S & J Journal

The Miami Association of Realtors held a conference last week at the Biltmore called the Miami International Real Estate Congress where 250 agents from the United States and ten foreign countries joined together to network and discuss the Miami/Miami Beach residential markets. These remain highly sought-after cities for international buyers and investors. The Association reported that the largest amount of foreign real estate purchases here are from Venezuelans, followed by Argentinians and Brazilians. Generally this is because prices are still better in Miami than in those countries' markets. Latin Americans account for about 70% of the international real estate transactions in Miami and Miami Beach (Western Europeans 18%). Read more here:   http://www.miamiherald.com/ 2012/11/05/3083404/foreign- interest-in-miami-property. html#storylink=cpy

Miami foreign real estate investments in 2011 are in the billions of dollars, according to a recent Florida Trend article. Some projects announced this year include: Brickell CitiCentre - a $700-million retail, office, hotel and condo tower, Developer from Hong Kong. Resorts World Miami - $3.8-billion project with four hotels, casino, condos, mega pool, convention center, Developer from Malaysia. Brickell House – 18-story, 96-unit condo tower in the city’s arts district, Developer from Argentina. International buyers are attracted to Miami’s location and appeal, condo rental market, and real estate that is more affordable than other metro cities in the U.S. and South America. Direct foreign investment in Miami commercial real estate reached $472 million this year from 2010’s $16 million.