South of Fifth, Miami Beach skyline view over Biscayne Bay - prime South Beach zone of luxury and ultra luxury condos; preconstruction and resale.
South of Fifth, Miami Beach skyline view over Biscayne Bay - prime South Beach zone of luxury and ultra luxury condos; preconstruction and resale.

Miami Beach vs. Florida Keys: Ultra-Luxury City Living or Private Island Serenity?

In 2025, the luxury conversation in South Florida is less about where prices peaked and more about where terms can be negotiated without compromising lifestyle. Miami Beach is increasingly a two-speed market: trophy assets and best-in-class buildings still command attention, while broader condo inventory and longer selling timelines create real openings for prepared buyers. The Florida Keys, by contrast, remain driven by scarcity and water access, yet even there longer days on market are shifting the tone from urgency to selectivity. For buyers weighing a full-time residence against a second-home retreat, the question is not simply “Beach or Keys?” It is which micro-market matches your preferred rhythm: walkable, amenity-dense city living, or boating-first privacy with a different ownership profile. Below, MILLION Luxury outlines where leverage is showing up, where it is not, and how to underwrite the decision with clear eyes.

The Surf Club, Surfside oceanfront balcony view; luxury and ultra luxury resale condos in Surfside, Florida, with panoramic Atlantic views and beachfront living.
The Surf Club, Surfside oceanfront balcony view; luxury and ultra luxury resale condos in Surfside, Florida, with panoramic Atlantic views and beachfront living.

Golden Beach: South Florida’s Secluded Oceanfront Haven for Billionaires

Golden Beach is one of South Florida’s rare true single-family oceanfront municipalities: small, incorporated, and intentionally residential. With the Atlantic to the east and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west, its value proposition is simple: privacy, waterfront orientation, and a governance model built to preserve a low-profile lifestyle.

Aerial of Coral Gables luxury waterfront home on canal—yachting lifestyle near luxury and ultra luxury condos, with preconstruction and resale.
Aerial of Coral Gables luxury waterfront home on canal—yachting lifestyle near luxury and ultra luxury condos, with preconstruction and resale.

Gables Estates vs Old Cutler Bay: Two Coral Gables Waterfront Addresses With Very Different Rules

A discreet, buyer-oriented comparison of Coral Gables’ most coveted waterfront enclaves, from governance and gatekeeping to boating access and pricing signals.

Bay view of Coral Gables waterfront luxury homes—prime South Florida zone near luxury and ultra luxury condos, with preconstruction and resale activity.
Bay view of Coral Gables waterfront luxury homes—prime South Florida zone near luxury and ultra luxury condos, with preconstruction and resale activity.

Top 5 Luxury Custom Home Builders in South Florida

From Miami-Dade waterfront lots to estate acreage in Broward and Palm Beach, South Florida’s most discerning buyers increasingly treat construction as a bespoke service. This guide profiles five notable luxury builders and design-build firms, then translates what their positioning implies for budget, process, and lifestyle fit.

Forte on Flagler penthouse in West Palm Beach featuring an ultra luxury private pool and cityscape views for premium preconstruction condos.
Forte on Flagler penthouse in West Palm Beach featuring an ultra luxury private pool and cityscape views for premium preconstruction condos.

Miami Beach Penthouse vs Palm Beach Estate: Choosing the Right $20M Lifestyle

For ultra-high-net-worth buyers in South Florida, the decision between a Miami-beach penthouse and a Palm-beach estate is less about prestige and more about operating style: service, governance, privacy, land, and how much control you want to keep in your own hands. This editorial breaks down the real tradeoffs, from HOA economics and due diligence to wellness-driven amenities and the emerging “lock-and-leave” logic that’s reshaping trophy demand.

West Palm Beach waterfront cityscape, bridges and palm‑lined promenades—sought‑after market for luxury and ultra luxury condos; preconstruction and resale.
West Palm Beach waterfront cityscape, bridges and palm‑lined promenades—sought‑after market for luxury and ultra luxury condos; preconstruction and resale.

South Florida’s Trophy Home Market in 2026: Records, Global Cash, and the New Luxury Baseline

South Florida enters 2026 with ultra-luxury momentum that is broad-based but not uniform: $10M-plus closings remain frequent, Miami Beach condo pricing is pressing higher on a per-square-foot basis, and trophy transactions are resetting expectations without necessarily rewriting everyday comps. For buyers and sellers operating at the top of the market, the story is less about a single headline sale and more about liquidity, supply, and the persistent pull of branded, service-forward living.

About Us

MILLION is a luxury real estate boutique specializing in South Florida's most exclusive properties. We serve discerning clients with discretion, personalized service, and the refined excellence that defines modern luxury.