Best New Construction Real Estate Agents in Fort Lauderdale for $5M+ Properties
Quick Summary
- Top Fort Lauderdale agents for $5M+ new builds
- Focus on branded towers and modern estates
- Why specialist guidance matters in pre builds
- Tips for choosing a Fort Lauderdale advisor
Fort Lauderdale new construction at the $5M plus level
Fort Lauderdale is in the middle of a generational reset. Glass towers rise over the Intracoastal, contemporary estates replace older waterfront homes, and construction cranes trace a new skyline that stretches from the inlet to downtown. At the top of the market, $5M plus New-construction residences now define what it means to live on the water in Fort-lauderdale.
Branded projects such as St. Regis® Residences Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale, Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences Fort Lauderdale, and the yacht centric Andare Residences Fort Lauderdale illustrate the new standard. Oversized terraces, Waterview panoramas, resort level amenities, and private marinas are no longer a luxury. For many global buyers they are a baseline expectation.
Navigating this landscape is complex. Release schedules, reservation agreements, construction milestones, and deposit structures vary from one tower to the next. On the single family side, custom new builds come with their own layers of architectural review, dockage regulations, and smart home integration. At the $5M plus level, the difference between a good purchase and a great one often comes down to the advisor who sits on your side of the table.
This guide profiles the Fort Lauderdale based agents and teams who focus on $5M plus New-construction opportunities and who are trusted by discerning buyers for their discretion and judgement. Each brings a different lens, from record breaking waterfront sales to deep downtown condo expertise, yet all share a quiet commitment to service at the standard expected by clients of MILLION Luxury.
The agents behind Fort Lauderdale's new skyline
Selecting the right representative for a New-construction acquisition is not simply about who has the most signs on the street. The agents below have been closely involved with the city's most important recent developments and have built relationships with the developers, architects, and design teams that shape them.
Tim Elmes is widely regarded as the reference point for ultra luxury waterfront property in Fort Lauderdale. Over more than three decades he has represented many of the city's highest price transactions, including newly built estates that set local records in recent years. His long tenure gives him unusual perspective on which streets and canals will hold value through future development cycles.
For buyers focused on contemporary spec homes and custom estates, Elmes brings a builder's eye to the process. He is adept at reading plans, evaluating construction quality, and understanding how dockage, elevation, and exposure interact with a yacht's practical needs. Clients who work with him in the $5M plus bracket value the fact that he can quickly distinguish between a house that only photographs well and one that will live well for years.
Led by Peter Barkin at Compass, The Barkin Group operates as a true team, with specialists assigned to different pockets of the market from Harbor Beach and Las Olas Isles to the growing cluster of design forward towers along the beach. Their annual sales routinely reach into nine figure territory, much of it within the new generation of glass fronted condominiums and modern waterfront homes.
The Barkin Group has been involved with the pre construction and launch cycles of several headline projects, including ocean view residences at Andare Residences Fort Lauderdale and other boutique towers that appeal to design conscious buyers. Their clients benefit from early access to floor plans, line by line analysis of views, and detailed comparisons between buildings that may appear similar from the outside but feel very different once you understand the services and resident profile.
Cristian Michaels of Douglas Elliman is known for his deep focus on the vertical side of the market. With a background that includes work on the financing and developer services side of projects, he brings analytical depth to every conversation about a tower, from capital structure to long term resale dynamics.
Michaels has been closely associated with some of the most important new oceanfront and beach adjacent projects in the city, including Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences Fort Lauderdale. He is fluent in the amenity and services programs that differentiate these properties, and he often knows which corner residence, terrace configuration, or Waterview exposure will be most coveted long after initial sales are complete.
Based in Fort Lauderdale and active from Miami Beach to Palm Beach, Niki Higgins leads the Seaside Properties Group within Douglas Elliman. Her practice is anchored in oceanfront and intracoastal condominiums, making her a natural fit for clients focused on branded and resort style buildings.
Higgins has guided buyers through a wide range of high rise offerings, from established beachfront towers to contemporary projects that pair resort amenities with full time residences. She is known for detailed building by building knowledge, including how floor plates curve toward the water, where privacy is best preserved, and which lines offer the most graceful arrival experience. Photography is a core part of her process, which also helps clients abroad understand how a residence will actually feel once complete.
At the DOTOLI Group within Compass, Josh Dotoli represents the next generation of Fort Lauderdale luxury agents. His team has developed a strong following among buyers who prioritize cutting edge digital marketing, cinematic listing presentations, and a high touch concierge style approach.
Dotoli is particularly active at the intersection of New-construction and custom waterfront homes. Developers have retained him to advise on design, layout, and pricing, and to lead sales for intimate gated enclaves of newly built residences. For private buyers, that experience translates into early knowledge of which projects are coming, which lots offer the best canal geometry for larger vessels, and how smart home infrastructure can be tailored during construction rather than retrofitted after closing.
Co founder of Luxury Living Fort Lauderdale at Compass, Chad Gray has built a reputation for meticulous representation in the upper tier of the market. His group focuses on lifestyle fit as much as square footage, helping clients decide between a staffed beachfront tower, a gated yachting community, or a lock and leave townhome close to downtown.
New-construction is a central pillar of Gray's practice. He spends significant time on job sites and in model residences, speaking with builders and design teams, and understanding how the final product will function in everyday life. For relocation buyers in particular, Gray is skilled at translating wish lists into specific addresses and buildings, often surfacing options that have not yet been broadly marketed.
As founder of D'Angelo Realty Group, John D'Angelo brings three decades of experience in Fort Lauderdale condominium sales, much of it concentrated along the New River and Las Olas corridor. His firm has sold thousands of downtown residences across multiple market cycles, giving him a unique vantage point on long term value.
For buyers assessing the latest wave of skyline defining towers, D'Angelo offers clear guidance on association health, reserve planning, and how a building will operate once the ribbon cutting is over. He is particularly helpful for clients comparing a new pre construction tower with an existing building that has already been through its initial adjustment period, outlining the trade offs between being first in the door and purchasing a residence that already has a full operating history.
What $5M plus new construction buyers really expect
The $5M plus buyer in Fort Lauderdale is not simply searching for glossy renderings. They are looking for a complete ecosystem that balances privacy, service, and access. That might mean a full service oceanfront condominium with hotel inspired amenities, a modern point lot estate with unobstructed turning radius for a superyacht, or a pied a terre high above the river with walkable access to dining and culture.
Across these formats, certain themes repeat. Architectural pedigree matters. So do lobby design, lift strategy, and how guests move through a property. Sophisticated buyers examine sound attenuation between residences, ceiling heights, column placement, and the relationship between interior living spaces and outdoor terraces. They also consider how delivery of groceries, luggage, and even pets is handled, because true luxury is often defined by what you never have to think about.
For families, school proximity, park access, and beach club or marina membership can be just as important as a private plunge pool. Aviation considerations also enter the equation. Many $5M plus purchasers arrive by private jet or regularly use first class commercial routes, which places Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport and nearby executive airports at the center of the decision.
New-construction adds an additional layer of complexity. Buyers must decide whether to purchase from plans or wait until a project is closer to completion. Deposits are typically structured in stages tied to contract, ground breaking, and top off, and those funds are committed long before you can walk through a finished residence. A skilled agent will map out these commitments and align them with your broader balance sheet and liquidity expectations.
Choosing the right advisor for your next move
In a market where multiple towers may share similar architecture and amenities at first glance, the most valuable insights are often the ones you cannot find online. The agents highlighted in this guide have earned their reputations by knowing which stacks are quietest, which marinas are most protected in a storm, and which buildings have boards and management teams that align with the expectations of a truly global clientele.
When interviewing potential advisors, ask direct questions about their track record in specific buildings and price points. A strong New-construction specialist should be able to speak in detail about sales velocity in projects such as St. Regis® Residences Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale, Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences Fort Lauderdale, and Andare Residences Fort Lauderdale, and to explain the subtle differences between their services, views, and resident culture.
They should also be comfortable assembling a full advisory team around you. That may involve introducing construction counsel to review condominium documents, recommending local marine surveyors, or bringing in designers who understand how to personalize a residence while preserving its future resale appeal. The best agents do not rush the process. Instead, they act as trusted filters, curating only those options that have been fully vetted against your requirements.
Ultimately, the right agent will feel less like a salesperson and more like a private office advisor whose sole mandate is to protect your time and capital. That is particularly true in a city evolving as quickly as Fort-lauderdale, where today's construction site can become tomorrow's landmark address.
FAQs
What qualifies as a $5M plus New-construction property in Fort Lauderdale?
In this context, it is typically a newly built or pre construction single family home, townhouse, or condominium residence priced at five million dollars or more, often in a prime waterfront or beach accessible location with a high level of services and amenities.
Is it better to buy a pre construction or newly completed residence?
Pre construction purchases can offer the best choice of floor plans and views, along with staged deposits, while completed residences provide immediate use and a clearer sense of finishes and operations. The right answer depends on your timing, risk tolerance, and how important customisation is to you.
How early should I involve an agent when I am considering a new tower or custom home?
Ideally, you should speak with a specialist before you register with a sales gallery or contact a builder directly. Experienced agents can often secure preferred access, compare multiple offerings, and help you avoid committing to a project that does not fully match your goals.
What due diligence should I expect my agent to coordinate on a new construction purchase?
A seasoned advisor will help you review condominium documents or construction contracts, assess the developer's track record, clarify deposit schedules, and coordinate input from legal, tax, marine, and design professionals so that each decision is informed and aligned with your broader strategy.
How can I explore Fort Lauderdale's best New-construction options discreetly?
Work with an agent who understands confidentiality and who can pre screen opportunities before you ever visit a site. For confidential guidance tailored to your search, connect with MILLION Luxury and explore a curated view of Fort Lauderdale's finest New-construction opportunities.
Million Luxury
Million Luxury
Welcome to MILLION, an exclusive luxury real estate boutique nestled in the heart of South Florida’s most desirable locations. Specializing in high-end properties, we provide a sanctuary for discerning clients including top Fortune 500 executives, affluent families, celebrities, and professional athletes from across the globe. At MILLION, we understand the unique demands of our elite clientele and offer a seamless blend of confidentiality and personalized attention. Our commitment to privacy is unwavering; we ensure that every transaction and interaction is handled with the utmost discretion and according to stringent confidentiality protocols. Our concierge service embodies the pinnacle of white-glove care, offering tailored assistance that transcends traditional real estate support.
