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Is 2023 The Best Time to Sell your Brickell Condo?
Should you sell your Brickell condo in 2023? The market has changed. It’s not just about rising inventory or interest rates anymore. Three factors could lead to a situation where buyers hold most of the power: expensive insurance, rising HOA fees, and a milestone inspection.
In the past, buyers had to be careful, but now sellers must be too. Technology and information sharing mean sellers must follow the “seller beware” principle. We’ll show you how these changes can affect demand for certain buildings, which will impact the value of your condo. (List of buildings below.)
New Condo Safety Law | Milestone Inspection & Reserves
Florida’s Senate Bill SB 4-D was passed on May 2022, making it mandatory for any condominium and cooperative buildings, three stories or higher, to undergo milestone inspections without the option to waive funding of reserves. For some buildings, this is as simple as increasing their HOA fees by a certain percentage. This, however, means a new special assessment to satisfy the reserve fund requirement for some buildings. Special assessments can be a significant obstacle for banks to issue loans. They can also cause buyers to shift to alternative buildings if sellers aren’t willing to liquidate the assessment before the transfer of ownership.
Milestone inspections are one of the largest, lengthiest, and most costly projects for a condominium. Before the change in condo safety laws, condominiums had 40 years to perform this inspection. Now, a milestone inspection is required by December 31 of the year in which the building reaches 25 years of age if it is coastal (or within 3 miles of the coastline) and every 10 years thereafter. Milestone inspections are critical but can affect how buyers perceive certain buildings. Balconies and common areas can be closed for months, which causes the resale process to sit on the market for extended periods or at a discounted price.
Insurance Premiums
Insurance premiums are now being issued at a premium. Many have deemed Florida as having the highest premium rates in the United States. In 2022, insurance rates in Florida increased by 33% compared to the national rate of only a 9% increase, predicting reinsurance costs to rise 40% to 50% more over the Summer. Homeowners insurance is not legally required if the buyer pays cash or outright. Still, if the buyer finances via a mortgage, this is another costly variable to add to carrying costs. Condominiums have master insurance policies where all common areas are covered, but as we continue to see the rise in insurance rates, we can expect the HOA fees to rise accordingly.
Higher HOA Fees
Homeowner association (HOA) fees are rising due to several factors. The new condo safety laws and reserve fund requirements are causing many condominium associations to prepare for milestone inspections. In addition to the milestone inspections, these associations are also facing the challenge of paying higher insurance premiums. As a result, homeowners can expect an increase in HOA fees.
HOA fees are essential for funding the maintenance, repair, and upkeep of shared amenities and common areas within the condominium complex. Depending on the building’s density, a condo owner may notice a subtle or significant increase in their HOA fees. Still, it’s crucial to understand that these fees are necessary to ensure the safety and overall well-being of the community.
As market conditions continue to evolve and new regulations are implemented, it’s essential to remember that HOA fees may fluctuate accordingly. Homeowners should remain informed about any changes to their HOA fees. Additionally they should stay involved in their association’s decision-making process to ensure that their fees are being put to good use.
Is 2023 the best time to sell your Brickell Condo? Brickell (Key) Condos with milestone inspections on the horizon or increased HOA Fees

FAQ
These are the most commonly Miami Real Estate Related questions
What should relocation buyers know before buying real estate in Miami?
HOME BUYERS
Relocation buyers looking at homes in Miami should understand that choosing the right house is less about the property itself and more about location, schools, and long-term value. Many buyers make the mistake of focusing on price or finishes, while the real driver of value is the neighborhood and micro-location. Older homes often represent better value, but may also be part of a future redevelopment cycle. Newer homes command premiums, but don’t always sell faster if pricing is ahead of the market. Commute time, school access, and community dynamics are critical and often underestimated. The key is to evaluate homes not just as lifestyle purchases, but as long-term assets within a very localized market.
Sources:
https://luxlifemiamiblog.com/relocating-to-miami/
https://luxlifemiamiblog.com/relocating-to-miami-with-a-family/
CONDO BUYERS:
Relocation buyers should understand that Miami is a highly segmented, building-driven market, not a uniform one. Pricing can vary significantly between similar properties depending on building quality, layout, and financial health. Many buyers assume newer construction equals better investment, but that is often not the case. Factors like HOA fees, reserves, and rental policies can materially impact long-term value and liquidity. Negotiation opportunities often exist, especially in slower segments, but require precise market knowledge. The key is to evaluate micro-markets and individual buildings, not just neighborhoods or price per square foot.
Sources:
https://luxlifemiamiblog.com/miami-real-estate-market-report/
https://luxlifemiamiblog.com/new-construction-miami-guide/
What are the best areas for relocating families with children
For families relocating to Miami with young children, the most recommended neighborhoods are Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, and Pinecrest. Coral Gables offers the best balance of top schools, safety, and long-term value. Coconut Grove is ideal for younger families seeking walkability, greenery, and a lifestyle-driven environment. Pinecrest provides larger homes, excellent schools, and better value for space, making it ideal for growing families. The key driver across all three is access to strong schools and primary residential stability. Relocation decisions are less about new construction and more about long-term livability and resale strength.
Sources:
https://luxlifemiamiblog.com/best-neighborhoods-miami/
https://luxlifemiamiblog.com/what-are-the-best-family-neighborhoods-in-miami-in-2023/
Are new construction condos in Miami a good investment?
New construction condos in Miami can be a good investment—but only if you understand that not all buildings perform the same. According to the David Siddons Group, many buyers assume “new = better,” but in reality, performance depends on pricing, layout, building quality, and long-term demand. Some new developments set future price benchmarks and can drive long-term appreciation, especially in top-tier projects. However, many are priced aggressively at launch, and buyers relying on marketing instead of data often overpay.
The market is highly segmented, meaning two new buildings next to each other can perform very differently.
The best opportunities typically come from selecting the right building early or negotiating correctly in later phases.
In short: new construction is not automatically a good investment—it becomes one only with building-level analysis and disciplined entry pricing.
Sources:
https://luxlifemiamiblog.com/how-to-buy-a-luxury-condo-in-miami/
https://luxlifemiamiblog.com/category/independent-new-construction-condo-reviews/
https://luxlifemiamiblog.com/beyond-clickbait-real-insights-into-miamis-luxury-condo-market/
Why is buying a Miami condo riskier than buyers think?
Buying a Miami condo is often riskier than buyers expect because the true risks are at the building level—not visible in the listing price. Many buyers focus on finishes and views, while overlooking HOA reserves, insurance exposure, and potential special assessments. In reality, two identical units in different buildings can perform completely differently over time. Rising HOA fees and stricter regulations are also increasing the true cost of ownership, especially in older buildings. Liquidity can be affected by factors like financial health, rental policies, and ongoing repairs. The key risk is not the condo itself—but buying into the wrong building without proper due diligence.
Sources:
https://luxlifemiamiblog.com/how-to-buy-a-luxury-condo-in-miami/
https://luxlifemiamiblog.com/miami-condo-market-risks/
What are Miami's Safest Areas?
Which Miami Areas Still offer Great Value (Budget Friendly alternatives to Coral Gables and Pinecrest)
If you’re looking for better value than Coral Gables or Pinecrest, the answer (in true Siddons style) is not “go cheaper”—it’s go one layer outside the obvious markets.
The strongest value plays are:
- Schenley Park → closest substitute to Coral Gables at ~20% discount while maintaining similar character and location
- Biltmore Heights → almost identical feel to the Gables but ~25–30% cheaper on a $/SF basis
- Glenvar Heights → central location with larger lots and ~25% pricing advantage vs South Miami/Gables
- Baptist / Galloway (Kendall) → Pinecrest-style living (space, schools, land) at up to ~30% lower pricing
The pattern is consistent:
👉 Buyers are shifting west and slightly off-market to gain land, scale, and pricing efficiency. You don’t find value by going to a “cheaper neighborhood”—you find it by identifying adjacent micro-markets that offer the same lifestyle fundamentals without the brand premium.
Sources:
https://luxlifemiamiblog.com/best-value-neighborhoods-miami/
https://luxlifemiamiblog.com/category/miami-neighborhoods/
Is NOW a good time to buy in Miami?
Are Miami real estate prices going down in 2026?
No—but that’s the wrong way to look at it. Miami is not one market anymore, so prices are not moving in one direction. In 2026, the market is split into two: ultra-luxury, scarcity-driven areas (like waterfront and top-tier neighborhoods) are still holding or even rising, while mid-tier condos and oversupplied segments are flat or correcting. What we’re seeing is price divergence, not a crash—some properties are gaining value while others are quietly adjusting downward. Rising inventory and more selective buyers are putting pressure on pricing in certain segments, especially older condos or buildings with weaker fundamentals.
At the same time, global wealth and cash buyers continue to support pricing at the top end of the market. So the real answer: prices aren’t broadly dropping—they’re being repriced based on quality, location, and supply.
Should I buy a house or a condo when relocating to Miami?
The decision comes down to lifestyle first, investment second—and most relocation buyers get that backwards. If you want space, privacy, schools, and long-term family living, a single-family home in areas like Coral Gables or Coconut Grove is typically the stronger choice. If you prioritize walkability, low maintenance, and proximity to business districts, a condo in Brickell or waterfront markets makes more sense.
From an investment perspective, homes tend to be more stable, while condos are more building-dependent and cyclical. Most relocation clients underestimate how much building quality, HOA structure, and future costs impact condo performance. The right answer isn’t “house vs condo”—it’s which asset fits your lifestyle AND holds value within its micro-market.
How do I choose the right Miami neighborhood for my lifestyle?
Why are Miami condo prices so different between buildings?
Miami condo pricing varies widely because value is determined at the building level, not just by location. Two buildings next to each other can have major differences in financial health, reserves, HOA fees, and management quality. Buyers also pay premiums for better layouts, views, amenities, and newer construction—but not all “new” buildings perform equally. Factors like rental policies, upcoming assessments, and building reputation can significantly impact resale value. This is why price per square foot alone is misleading in Miami’s condo market. The real driver of value is how that specific building competes within its micro-market over time.
Sources:
https://luxlifemiamiblog.com/how-to-buy-a-luxury-condo-in-miami/
https://luxlifemiamiblog.com/category/independent-new-construction-condo-reviews/
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