Broward County is stepping out of Miami’s shadow with a surge of new luxury developments and growing buyer interest. More than 3,900 condo units are in the pipeline, reshaping the skyline across over two dozen projects.

The county offers a quieter, relatively more affordable alternative to Miami, drawing buyers from the Northeast, Midwest, California, and Canada. Fort Lauderdale, in particular, is gaining momentum in the luxury market, with record-breaking sales and global hotel brands setting up shop. This boom attracts high-profile residents, such as supermodel Gisele Bündchen, who acquired a $9 million equestrian estate in Southwest Ranches, and soccer superstar Lionel Messi, who purchased an $11 million waterfront mansion in Fort Lauderdale’s Bay Colony in 2023.

Infrastructure improvements are helping to reinforce the area’s growth. The expanded convention center and new 800-room Omni Hotel, along with the planned PREMO light rail system, will boost both tourism and connectivity.

(source: The Real Deal, picture: Luis Espinosa)