International buyers are helping shape South Florida’s real estate story in 2025. Nearly half of the region’s newly built residences are being purchased by buyers from abroad, according to data from the Miami Association of Realtors. The findings come from a study of more than 9,000 residential units across nearly 40 developments in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
This feature was published in Florida Trend, Yahoo! Finance, and the Sun Sentinel, where Eddie Blanco, Chairman of the Miami Association of Realtors, discussed how Miami continues to attract global buyers through culture, opportunity, and long-term stability.
Why Are International Buyers Choosing South Florida?
South Florida offers the perfect mix of stability, accessibility, and lifestyle. The region’s business-friendly climate, lack of state income tax, and warm weather have made it one of the world’s most desirable destinations for investors.
According to the Miami Association of Realtors, international buyers are motivated by political and economic instability in their home countries. Miami offers the opposite: security, property rights, and steady appreciation.
Takeaway: Global buyers view South Florida not just as a vacation destination but as a reliable place to grow and protect their wealth.
How Do Latin American Buyers Shape the Market?
The latest data shows that 86 percent of South Florida’s foreign buyers come from Latin America. Familiarity plays a huge role in that trend.
As Eddie Blanco explained, “Latin American culture is definitely part of the lifestyle here. People are going to feel safe because there’s an alignment. You come here, you speak Spanish, everybody else speaks Spanish. It’s a comfortable place to live, the food, culture, the music, it’s all familiar sounds and taste and smell.”
This sense of comfort, combined with Miami’s economic opportunity, keeps Latin American buyers at the heart of South Florida’s real estate growth.
Takeaway: Miami’s culture, language, and community make it a natural fit for Latin American investors looking for both stability and belonging.
Are Foreign Buyers Slowing Down?
Industry leaders say no. In fact, international buyers are becoming even more active in South Florida’s new development market.
“Contrary to recent headlines, foreign buyers have not only remained active in Miami’s new development market, they’ve increased their presence,” said Alicia Cervera Lamadrid, Managing Partner of Cervera Real Estate.
From a global perspective, Miami remains one of the top cities for wealth migration, consistently ranked among the world’s most popular locations for secondary homes.
Takeaway: International demand for Miami properties continues to rise, reinforcing the city’s position as a global real estate leader.
What About Domestic Buyers?
Domestic buyers are also keeping pace, especially in the new construction market. Newer condos often simplify the buying process since they are not yet subject to older building inspection and reserve requirements, creating a smoother experience for buyers.
Eddie Blanco noted that this convenience, along with modern design and competitive pricing, keeps domestic and international buyers equally engaged in Miami’s growing condo market.
Takeaway: Miami’s real estate boom is being fueled by both local and global demand, making it one of the most balanced and competitive markets in the country.
What Does This Mean for Miami’s Future?
Miami’s transformation from a seasonal vacation spot into a world-class city is now undeniable. Ranked No. 1 globally as the most popular second-home city and No. 4 for ultra-wealthy homeowners, Miami has become synonymous with success, ambition, and lifestyle.
As Eddie Blanco shared, “This is the place to come to if you’re ambitious and you want to grow and you want to make money and you want to have a nice lifestyle. It’s created a brand for itself that way.”
Takeaway: Miami’s reputation as a global real estate hotspot is here to stay, driven by investors who see the city as a long-term home for both their capital and their future.
The Bottom Line
Foreign and domestic buyers alike continue to define South Florida’s real estate market. International investors, particularly from Latin America, are shaping the region’s skyline while reinforcing its position as one of the world’s most trusted and desirable property markets.
As Eddie Blanco and the Miami Association of Realtors emphasize, Miami is more than a real estate destination — it’s a symbol of stability, ambition, and opportunity.
Want to understand how global investment trends shape South Florida’s real estate market? Connect with Stratwell to explore expert insights, data, and opportunities tailored to your goals.