Celebrity Broker Fredrik Eklund: From New York Powerhouse to Miami Visionary

For more than two decades, Fredrik Eklund has built an empire in luxury real estate, navigating the high-stakes markets of New York, Los Angeles, and beyond. Now, after years of working in Miami, he has fully embraced the Magic City—settling in with his family, spearheading new developments, and shaping the city’s evolving luxury landscape.

“It’s coming up on two years exactly next month,” Eklund shares about his full-time move to Miami. “But it’s not that big of a change for me because we started a team here about seven to eight years ago. I’ve been coming to Miami for a very long time and doing business here.”

While he maintains a strong presence in New York, his time in Los Angeles has shifted in favor of doubling down on Miami’s booming development scene. With his expertise in high-profile sales and an acute eye for design, Eklund is deeply involved in new construction projects that are reshaping the city. “I oversee and am intensely involved in new developments—designing, working on unit mix, absorption, collateral, sales galleries, positioning, and ultimately selling them out.”

The New Development Boom

Miami is experiencing an unprecedented surge in luxury developments, a trend Eklund has been at the forefront of. He has played an integral role in projects like the Ritz-Carlton Residences, South Beach, a development he’s been working on for over four years.

“I’m very involved in the architectural, exterior, and, of course, the interior design,” Eklund explains. “I sit in every design meeting, most construction meetings. I work on the floor plans carefully and sometimes help steer the direction of the design. It’s not like I take credit for all of it, but in certain projects, I feel like it’s my baby.”

Eklund emphasizes that Miami’s pre-construction sales model is unique. Unlike New York, where developers now wait until a building is nearly complete before launching sales, Miami’s market still thrives on pre-sales, often years in advance. “The better the sales gallery—the more immersive the 3D renderings, animations, and virtual reality experiences—the stronger the project’s success,” he notes.

Branded Residences: Necessity or Trend?

A defining characteristic of Miami’s recent luxury boom has been the influx of branded residences, often affiliated with high-end hospitality, fashion, or automotive brands. But does a brand name automatically equate to success?

“Yes and no,” Eklund says. “It has to do with price point, location, and overall design. A brand can help, but only if it’s authentic. You can build an incredible project without an existing brand—it can be built around an address.” While Miami developers increasingly seek partnerships with luxury brands, he warns that the association must be more than a marketing gimmick. “It has to be in every cell of the building’s DNA for it to work.”

Miami’s Prime Locations and the Rise of Billionaire Buyers

When it comes to location, Eklund remains bullish on Miami Beach, particularly the area around Lincoln Road, where Ritz-Carlton Residences is set to redefine luxury living. He also sees untapped potential in North Miami and Aventura. “Miami is still in its infancy. You can drive 20 blocks and see land that will look completely different in five years. That doesn’t happen in New York anymore.”

Eklund is also behind one of Miami’s priciest listings—a $150 million Palm Island estate, signaling Miami’s emergence as a true ultra-luxury market. “COVID changed everything,” he explains. “People realized they needed more space, and the ultra-wealthy began prioritizing sprawling estates over things like additional art pieces or yachts. At the same time, there’s so much wealth being created globally, and demand at this level far outweighs supply.”

The Palm Island listing is unique, consisting of three interconnected homes, making it a prime opportunity for ultra-high-net-worth buyers who require expansive, secure, and flexible living arrangements. “It’s not going to fit everyone, but for the right buyer—maybe a royal family or someone with high-security needs—it’s an incredible opportunity.”

The Secret to Longevity in Real Estate

After 20 years in the business, with over $28 billion in sales and 143 buildings sold, Eklund remains one of the most recognizable figures in real estate. His marketing strategy is key to his success. “At this point, I try to be everywhere all at once,” he says, nodding to the importance of a global presence. “The markets are no longer separated; everything is interconnected.”

He also attributes his success to his team. “People may think I do more than I actually do, but I have a team of 100 people. That’s what keeps us at the top.”

His advice for newcomers? “Join a team, absorb everything, and don’t expect to get paid a lot at first. Your payment is in experience. You need to be thrown into real situations, make mistakes, and learn from them.”

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, Eklund is expanding his reach internationally while also setting his sights on new domestic markets. “I’m starting to get my license in Tennessee, specifically Nashville. It’s a very hot market.”

He also hints at an upcoming reality show based in Miami, though details remain under wraps. “There hasn’t been a show that truly captures modern Miami—the future Miami. It’s matured, it’s exciting, and I hope to showcase that.”

For Eklund, the drive to conquer new heights remains as strong as ever. “I still work 16 to 18 hours a day, and after 25 years, I’ve accumulated so much knowledge. But my motivation was never money. It was about experiencing the world, learning, traveling, and proving to myself that I could do this. Life is short, and I want to experience it all.”