Once approved, the start date for the project is expected to begin in early 2022.

Regency Residences Rendering

Another North Bay Road Mansion Sells for $13.6 Million

North Bay Road Waterfront Mansion
Aerial View of North Bay Road Waterfront Mansion
Photo Credit: Robert Evangelista

North Bay Road mansions have been a hot commodity this year! In January Phill Collins sold his North Bay Road mansion for $39,250,000 and is set to be demolished by buyer Thomas Bravo. In June, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck rented a waterfront mansion for $130,000 monthly. With so much activity, it’s of no surprise how quickly these Miami Beach multimillion-dollar homes sell.

Lawyer Stephen Zack and his wife, Marquerite, also sold their mansion located at 5310 North Bay Road. The couple sold the home for $13.6 million after they originally purchased the home just 3 years ago for $8.5 million. Since 2018, the home has been listed for sale with an original list amount of $21 million.

The buyer for this Miami Beach home is listed in the county records as North Bay Road Developments LLC, a company that is managed by Guillermo Osses, Francisco Perez, and Miguel Yoma.

According to public records, Osses is the Vice President of Atacama 2108 LLC and is also affiliated with 23 other companies. Yoma is the Manager for San Marino Developments. The partners financed the purchase through Terrabank for $6 million.

The magnificent waterfront estate features 8,148 square feet of living space with 6 bedrooms and 6 full and 2 half bathrooms. The Georgian-style home has been remodeled two times, remarkable mansion features a 5,000 bottle wine cellar, pool. jacuzzi, and expansive home theater.

Stephan Zack is a trial attorney and partner at Bois Schiller Flexner LLP. He was also the lead attorney for former Vice President Al Gore in the Florida recount litigation that took place in 2000. During that time, he was an expert witness for voting accuracy. He is also a past president of the Florida Bar Association as well as the American Bar Association.

The Zacks also have a luxury unit located on the 54th floor of the Four Seasons Residences, which they purchased in July for $8.1 million.

Interior of 5310 N Bay Road in Miami Beach
Photo Credit: Robert Evangelista
5310 N Bay Road in Miami Beach
Photo Credit: Robert Evangelista
North Bay Road Waterfront Mansion
Photo Credit: Robert Evangelista

New Restaurant Opens at the Esmé Miami Beach

Mimi's Miami Beach
Mimi's Miami Beach
Photo Credit: Ruben Cabrera

At the boutique Esmé Miami Beach hotel, a new bistro-style restaurant has opened. Replacing the former Latin Cafe 2000, located at 2501 Biscayne Blvd., Miami Beach, Mimi’s will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and will incorporate some of the most bizarre combinations yet tasty egg creations you will probably ever eat.

The former chef of Pao at the Faena House in Miami Beach, Benjamin Murray will be taking over as head chef at Mimi’s. According to Murray, “Miami has become a thriving foodie destination…and with Mimi’s relaxed-casual American classics will be the new spot.”

Mimi’s space was designed by CDK Design’s Cindy Kam, which includes an indoor and outdoor floorplan. The scene is set with a cafe bistro style mixed with industrial decor.

The egg creations include Osstera Caviar, which is considered the most prized and extensive caviar in the world. All of the food items will don some version of the Caviar. Benjamin Murray and Michael Kaplan, owners of Mimi’s, came up with the concept after their opening of Benh Mi, which is another restaurant that connects to the lobby of Esmé Miami Beach.

Breakfast and lunch will be self-service only and dinner, as well as happy hour, is full service. Fresh coffees and pastries are serviced daily at the bakery and a full breakfast menu is served until 8 am. The menu includes signature dishes like egg sandwiches, cured salmon on an everything bagel, burgers, and Binchotan-grilled steak and egg combos.

Signature Breakfast Menu

  • FRIED CHICKEN & WAFFLES
    • Crispy hand-breaded chicken and two malted waffles with maple syrup.
  • STEAK & EGGS
    • 28-day aged 10 oz. USDA Choice New York Strip. Housemade herb butter available upon request. Served with roasted potatoes and two eggs.
  • FARMHOUSE BREAKFAST TACOS
    • Hickory-smoked bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, cheddar cheese, jalapeño, tomato, onion and cilantro in flour tortillas. Served with salsa.
  • BREAKFAST BURRITO
    • Flour tortilla stuffed with braised beef, melted jack and cheddar cheese, scrambled eggs, avocado, tomato, jalapeño, green onion and cilantro. Topped with spicy chipotle sauce and served with roasted potatoes.
  • EGGS & BACON CROISSANT SANDWICH
    • Bacon, two fried eggs, sliced tomatoes, melted cheddar and mayonnaise on a flaky croissant. Served with sliced tomatoes.
  • BROWN SUGAR OATMEAL
    • Rolled oats sprinkled with brown sugar and cranberries, served with milk.

Signature Entrees

  • ROASTED HALF CHICKEN
    • Slow-roasted with housemade herb butter. Served with choice of two sides. (600 Cal)
  • TUSCAN STYLE GRILLED CHICKEN
    • Grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables and artichoke hearts served in a savory sauce.
  • SLOW-ROASTED TURKEY
    • Slow-roasted turkey with gravy, cornbread stuffing and orange-apple cranberry relish. Served with choice of two sides.
  • CHICKEN POT PIE
    • Freshly baked with roasted chicken, peas, carrots, onions and potatoes folded into a creamy herb sauce. Topped with a flaky crust.
  • FRENCH POT ROAST
    • Slowly braised and simmered with carrots, mushrooms and onions. Served on a bed of mashed potatoes.
  • MIMI’S MEATLOAF
    • Our own traditional recipe topped with a red wine shallot sauce. Served with choice of two sides.
  • RIBEYE STEAK
    • 28-day aged, 10 oz. USDA Choice ribeye steak. House-made herb butter available upon request, your choice blackened or grilled. Served with choice of two sides.
  • POT ROAST DINNER
    • Slowly braised and simmered in red wine shallot gravy. Served with choice of two sides.
  • NEW YORK STRIP STEAK
    • 10 oz. USDA Choice New York Strip dry-aged 28 days, blackened or grilled. Housemade herb butter available upon request. Served with choice of two sides.
  • SWEET GLAZED SALMON
    • Grilled and topped with a sweet honey glaze. Served with sautéed vegetables and long grain rice. Blackened or grilled. Served with choice of two sides.
  • BEER BATTERED FISH & CHIPS
    • Hand-battered cod fillets with french fries, coleslaw and tartar sauce.
  • JAMBALAYA
    • Shrimp, chicken and andouille sausage, bell peppers and onions in a French Basque tomato sauce. Served over penne pasta or long grain rice, your choice.