By John D. Mayfield | Licensed Florida Broker | Mayfield Real Estate Inc.
There is a moment, somewhere between a first glance at Biscayne Bay and the closing of a deal in cash, when a buyer from Bogotá, Buenos Aires, or London realizes what those of us who live here have always known: Miami is not just a city. It is a decision. A declaration. A life.
The 2025 Profile of International Homebuyer Transactions, published by the Miami Association of REALTORS® (MIAMI) in January 2026, puts hard numbers behind what we see every day in this market — and the story it tells is nothing short of remarkable.
$4.4 Billion. 42% Growth. One Year.
International buyers poured $4.4 billion into the Greater Miami real estate market in 2025 — a 42% surge over the prior year. Transaction volume jumped 33%, with 5,300 global buyer purchases recorded across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Martin counties.
To put that in perspective: Miami accounts for 45% of all international real estate purchases in Florida — nearly half — while international buyers represent 15% of all Miami home sales. Nationally, that figure is just 2%. This market operates on a different level entirely.
The breakdown by county tells the same story from every angle:
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- Miami-Dade: $3.2 billion (+39% year-over-year)
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- Broward: $785 million (+34%)
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- Palm Beach: $123 million (+31%)
Every county. Every direction. All up.
Who Is Buying — and Why It Matters
The buyers coming to Miami in 2025 are not speculating. They are deciding. 69% still resided abroad at the time of purchase, meaning they chose Miami from the other side of the world — sight largely unseen. In fact, 66% had visited Florida just twice or fewer before signing. That speaks to a level of conviction — and urgency — that defines this market.
Colombia leads the way at 15% market share, followed by Argentina at 11%, with Mexico and Brazil each at 7%, and Venezuela and Canada tied at 5%. These are not tourists dabbling in real estate. These are families, entrepreneurs, and investors making a permanent pivot toward South Florida.
And it is not only international buyers. Miami remains the #1 destination for New York buyers for the sixth consecutive year, drawing 24% of all out-of-state purchases. California buyers followed at 14%. The migration story — both global and domestic — has not slowed. It has deepened.
The Cash Culture
Perhaps nothing signals confidence in a market more clearly than an all-cash offer. In Miami’s international buyer segment, 51% of all purchases were made entirely in cash. No contingencies. No financing delays. Just conviction.
The median purchase price for international buyers was $558,700 — and 51% chose condominiums, which remain the gateway asset class for global buyers seeking a combination of lifestyle, low maintenance, and rental income potential. 71% of buyers purchased for vacation use, rental income, or both — a profile that aligns perfectly with Miami’s year-round appeal and thriving short-term rental market.
Florida Remains Unmatched — For 17 Consecutive Years
This is not a trend. This is a permanent condition. Florida has been the #1 destination for U.S. foreign buyers for 17 consecutive years. When Canadian buyers look south, 48% choose Florida. When UK buyers invest in America, 45% land in Florida. No other state comes close.
And within Florida, no market absorbs that demand — or rewards it — the way Miami does.
What This Means If You Are Considering a Move
Whether you are weighing a pied-à-terre on Miami Beach, a waterfront residence in Coral Gables, or an investment property in Brickell, the 2025 data sends a clear message: you are not alone in seeing what Miami offers — and the window for positioning yourself in this market is very much open.
As a Licensed Florida Broker with deep expertise in South Florida’s luxury market, I work with buyers exactly like the ones represented in this report — international buyers, domestic relocators, and investors who want more than a property. They want a life.
If Miami is on your radar, I would love to be part of that conversation.
Download the Full Report
The complete 2025 Profile of International Homebuyer Transactions from the Miami Association of REALTORS® is available here as a free download. It is one of the most comprehensive looks at who is buying in this market, where they are coming from, and what they are purchasing.
[Download the 2025 Miami International Homebuyer Report — Free]
John D. Mayfield is a Licensed Florida Broker (Lic. #BK3264287) with Mayfield Real Estate Inc. and the founder of Live a Nice Life — a luxury real estate brand dedicated to the art of exceptional living. Schedule a private consultation at liveaNiceLife.com.
Data sourced from the 2025 Profile of International Homebuyer Transactions, Miami Association of REALTORS® (published January 2026). Survey period: August 2024 – July 2025.
