Miami's Housing Market Winning Streak Continues, Fifth Consecutive Monthly Price Gains Fueled by International Buyers

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(Miami, FL) -- Based on new data from the Miami Association of Realtors and their local MLS system, Miami home prices posted strong gains in April for the fifth consecutive month.  The median sales price of condominiums in the Miami-Dade County increased 30 percent to $150,000 compared to a year earlier.

The median sales price of single-family homes rose 8.2 percent to $183,000.  The median sales prices for non-distressed properties sold in April in Miami-Dade were $253,400 for single-family homes and $246,250 for condominiums.

"Miami single-family home and condominium prices continue to trend upwards due to the record demand experienced last year," said Martha Pomares, 2012 Chairman of the Board of the Miami Association of Realtors.  "Price appreciation should continue due to limited supply and strong demand from both U.S. and international buyers and investors."

Statewide median sales prices in April increased 10.2 percent to $144,350 for condominiums and 16.1 percent to $108,000 for single-family homes, according to data from Florida Realtors Industry Data and Analysis department and vendor partner 10K Research and Marketing. The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $177,400 in April, a 10.1 percent increase from April 2011.

The April average sales price for single-family homes in Miami-Dade County increased 17 percent, from $355,342 in 2011 to $415,046 in 2012.  The average sales prices for condominiums jumped 22.3 percent, from $242,616 to $293,717.  The average sales prices for non-distressed properties sold in April in Miami-Dade were $626,877 for single-family homes and $414,664 for condominiums.

The sales of existing single-family homes in Miami-Dade increased 7.2 percent in April, from 830 to 890, compared to record sales levels in April 2011.  Sales of condominiums were down 12.0 percent, from 1,404 to 1,237, compared to April 2011.

Statewide sales of existing single-family homes totaled 17,544 in April 2012, down 0.7 percent compared to a year ago.  Statewide condominium sales totaled 9,765, down 4.9 percent from those sold in April 2011. Nationally, sales of existing single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, and co-ops increased 3.4 percent from March and were 10 percent higher than they were in April 2011, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

"The Miami residential real estate market continues to show remarkable strengthening compared to the rest of the nation," said 2012 Miami Association of Realtors Residential President Patricia Delinois.  "Miami is unique in many ways, including being the top market in nation for foreign buyers and investors.  There are many benefits to living and working in Miami, which is why migrating U.S. residents and retiring baby boomers as well as vacation and second home buyers, and global business headquarters are increasingly attracted to our amazing city."

Inventory Continues Sharp Decline

Over the last year, the inventory of residential listings in Miami-Dade County has decreased 34 percent from 17,897 to 11,878.  Compared to the previous month, the total inventory of homes dropped 4.04 percent.   Total housing inventory nationally rose 9.5 percent at the end of April but was 20.6 percent below a year ago.

Distressed Properties

Strong demand for bank-owned (REO) properties and improved processing of short sales has resulted in rapid absorption of distressed listings and contributed to price appreciation.  In April, 47 percent of all closed residential sales in Miami-Dade County were distressed, including REOs (bank-owned properties) and short sales, compared to 59 percent in April 2011 and 49 percent the previous month.

International Buyers Fuel Cash Sales

In Miami-Dade County, 64 percent of total closed sales in March were all-cash sales, compared to 65 percent in March and 63 percent a year earlier.  Cash sales accounted for 46 percent of single-family and 77 percent of condominium closings.  Nearly 90 percent of international buyers in Florida purchase properties all cash.  Nationally, all-cash sales fell to 29 percent in April - from 32 percent in March and 21 percent in April 2011 - reflecting the stronger presence of international buyers in the Miami real estate market.