S
outh Florida remains a prime destination despite challenges such as a slowdown in deal volume and high development costs. This consensus was echoed by real estate professionals who attended The Real Deal's South Florida Real Estate Forum last week. Over 6,000 people gathered at Mana Wynwood in Miami for the two-day event, which kicked off after the presidential election.

    The mood was lively, with brokers, developers, and sponsors showcasing their booths and fueling up on caffeine. Key speakers included Adam Neumann, co-founder of WeWork, who discussed his rental apartment ventures, and developer David Martin, who shared insights on working with government agencies and NIMBYs. Douglas Elliman's new CEO, Michael Liebowitz, made his first major public appearance since taking the role.

    Notable takeaways from the event include:

    * The multifamily market is expected to boom in South Florida as supply decreases, leading to increased rents.

    * Branded condos are a growing trend, with luxury and high-end products selling well.

    * Resi agents agree that buyers want new homes near top schools, often facilitated by personal connections.

    The event covered various topics, including the office market, the Live Local Act, and building for billionaires. More coverage of the event will be shared this week.