How much money do I need to invest in pre-construction condos in Miami?

For a $400,000 condo, the initial payment is 20% = $80,000. Subsequent payments (typically 10%-10%-10%) are spread throughout the construction period until the final closing.

Can I resell a pre-construction condo before it's finished?

Yes. Many contracts allow an assignment — selling your contract position to another buyer before closing. This strategy lets investors capture appreciation without needing to close the purchase themselves.

Are pre-construction launch prices a real discount?

Yes, but only available in the first sales phase. Once a project reaches 30–40% sold, prices increase. Early buyers get the best prices and the highest potential for appreciation.

What happens if I can't close on my pre-construction condo?

If your financing isn't ready at closing, you risk losing your deposit. It's essential to plan your financing in advance or ensure you have sufficient liquid funds available when the building is completed.

Pre-Construction Miami Condos: Complete Investment Guide 2026

Pre-construction condos in Miami are among the most popular real estate investment strategies for Latin American buyers. The logic is straightforward: buy at today’s price, make payments during construction, and receive a brand-new (and more valuable) property in 2–3 years. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is Pre-Construction?

A pre-construction condo is a unit purchased before or during the building’s construction. In Miami, the process works as follows:

The developer launches the project with floor plans and renderings
Sales open to investors in a presale phase (launch prices)
Construction takes 18 months to 4 years
When complete, the buyer receives the keys and can move in or sell

The key is the launch price: developers offer 10%–25% below estimated market value at delivery to secure early sales.

Advantages of Pre-Construction Investment in Miami

1. Built-in Appreciation

If you buy in a well-located project, the condo’s value at delivery is systematically higher than your purchase price. Miami projects over the past 10 years have shown average appreciation of 20%–40% between contract signing and closing.

2. Staged Payment Plan

Unlike resale (secondary market) purchases, pre-construction allows you to pay in installments during construction. The typical Miami schedule:

Milestone	Percentage of Price
Contract signing	10%–20%
Construction start	10%
Reaching floor X	10%
Closing (keys)	60%–70%

This lets you invest with a fraction of the total capital upfront and leverage the rest.

3. Brand New, Zero Surprises

A new condo comes with developer warranties, latest-generation materials, and cutting-edge amenities: spas, coworking spaces, rooftop pools, EV chargers.

4. No Hidden History

No previous tenants, no hidden damage, no need for renovations.

Risks and How to Mitigate Them

Pre-construction is not without risks. Knowing them allows you to make better decisions:

Risk 1: Construction Delays

In Miami, 6–18 month delays are common. Ensure the contract includes penalty clauses for excessive developer delays.

Risk 2: Project Changes

Developers may alter materials, amenities, or minor floor plans. Read the contract carefully — ideally with an attorney.

Risk 3: Developer Cancels the Project

Rare, but possible. Verify:

The developer’s financial strength
That deposit funds are held in escrow (a regulated third-party account), inaccessible to the developer until closing

Risk 4: Market Downturn

If the market falls during construction, you could receive a property worth less than you paid. This risk is lower in Miami than most cities, given the constant flow of international buyers.

Best Pre-Construction Projects in Miami 2026

Brickell

Brickell City Centre Phase II: Estimated delivery 2027. Condos from $480,000.
One Brickell City Centre: Miami’s tallest building under construction. From $1.2M.
Rivage Brickell: Ultra-luxury over water, delivery 2028. From $5M.

Edgewater

Aria Reserve: The Edgewater twin towers. Already under construction, delivery 2027. From $1.1M.
Midtown Rise: Boutique project with high demand. From $420,000, projected ROI 11%.

Downtown Miami

Waldorf Astoria Residences: 100 floors, the future tallest building in Miami. Delivery 2027.
Downtown Miami One: Accessible and well-located. From $520,000, delivery 2028.

Miami Beach / Surfside

Edition Residences: Luxury Marriott-branded penthouses and residences. From $2.5M.
Beach Vista Residences: Direct Atlantic Ocean views. From $750,000, delivery 2027.

The Purchase Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Choose Project and Unit

With help from a specialist agent (like those at LATA Miami), select the project that best fits your budget and goals (personal use vs. pure investment).

Step 2: Sign the Reservation Agreement

Pay a reservation deposit (typically $5,000–$10,000) to reserve your unit while preparing the formal contract.

Step 3: Sign the Purchase and Sale Agreement

This is the main legal document. It includes price, payment plan, technical specs, and penalty clauses. Having your own attorney review it is essential.

Step 4: Construction Payments

Follow the stipulated payment plan. In Florida, funds go to a state-regulated escrow account.

Step 5: Closing

When the building receives its certificate of occupancy, closing occurs. You pay the remaining balance (with or without mortgage) and receive the keys.

Do I Need to Be in Miami to Buy?

No. Many Latin American buyers complete the entire process remotely:

Contracts signed digitally (DocuSign)
Deposits transferred via international wire
Closing done with a power of attorney or in person (just 2–3 days in Miami)

At LATA Miami, we coordinate everything so you can buy from Colombia, Argentina, Mexico, or Brazil without leaving your city.

Tax Considerations for Foreign Buyers

When buying pre-construction as a foreigner, consider:

ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number): Required for closing. Apply 4–8 weeks in advance.
FIRPTA: When you eventually sell, the US withholds 15% of the sale price as a tax advance. A properly structured LLC can help manage this.
Property tax: Typically 1.5%–2% of assessed value annually.

Our tax advisory team helps you structure the purchase in the most efficient way possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much capital do I need to start? For a $400,000 condo, the first payment is 20% = $80,000. Subsequent payments are spread throughout construction.

Can I resell before construction finishes? Yes. Many contracts allow an assignment — selling your contract position to another buyer before closing. This is a strategy many investors use to capture appreciation without reaching closing.

Are launch prices real discounts? Yes, but only available in the first sales phase. Once a project reaches 30–40% sold, prices increase.

What if I can’t close on the scheduled date? If your financing isn’t ready, you risk losing your deposit. Plan your financing well in advance or ensure you have liquid funds available.

Interested in investing in a pre-construction project? Contact us and we’ll send you a personalized list of the best projects available in Miami today.