South Florida’s real estate boom shows no signs of slowing, according to industry leaders at The Real Deal‘s recent South Florida Real Estate Forum. Despite rising costs and limited inventory, the region continues to attract investors and residents, distinguishing itself from other major U.S. markets.
The two-day forum, hosted at Mana Wynwood on November 6-7, drew an impressive crowd of over 6,000 real estate professionals and featured more than 50 speakers across 80 exhibitor booths. The event showcased the enduring strength of South Florida’s real estate market, even as other regions face significant headwinds.
Industry Leaders Take Center Stage
The forum’s star-studded lineup included several notable speakers:
- WeWork founder and billionaire Adam Neumann discussed his new venture, Flow, revealing stronger-than-average NOI growth in their rental properties
- Douglas Elliman’s newly appointed CEO Michael Liebowitz made his first major public appearance
- Terra CEO David Martin shared insights on government relations and development strategies
- Celebrity brokers Ryan Serhant and Pam Liebman hosted exclusive VIP breakfasts
Market Insights: Challenges and Opportunities
Multifamily Sector
Miami Worldcenter’s master developer, Nitin Motwani, maintains an optimistic outlook on apartment rental growth in South Florida. However, developers acknowledge current market realities:
- Rent growth has plateaued due to substantial new inventory
- Construction costs are outpacing inflation
- Higher interest rates are impacting construction financing
Development Landscape
Key challenges facing developers include:
- Shortage of qualified subcontractors for high-end construction
- Escalating insurance and land costs
- Supply chain concerns, particularly regarding potential tariff impacts
Single-Family Market
Veteran developer Todd Michael Glaser reported a strategic shift toward renovation projects rather than new construction, citing unfavorable economics for ground-up development of luxury homes.
Looking Ahead
Despite these challenges, South Florida’s real estate market continues to benefit from several advantages:
- Sustained migration from other states
- Strong demand across residential and commercial sectors
- Continued interest from high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors
The pandemic-driven surge in South Florida real estate may have moderated, but the region’s fundamental appeal remains strong. With its favorable tax environment, growing business ecosystem, and lifestyle benefits, industry leaders expect the “flight to Florida” trend to persist, even as the market adapts to new economic realitie