South Florida has emerged as the country’s leading region for all-cash home purchases, with West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale dominating recent rankings. A new report highlights how affluent buyers continue to fuel the local real estate market, defying the national slowdown in cash transactions.
Key Takeaways
- West Palm Beach leads the nation for all-cash home sales, at over 47% of transactions.
- Miami and Fort Lauderdale also rank among the top areas for cash purchases.
- Experts cite the influx of wealthy, out-of-state buyers as a main driver.
- The trend persists even as the national average for all-cash purchases declines.
South Florida’s Surging Cash Purchases
A real estate study has revealed that nearly half of all home sales in West Palm Beach during December 2025 were all-cash transactions—a significantly higher share compared to the national average of 29%. Miami and Jacksonville tied closely, while Fort Lauderdale also made the top tier, underscoring the broader strength of the cash-buyer segment in the region.
This prevalence stands out even as the overall percentage of all-cash purchases has dipped nationally since peaking in 2023. In contrast, Florida continues to buck the trend, with six of the top ten metro areas for cash sales located in the state.
Why Cash Buyers Dominate the Market
Experts point to several factors for the large share of cash buyers in South Florida:
- Influx of Wealth: Many buyers relocating from costlier markets like New York and California are selling their properties at high prices and buying homes outright in Florida.
- Business-Friendly Environment: Florida’s tax policies and lifestyle appeal attract high-net-worth individuals who opt to pay cash rather than take on mortgages.
- Second-Home Demand: Seasonal buyers, often uninterested in financing, boost cash transaction rates for condos and vacation properties.
These trends are further cemented by ongoing migration and the continued movement of wealth to the region. For those purchasing a second or third home, mortgage financing is often not considered worthwhile or even necessary.
Latest Data From Local Counties
Recent data from early 2026 shows the persistence of this all-cash trend in key South Florida counties:
| County | All-Cash Condo Sales (Change YoY) | All-Cash Single-Family Sales (Change YoY) |
|---|---|---|
| Broward | Slight Increase | Small Decline |
| Palm Beach | Slight Increase | Sharp Increase |
| Miami-Dade | Slight Increase | Sharp Increase |
This table illustrates that, while some fluctuation exists, the overall rate of all-cash purchases in the tri-county area remains elevated, especially for condominiums.
What This Means for Homebuyers and Sellers
South Florida’s all-cash dominance gives buyers with liquid assets a distinct negotiating advantage, often making financing offers less attractive. Sellers, meanwhile, are more likely to accept cash deals due to reduced uncertainty and quicker closings.
With the region maintaining its status as a prime destination for affluent buyers, experts believe South Florida’s all-cash home market will stay strong—even as the rest of the country cools.
Sources
- West Palm Beach, Miami lead nation in cash home sales, Sun Sentinel.