Foreign Investors Fuel Miami’s CRE Boom: Latin America Leads the Charge

Key Points

• Miami-Dade commercial sales volume has surged 30% in 2025, led by multifamily assets.

• Foreign buyers now make up nearly half of condo sales—86% of those from Latin America.

• Developers such as Empira Group, Partners Group, and Opportunity Fundo are investing billions to expand in South Florida.

Miami’s commercial real estate market is booming again—this time powered by a wave of foreign capital, particularly from Latin America. Despite global economic headwinds, international investors view Miami as a safe haven for wealth, lifestyle, and returns, as reported by Multi-Housing News.

Foreign Money Reshapes Miami’s Market

Miami ranks among the top three U.S. markets for foreign real estate investment, thanks to a business-friendly climate and strong rental yields. Foreign capital is now driving institutional-scale deals, not just luxury condos.

Notable players include:

• Empira Group and Partners Group of Switzerland, which both opened Miami offices.

• Opportunity Fundo and the Leste Group of Brazil, which have committed $1 billion to Florida projects.

• Pontegadea, the Spanish firm owned by Amancio Ortega, which acquired the Veneto Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale for $165 million from Related Group.

Latin American and European investors are diversifying away from unstable home markets into Miami’s multifamily and condo sectors, viewing them as hedges against inflation and instability.

Why Miami Keeps Winning

Cultural and geographic proximity to Latin America makes Miami a natural investment gateway. Florida’s tax advantages, absence of state income tax, and relatively light regulation attract wealthy buyers. Rent growth and occupancy rates continue to outperform most U.S. metros, with multifamily vacancy below 5% and average rents at $2,385 per month.

According to the Miami Association of REALTORS, 49% of condos sold in the last 18 months went to international buyers, a sharp increase from 10% in previous years.

Developers and Trends to Watch

Local firms such as 13th Floor Investments and Forse Holdings are partnering with Dubai’s Kerzner International to bring the SIRO luxury condo-hotel brand to the U.S. EB-5 visa financing remains a popular tool for attracting international capital, offering investors residency opportunities in exchange for project funding.

Swire Properties of Hong Kong remains active in the market, following the success of its Brickell City Centre development, and is now redeveloping the Mandarin Oriental site into an ultra-luxury mixed-use property.

Market Outlook

Despite higher interest rates and rising construction costs, Miami remains resilient. Approximately 30,500 multifamily units are under construction across South Florida, with 16,100 located in Miami. Although this represents a 20% decline from 2023’s peak, the market remains the second most active in the U.S., following Charlotte.

Rent growth is expected to stay below 2% until supply is absorbed in 2026 or 2027, but demand remains strong.

Sustained Foreign Investment

Foreign investment is not just sustaining Miami’s market—it is transforming it. Latin American, European, and Middle Eastern investors are driving a surge in both institutional and luxury real estate, drawn by strong fundamentals, favorable taxes, and global visibility. With steady construction and committed international capital, Miami’s real estate boom shows no signs of slowing.