How to Purchase a Miami Condo as an International Buyer

Purchasing a new-construction condominium in Miami—whether in Brickell, Edgewater, or Downtown—is a process that can be managed entirely from abroad. For international buyers, the transition from selecting a unit to holding the deed involves specific logistical steps regarding remote documentation, international wire transfers, and legal representation.

Note: This guide provides general information regarding the purchase process and is not legal, tax, or lending advice. Buyers should consult with their respective professionals to confirm specific requirements.

Remote Reservation and Contracting Modern construction projects in Miami are designed to accommodate non-resident buyers. Most steps of a Miami pre-construction purchase can be completed remotely: units are commonly reserved online or by email, and contracts are frequently signed electronically. This allows buyers to secure a unit in high-demand areas like Omni or Midtown without needing to be physically present at a sales center.

Funding and Escrow Once a contract is signed, the buyer must fund the required deposits. These deposits are typically funded by international wire transfer into the escrow account named in the contract. To mitigate the risk of fraud, buyers should confirm wiring instructions directly with the escrow agent before sending any funds.

To simplify the logistics of ongoing payments—including subsequent deposits, association dues, and taxes—international buyers often open a US bank account. This can streamline the flow of funds for a property in Sunny Isles Beach or South Beach over the multi-year construction period.

Legal Representation and Closing Navigating Florida real estate law requires specialized local expertise. A US real-estate attorney and a title company handle contract review, title, and closing. For those who cannot travel to Florida for the final signing, a buyer can grant a power of attorney so closing can happen without traveling.

Ownership Structures and Tax Planning International buyers must consider the long-term implications of ownership. Owing through a US LLC is a common structure for non-resident buyers; however, the decision involves tax and legal trade-offs that should be reviewed with professionals. Additionally, US tax rules such as FIRPTA can require withholding when a foreign owner later sells, so buyers should plan with a tax advisor from the start.

The Role of a Buyer’s Representative Navigating the coordination between developers, attorneys, and lenders can be complex. Working with a buyer’s representative like Own Miami means the buyer has someone advocating for them, coordinating the developer, attorney, and lender, at no cost to the buyer in a standard co-broke sale.

For those interested in exploring new developments in Aventura or Coconut Grove, you can view current inventory at /developments.

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