Miami’s ultra-luxury real estate is booming, drawing global buyers with USD 5M-plus homes, private islands and world-class amenities.

By Florence Sutton

Miami’s luxury real estate is experiencing an unprecedented convergence of global wealth, lifestyle innovation, and ultra-private living. In the past year alone, South Florida’s high-end home sales have surged toward record highs, with an influx of ultra-high-net-worth buyers from across the U.S., Europe, and Latin America zeroing in on Miami’s USD 5 million-plus residences.

A Booming Market Defies National Trends

At the very top of the market, Miami is charting its own course. Multi-million dollar transactions are approaching all-time highs in 2025, with an estimated 426 homes priced above $10 million projected to sell by year-end.

Florida’s tax-friendly policies and pro-business climate continue to draw wealthy Americans from high-tax states like New York and California. In one recent year, Florida gained nearly 30,000 new high-income households, the largest gain nationwide. The Miami Association of Realtors Chair notes that the lack of state income tax and year-round resort lifestyle serve as magnets for U.S. buyers.

Crucially, cash dominates Miami’s elite price points, insulating this market from interest rate shocks. Nearly 43 percent of Miami home purchases in early 2025 were all-cash deals. With almost half of high-end buyers not needing loans, even rising borrowing costs haven’t slowed demand.

Global Buyers Seek a Safe Haven and Lifestyle

Miami’s allure extends far beyond U.S. borders. Between April 2024 and March 2025, foreign buyers purchased USD 56 billion worth of U.S. homes, a 33 percent jump, and Florida captured 21 percent of those overseas purchases. Wealthy individuals from Europe, Latin America, and beyond are taking advantage of currency shifts that make American properties more affordable. The euro’s rise against the dollar over the past year effectively gave Eurozone buyers a 7 to 8 percent discount on U.S. real estate.

British buyers have stepped up activity significantly, with Miami rapidly becoming a preferred destination for British wealth. Latin American elites, particularly Colombians, the top foreign buyer group in Miami, continue treating South Florida as a safe haven, drawn by the region’s stability and cultural familiarity.

Ultra-Private Enclaves and Five-Star Amenities

Privacy and exclusivity are paramount for this clientele, and Miami delivers in unique ways. Private island enclaves offer an escape from prying eyes. Indian Creek Island, the famed “Billionaire Bunker,” is a 41-estate sanctuary with its own police force and golf course, a USD 110 million waterfront lot sold there in 2025. Fisher Island, accessible only by ferry or helicopter, has become America’s priciest zip code with median home sales around USD 5.5 million. Star Island saw a record USD 120 million home sale in 2025 as celebrities and CEOs covet its gated seclusion.

Today’s marquee condominium projects are effectively private five-star resorts. The newest towers boast perks from sky lobby tea lounges and holistic spa sanctuaries to private boat slips and in-unit supercar garages. The Waldorf Astoria Residences will deliver white-glove service in a landmark 100-story tower. In Sunny Isles Beach, the Bentley Residences features car elevators to whisk vehicles into private sky garages. The ultra-boutique Aman Miami Beach is limited to just 22 residences with its own spa and beach club for zen-like exclusivity.

According to an industry report by MILLION Luxury, “branded residences, bayfront marinas, and privacy-first amenities are now table stakes” in Miami’s top-tier developments. Developers cater to discerning clientele with wellness-centric design, on-call healthcare, five-star dining, and top-notch security. Even with Miami’s luxury prices climbing (the median upscale condo now fetches about USD 1.8 million, up 4.3 percent year-on-year), the city still offers relative value for the global elite.

Bespoke Service for a Discerning Clientele

Serving this niche market requires a specialized approach. Top brokers in Miami’s ultra-luxury segment often act as lifestyle concierges, arranging everything from off-market viewings to private jet charters. Boutique firms like MILLION Luxury have emerged as key players in matching global buyers with Miami’s most exclusive offerings, leveraging deep local knowledge and global networks.

The focus is on discretion and personalization: high-profile buyers expect confidentiality, bespoke market research, and a one-stop service experience. According to MILLION Luxury, the ultra-luxury segment uniquely benefits from both domestic wealth migration and foreign investment in tandem. With demand so robust, expert guidance helps buyers navigate Miami’s competitive landscape and secure the right opportunity.

The Bottom Line

Miami has achieved rarefied status on the world stage, a city where global elites feel confident parking tens of millions in property. From tax advantages to turnkey glamour, Miami offers a compelling case for those seeking ultra-private havens. In the realm of USD 5M-plus homes, the Magic City’s message to the global elite is clear: you can have it all, and you can have it in Miami.

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