Fort Lauderdale Luxury Real Estate Market
Precision Pricing, Record Sales & Informed Buyers Define the Market East of I-95
Fort Lauderdale enters 2025 with momentum and confidence. Once considered a quieter alternative to Miami, the city now stands as a global leader in luxury real estate. Above all, the Fort Lauderdale luxury market is breaking records, drawing global wealth, and showcasing what modern waterfront living truly looks like in South Florida.
Moreover, the surge in activity is no accident. Furthermore, two powerful factors are fueling it: record-setting estate sales and rising demand for move-in-ready homes in the $1.5M–$5M range. This combination of exclusivity and smart value has transformed the city’s east-side neighborhoods into hot zones for high-net-worth buyers.
A Defining Sale: $70M Waterfront Estate Raises the Bar
In early 2025, Fort Lauderdale witnessed a sale that redefined its luxury ceiling. Above all,a waterfront estate changed hands for an astonishing $70 million, eclipsing the city’s previous record of $40 million.
This wasn’t just a trophy transaction. to put it another way, it confirmed that Fort Lauderdale now competes directly with Palm Beach and Miami in the eyes of global buyers. In fact, privacy, scale, and dockage are no longer just “features”—they are non-negotiable standards for the top tier.
The estate itself, located east of Federal Highway, exemplifies what buyers are willing to pay for: deepwater access, oversized lots, and fully modernized construction.
Today’s Buyer: Informed, Cash-Strong, and Value-Focused
Luxury buyers in 2025 are strategic. Whether arriving from London, Bogotá, or New York, they are no longer making emotional purchases. Instead, they’re showing up with data, spreadsheets, and a clear plan.
Top Buyer Priorities:
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Price per square foot and long-term value
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Flood resilience, insurance efficiency, and elevation
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Contemporary design, efficient layouts, and smart systems
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Proximity to water, marinas, or gated security
Because of this, homes priced accurately are moving fast—typically under contract in 60 to 90 days. On the other hand, listings with outdated finishes or unrealistic pricing are being overlooked, regardless of location.
Why New Construction Is Winning in 2025
Buyers today are not just buying homes—they’re investing in peace of mind. Modern construction is outperforming older inventory across the board, especially in Fort Lauderdale’s east-side neighborhoods. Check out this New Construction home at 2010 Intracostal Drive.
Here’s what drives premium pricing:
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Modern builds offer current-code elevation, new seawalls, and builder warranties
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Energy-efficient systems lower long-term costs
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These homes are turnkey—no renovations, no surprises
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2025 Construction Pricing Benchmarks
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Waterfront New Construction: Up to $1,850/ft²
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Dry Lot New Builds: Approaching $1,300/ft²
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New Luxury Condos: $1,000–$1,400+/ft² in top-tier towers
As a result, the best-performing listings this year are those that eliminate guesswork for the buyer—offering both style and security.
Neighborhood Breakdown: Where Value Meets Velocity
Median PPSF (Q1 2025)
| Neighborhood | Median PPSF | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Harbor Beach | $1,360 | Gated oceanfront, trophy estates |
| Las Olas Isles | $1,270 | Deepwater canals, luxury rebuilds |
| Coral Ridge | $611 | Both waterfront and upscale dry lots |
| Victoria Park | $513 | Walkable urban charm, older inventory |
| Poinsettia Heights | $486 | Large lots, post-war homes |
| Imperial Point | $409 | Value-driven suburban proximity |
| Parkland (Gated) | $485* | Family estates, inland luxury |
| Coral Springs | $362* | Larger lots, slower appreciation |
Fort Lauderdale Luxury Real Estate price per square foot 2025 by neighborhood
*Estimated based on recent and pending sales.
Key Insight: Las Olas Isles and Harbor Beach dominate in PPSF, but even inland neighborhoods like Coral Ridge and Victoria Park are seeing price jumps for well-renovated or new construction homes.
Condo Market Snapshot: Sky-High Demand Near the Sand
In today’s market, luxury cond demand is booming. More importantly, buyers are shifting to the lock-and-leave lifestyle,, driving strong demand for high-end condominiums across Fort Lauderdale.
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$944/ft² average for new condos
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$727/ft² median in Fort Lauderdale Beach
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Top-tier units exceeding $1,400/ft² in boutique towers with Pier Sixty -Six demanding over $2,200/ft²
As a result, developments along the Intracoastal and near Las Olas Boulevard are outperforming, offering proximity to both city culture and beachfront serenity. Not only do they offer walkabilyut and waterfront views, but they deliver strong resale potential.
Mid-Luxury Momentum: The $1.5M–$5M Sweet Spot
While ultra-luxury sales still make headlines, in contrast, the $1.5M to $5M range is where most luxury activity is happening in 2025.
These homes provide:
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Contemporary architecture
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Gated or waterfront locations
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Smart-home technology and open layouts
Because of this, listings in this range are typically under contract in less than three weeks. For that reason, they represent a powerful opportunity for both buyers and sellers.
Fort Lauderdale luxury real estate -What’s Selling vs. What’s Sitting
Selling Fast:
✅ New construction or recently renovated
✅ Homes with dockage, large lots, smart systems
✅ Gated communities or prime east-side locations
itting Idle
❌ Outdated homes under $1M in need of updates
❌ Properties near oversized or disruptive new construction
❌ Listings priced according to 2021 seller expectations
In short, buyers are still active—but they are selective. Homes that don’t match modern preferences or price realities are being passed over.
Interest Rates & Buyer Confidence
Even though interest rates remain around 6%, many buyers in this segment pay in cash. Despite that, today’s luxury buyer still evaluates every purchase through the lens of long-term return.
Consequently, today’s buyer expects both value and long-term return. To put it another way, confidence is high, but only for homes that make financial sense.
Smart pricing = faster closings.
Overpricing = extended market time and reductions.
The Bottom Line: Fort Lauderdale’s Luxury Moment Is Now
2025 is not a time for hesitation. Instead, it’s a time for precision, clarity, and decisive action.
Whether you’re listing a modern home or buying into one of the city’s prime neighborhoods, above all, strategy wins.
Furthermore, those who present a turnkey product at the right price are being rewarded with record-setting prices and fast closings.
Get a Tailored Market Valuation
Curious about your property’s position in the 2025 market?
📞 Contact The GG Team at ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
We provide accurate valuations, local expertise, and global reach to position your home for a strategic and successful sale. Click on the link and type in your address or email us for more details.
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