Land Sales Surge in Southeast Florida: A 55% Increase in Q1 2025
The real estate market in Southeast Florida is witnessing a remarkable transformation, particularly in land transactions across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. In Q1 2025, total land sales soared by 55% compared to the previous year, with an impressive 1,512 parcels sold for a staggering $1.85 billion—a 40% increase in dollar volume year-over-year.
Key Highlights of Q1 2025 Land Sales
- Total Land Sales: 1,512 parcels sold, up 55% YoY
- Dollar Volume: $1.85 billion, up 40% YoY
- County Leader: Palm Beach County with $1.025 billion in land sales
County Breakdown
Palm Beach County rose to prominence, accounting for the highest land sales volume at $1.025 billion. Miami-Dade followed with $730 million, together making up 95% of the total dollar volume in land transactions across these counties.
City-Level Insights
At the city level, Homestead, Miami Beach, and Florida City topped the charts, reflecting significant interest from homebuilders and developers. Major players, including D.R. Horton, Lennar Homes, Millrose Properties, and NVR Inc, were among the largest buyers, particularly in Homestead and Florida City.
Affordable Land Prices
The affordability of land in Homestead and Florida City has attracted considerable investment:
- Homestead: Median land sales price at $81/sf
- Florida City: Median land sales price at $44/sf
These competitive prices also extend to the unincorporated areas of Miami-Dade County, with a similar median price of $44/sf.
Breakdown by County
Miami-Dade County
In Miami-Dade County, land sales witnessed a dramatic increase:
- Total Parcels Sold: 692, nearly quadrupling from Q1 2024 (161 parcels)
- Dollar Volume: $730 million, a substantial rise from $260 million last year
The leading cities for land sales were:
- Homestead: 271 parcels
- Miami Beach: 122 parcels
- Florida City: 103 parcels
Broward County
Contrasting the growth seen in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach, Broward County experienced a 26% decrease in land sales, with only 70 transactions valued at $100 million. The cities with the most activity included:
- Fort Lauderdale: 20 parcels
- Pompano Beach: 10 parcels
- Dania Beach: 7 parcels
Palm Beach County
Leading the Tri-County area, Palm Beach County recorded:
- Total Parcels Sold: 750, an increase of 4% from the previous year
- Dollar Volume: $1.02 billion, surpassing Miami-Dade and Broward
Key cities in Palm Beach County included:
- The Acreage: 226 parcels
- Palm Beach Gardens: 148 parcels
- Boynton Beach: 98 parcels
Economic Drivers Behind the Surge
Southeast Florida’s robust economy and population growth continue to fuel demand for land. Between July 2023 and July 2024, the population of Miami grew by 3.5%, significantly outpacing the national average of 1%.
Additionally, Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall has seen the fastest employment growth among U.S. metropolitan areas as of March 2025, particularly in tech and finance sectors.
Conclusion
The substantial rise in land sales in Southeast Florida highlights not just a thriving real estate market but also the region’s economic resilience amid emerging challenges. Developers are increasingly drawn to areas like Homestead and Florida City, where land is affordably priced and ripe for new development.
For those interested in a comprehensive analysis of the Southeast Florida land market, the full Q1 2025 Southeast Florida Land Sales Report can be accessed here.
This article aims to provide insights into the dynamic land sales landscape of Southeast Florida, reflecting on key trends, county performances, and the underlying economic factors shaping this vibrant market. By keeping abreast of these developments, investors and stakeholders can make informed decisions about their real estate ventures.