From NYC to Miami: Buying and Remodeling an Ultra-Luxury Condo Without Killing Resale Value

Ultra-luxury buyers relocating from New York to Miami face a familiar problem: finding a primary residence that matches the craftsmanship, detail, and gravitas of top Manhattan buildings. I sat down with Luciana Fragali, my wife and CEO of Design Solutions Miami, to unpack the solution: how thoughtful design, disciplined budgets, and the right building can unlock real value in Miami’s luxury market. This is not about decorating a luxury residences, it’s about value creation and preservation.

NYC vs. Miami: A Design Reality Check

Case Study: How 87 Park Became a One-of-One

At 87 Park, the strategy was precision, not excess. A client purchased and combined two units totaling roughly 5,600 SF for about $15M. The value wasn’t just in size, it was in rethinking the layout entirely. Luciana repositioned the master suite to capture sunset and Intracoastal views, while dedicating the prime ocean and park frontage to expansive living spaces. The home featured a show kitchen and a separate cook’s kitchen, four bedrooms, a secure and soundproof office, and infrastructure upgrades most buyers never see—like full-unit signal optimization. The buildout totaled approximately $6M, aligned intentionally with the building’s price-per-square-foot ceiling. The result: a truly irreplaceable residence in a building with protected park and ocean views.

The Value Add
Comparable, but inferior, units later traded around $32M. Today, this residence is positioned at $36M. The takeaway is clear: value wasn’t created by overspending, but by buying the right building, respecting market ceilings, and executing a design that made the home genuinely one of one.

The Bottom Line
For NYC buyers moving to Miami, better decisions come from the intersection of smart real estate selection and intelligent design. When those align—as they did at 87 Park—luxury becomes not just personal, but profitable.

Remodeled Unit at 87 Park Now Asking $36M — Furniture Not Selected or Supplied by Design Solutions:

What Ultra-Luxury Buyers Should Budget

For New Yorkers moving to Miami from buildings like 220 Central Park West, Hudson Yards, or Greenwich Lane, the cost to reach that level of finish is predictable—if done correctly. A full, top-tier remodel typically runs $500–$600 per square foot, excluding furniture, art, and personal items. A lighter upgrade or a new-construction unit where kitchens, floors, and doors already work can come in closer to $250–$300 per square foot, focused on millwork, lighting, wall treatments, and customization. The key distinction is budgeting for what stays with the property versus what moves with you.

Timelines: Plan for a Year, Not a Season

For buyers coming from New York, a realistic timeline for a high-end Miami remodel is nine months to a year, whether it’s a new-construction unit or an older building. While a developer-finished unit may save a little time on flooring, most other elements still get reworked. Building rules, seasonal noise restrictions, permitting, and coordination all add complexity. Time is the most expensive currency in this process, and trying to compress it, especially to avoid missing a winter season, almost always leads to frustration. Done properly, it’s a year-long investment that pays off in quality and long-term value.

The Pitfall of Bringing Your Team from Out of State

One of the most common (and costly) mistakes is bringing a designer or team from New York to run a Miami project. Even great designers struggle without daily, on-the-ground presence and deep knowledge of local building rules, codes, and contractor ecosystems. Miami buildings, especially places like Fisher Island, have strict work windows and operational quirks. Layering in out-of-state designers, local architects, multiple subcontractors, and unfamiliar general contractors creates confusion, delays, and conflicting opinions. The most successful projects rely on a tight, local team that works together regularly, understands the buildings, and can move fast when timing matters.

Final Takeaway

The real lesson is simple—and decisive. Ultra-luxury success in Miami comes down to three things: buying the rightbuilding, spending the right amount in the right places, and executing with the right team. When those align, Miami can deliver the scale, finish, and experience New York buyers expect—without sacrificing resale value. For over 20 years, we’ve done this together: identifying irreplaceable properties and transforming them with discipline, clarity, and a defined budget from day one. There is a direct link between what you buy and how you finish it. Ignore either, and you get stuck. Get both right, and the result isn’t just a beautiful home—it’s one that works for you today and holds its value tomorrow.

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