Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is renowned for its beaches, cultural attractions, and exuberant nightlife scene. The community is a major tourist destination on Florida’s shimmering southeastern coast, attracting millions of yearly visitors. While the tropical weather and gorgeous coastline are a major draw for vacationers, the city is home to many full-time residents who enjoy outdoor recreation, luxury real estate, and exciting attractions.
When it comes to real estate, Fort Lauderdale has so much to offer renters, investors, vacationers, and buyers. The city’s stunning beachfront properties are highly sought after, with luxury condos and estates lining the coastline. But Fort Lauderdale’s real estate market is more than just beachfront property. With a growing downtown area and several prestigious golf and country club neighborhoods, there are options for every lifestyle.
The current market conditions in Fort Lauderdale
Understanding current market conditions is crucial when navigating the Fort Lauderdale real estate market. As one of Florida’s most popular destinations, the city’s property market is evolving, influenced by several factors like rising interest rates, seasonal tourism trends, and economic growth. By studying these factors and statistics, buyers and sellers can make educated decisions that align with their real estate goals. From beachfront estates to downtown condominiums, understanding the dynamics of the Fort Lauderdale real estate market is the key to making a smart investment.
Median home prices
Broward County single-family homes had a median price of $585,000 in May 2023. While this price is slightly down from 2022, prices have risen throughout the year. For instance, in January 2023, median home prices were $540,000; in April 2023, they were $575,000.
As a coastal community, condominiums are also a popular living arrangement. Broward County townhomes and condos experienced a median sale price of $270,000 in May 2023. This price has increased by more than 6% compared to May 2022.
One important aspect that impacts the price of homes in Fort Lauderdale is their location. For instance, homes in beachfront communities tend to command a higher price than those in suburban neighborhoods. The proximity to the ocean, local attractions, and top amenities all add to the value of a property. Gorgeous single-family homes in highly desirable areas like Fort Lauderdale can reach upwards of $5 to $10 million to secure.
Days on the market
Single-family homes in the county have a median time to contract of 25 days and a median time to sell of 65 days in May 2023. The median time to contract is up by more than 127% compared to May 2022, and the median time to sell is up by 30% from 2022. These numbers also increased from March 2023, when the median time to contract was 33 days and the median time to sell was 73 days.
Townhomes and condos in Broward County have a median time to contract of 26 days in May 2023, which is up by 85% from 2022, and a median time to sell of 67 days, up by nearly 20% from 2022. As we can see, single-family properties and condos in Broward County are spending longer on the market, which gives buyers more time to consider properties and find the right fit.
Months' supply of inventory
In May 2023, there were 2.6 months of supply inventory available in Broward County, compared to only 1.5 months in May 2022. This number is even greater for townhomes and condos, with nearly 3.5 months of supply inventory, up by more than 140% from 2022. While inventory is on the rise, it is still not enough to meet the high level of demand for the area.
What this data means for buyers and sellers
With increasing home prices, the upward trajectory of the market is good news for sellers hoping to maximize their profits at the closing table. However, it may pose challenges for buyers looking to secure homes, especially first-time buyers with limited budgets. Higher prices may mean more competition and increased difficulty in finding housing options. While homes and condos are spending longer on the market compared to last year, the inventory of available properties is still not enough to give buyers a complete advantage.
Conditions favor investors
Investors searching for the perfect opportunity in the Fort Lauderdale real estate market may find that conditions are currently favorable. With a growing economy and a continued influx of tourists, the demand for housing is steady. For those looking for long-term investments, Fort Lauderdale’s real estate market may offer the potential for solid returns in the years to come with increasing home value.
Luxury sales are steadily increasing
As of 2023, the Fort Lauderdale luxury real estate market continues to be an attractive option for affluent buyers and investors. With a strong economy and a high demand for luxury properties, the market is thriving, with new developments and high-end properties coming into the market. Luxury home sales in Broward County are higher than pre-pandemic sales, steadily increasing, while national luxury prices decrease.
Broward County’s luxury home sales from April 2023 increased by more than 190% compared to 2019. From sprawling oceanfront mansions to gorgeous golf course communities, the luxury market in Fort Lauderdale boasts lavish options to meet the discerning tastes of high-end buyers. As the market continues to evolve, it remains an excellent opportunity for those looking to invest in the South Florida real estate market.
How to navigate market changes
With Fort Lauderdale real estate data changing monthly, buyers and sellers must stay up-to-date and monitor emerging trends. Keeping track of the latest home prices, inventory levels, and timelines can help investors and sellers make decisions about when to buy or sell, ways to negotiate, and what audience to target.
In 2023, the market remains competitive, and it is necessary to work with an expert Fort Lauderdale real estate professional to achieve the results you’re hoping for. An experienced agent can implement creative solutions to help you meet your goals in any market condition.
Find a local Realtor to buy or sell your home
We Can Help Network is a renowned Fort Lauderdale real estate team featuring top-producing Realtors Ken Calhoun, Jeremy Willard, and Devin O’Neal. Partner up with this exceptional team to learn more about living in Fort Lauderdale and get accurate market and neighborhood information.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
