Author: Florida Real Estate News

South Florida’s luxury real estate market demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout 2025, outperforming the broader national market and setting new records, particularly in the ultra-luxury segment. Despite economic uncertainties, high-end properties, especially those exceeding $10 million, saw sustained demand, driven by all-cash transactions and a growing perception of real estate as a stable asset. Key Takeaways The ultra-luxury sector, particularly homes over $10 million, experienced record-breaking sales in 2025. South Florida emerged as a prime destination for high-value transactions, hosting some of the nation’s most expensive home sales. All-cash purchases became the norm, supported by international buyers and strategic price adjustments.…

Hillsborough County commissioners have voted to repeal the HOPE Affordable Housing Act, a move that eliminates millions in annual funding for affordable housing initiatives. This decision has sparked debate among commissioners and community advocates regarding the county’s commitment to addressing the growing housing crisis. Key Takeaways Hillsborough County commissioners voted 5-2 to repeal the HOPE Affordable Housing Act. The act previously provided $10 million annually, reduced to $2 million in recent years. Supporters of the repeal argue funds are needed for other projects, while critics fear it will endanger vulnerable residents. The county plans to allocate the previously designated funds…

Matthew Gardner, chief economist at Gardner Economics, shared his insights into the 2026 real estate market, forecasting a period of increased clarity and moderate growth. After a couple of years marked by remarkably low sales volumes, Gardner anticipates a rebound driven by rising inventory, more realistic seller expectations, and the return of "fence-sitters" to the market. Key Takeaways Increased Sales Volume: Expect a "decent but not huge jump" in sales compared to 2025. Price Normalization: While not a surge, prices are expected to see modest national growth, varying by region. Mortgage Rates: Gardner predicts rates could dip slightly below 6%…

Bain Capital and 11North Partners have jointly acquired a significant portfolio of ten open-air retail centers spanning Florida and South Carolina for approximately $395.5 million. This strategic acquisition underscores the growing investor confidence in necessity-based retail and high-growth Sun Belt markets. Key Takeaways Transaction Value: $395.5 million for ten open-air retail centers. Acquirers: Bain Capital Real Estate and 11North Partners. Location: Properties are strategically located across Florida (Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, Palm Beach) and Charleston, South Carolina. Portfolio Size: Over one million square feet of gross leasable area. Occupancy: High in-place occupancy exceeding 93 percent. Anchors: Seven centers are anchored…

Lakewood Ranch has once again secured its position as the leading master-planned community (MPC) in South Florida, according to RCLCO Real Estate Consulting’s latest report. The community, developed by Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc., achieved the second-highest sales nationwide in 2025, underscoring its continued appeal to homebuyers in the region. Key Takeaways Lakewood Ranch ranked No. 2 nationally for new-home sales in 2025. The community saw 2,210 new-home sales, despite a 6% decrease from the previous year. Florida MPCs represent a significant portion of national sales, accounting for 42% of those in the report. Lakewood Ranch’s National Standing In the 2025 Sales…

A Florida-based vacation rental company, IPG Franchising, and its associated entities are facing a growing storm of complaints and lawsuits from property owners, renters, and investors. The company, which previously operated under names like Island Attitude, has been accused of failing to pay significant sums owed, leading to financial ruin for many and culminating in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. Key Takeaways IPG Franchising and related companies are facing numerous lawsuits and a bankruptcy filing. Property owners and renters claim they are owed substantial amounts of money. Investors who purchased franchises have lost significant investments, with some reporting no communication…

Latin American buyers are significantly driving real estate investments in South Florida, with transactions reaching nearly $400 million in a recent 12-month period. This surge is largely attributed to political and economic instability in their home countries, prompting a search for stable assets in the U.S. market. Key Takeaways Latin American investors accounted for $367 million in South Florida real estate transactions between August 2023 and July 2024. This represents 29% of all foreign real estate investments in the United States. A significant 91% of these buyers acquire property for investment purposes, including rentals. A striking 68% pay in cash,…

Florida has once again cemented its status as a top destination for movers, with eight of the top ten U.S. growth cities located within the Sunshine State, according to the 2025 U-Haul Growth Index. Ocala has reclaimed its position as the number one growth city, a title it also held in previous years. This trend underscores Florida’s continued appeal for those seeking a new place to call home. Key Takeaways Florida cities are leading national migration patterns, with eight in the top ten growth cities. Ocala is ranked as the number one growth city in the U.S. for 2025. The…

Miami-Dade’s commercial real estate sector is demonstrating robust activity, marked by substantial sales and ongoing development. The first half of 2025 alone saw commercial real estate sales reach an impressive $3.4 billion, indicating a strong market appetite for properties across various sectors. This surge is fueled by notable transactions, including significant retail and industrial property sales, signaling continued investor confidence in the region’s economic vitality. Key Takeaways Miami-Dade commercial real estate sales totaled $3.4 billion in the first half of 2025. Significant retail centers and industrial properties have changed hands, reflecting market dynamism. Investor interest remains high, driving both sales…

Palm Beach County is set to experience a significant expansion of its office market with the planned construction of new, modern office towers in both the northern and southern regions. These developments aim to meet the growing demand from businesses seeking suburban locations with high-quality facilities, potentially drawing tenants away from more congested urban centers. Key Takeaways New Class A office towers are planned for Palm Beach Gardens and Boca Raton. Developments cater to businesses seeking modern amenities and suburban locations. Demand is driven by firms looking to relocate from expensive and crowded urban markets. Northern Palm Beach County Development:…