Miami’s Ultra-Luxury Market Sets the Tone for 2026 with a $38 Million Contract

The South Florida luxury real estate market has entered 2026 with a clear show of confidence. During the week of January 12 to 18, a landmark residence at Four Seasons Residences at The Surf Club went under contract at an asking price of $38 million, becoming the highest-priced luxury property to secure a buyer in Miami-Dade County for that period. The deal, reported by The Real Deal, underscores the ongoing vitality of Miami’s top-tier residential segment despite recent price recalibrations.

An Iconic Oceanfront Residence

The S-1011 residence, located in Surfside, spans more than 7,300 square feet and features seven bedrooms with uninterrupted Atlantic Ocean views. Designed for privacy and refined living, the property includes expansive entertaining areas, a chef-grade kitchen, a private library, and seamless indoor-outdoor spaces. Residents gain from Four Seasons’ hallmark services, including 24-hour concierge, spa facilities, fine dining, and direct access to a private beachfront.

Market Depth Beyond a Single Sale

This standout contract was part of a broader wave of high-end activity. In total, 14 luxury residential properties—most priced above $4 million—went under contract during the same week, representing approximately $138 million in total asking volume. The figures reveal a market supported by both domestic and international buyers seeking long-term value, lifestyle quality, and capital stability in one of the world’s most desirable coastal destinations.

Strategic Pricing, Decisive Buyers

The Surf Club penthouse reached contract status after a series of price adjustments, a strategy increasingly adopted at the highest end of the market. Rather than signaling hesitation, these refinements sharpen market positioning and prompt decisive action from globally minded buyers who value clarity, exclusivity, and architectural distinction.

What 2026 Is Already Revealing

Early activity in Miami points to several defining patterns for the year ahead:

• Prime oceanfront locations stay irreplaceable assets.
• Branded residences continue to elevate expectations around service and long-term asset protection.
• Sophisticated buyers value privacy, design excellence, and integrated lifestyle offerings.
• A resilient luxury market capable of converting price alignment into completed transactions.

Looking Ahead

Miami’s position as a global hub for ultra-luxury real estate is increasingly consolidated. Deals like the Surf Club residence point to a year shaped by selectivity, exceptional properties, and a market driven by vision rather than volume. In this environment, luxury real estate is no longer defined solely by square footage or price—but by lifestyle, permanence, and future-oriented living.