M
iami's luxury high-rise buildings are rapidly disappearing into the ground, with 35 at risk of sinking further. Despite this alarming trend, developers continue to build and wealthy buyers snap up multimillion-dollar condos. The issue is most pronounced in upscale enclaves like Surfside, Sunny Isles Beach, Bal Harbour, and Miami Beach.

    A University of Miami study found that some buildings have sunk nearly three inches over seven years due to a combination of factors, including porous limestone, sandy sublayers, and relentless construction. This causes ground subsidence, or the gradual sinking of the ground. The study attributed the observed subsidence to load-induced creep deformation of sandy layers.

    Some of the most prestigious addresses in Miami are included on the list, such as Trump Tower III, Porsche Design Tower, Ritz-Carlton Residences, Eighty Seven Park, and Arte Surfside. Even after the Surfside condo collapse in 2021, which killed 98 people, developers have continued to build without addressing the underlying issues.

    The study found that excessive vibrations from construction, water seepage through limestone, and shifting sand particles all contribute to the sinking buildings. Researchers say this is much worse than previously believed. Despite the risks, high-rise construction has increased in recent years, with a 60-story St Regis currently under development in Sunny Isles.

    Developers claim they have mastered engineering milestones, but the issue lies not with the foundation, but with the buildings themselves sinking. The Arte Surfside building, where Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner rented an apartment while building their nearby mansion, has sunk more than four inches over seven years.

    Regulations are being called for to address the issue, with real estate agent Jeff Lichtenstein saying that buyers rely on government trust to secure their purchases. He believes new legislation, such as House Bill 913, is a step in the right direction. However, the allure of Miami's luxury lifestyle remains strong, and many buyers continue to purchase properties despite the environmental risks.

    The Ritz-Carlton Residences, named on the list, recently announced the launch of sales with Douglas Elliman, offering custom-designed beach houses ranging from $4.25 million to $125 million. Despite the concerns, Miami's luxury real estate market continues to grow, even as the ground below it sinks.