Foreign National Loans in Miami, Florida

Miami is the foreign-national real estate capital of the United States. Latin American capital flows into Miami-Dade make this the deepest market in the country for non-US-resident investor financing. Brickell, Edgewater, and downtown Miami high-rises dominate; Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and Aventura serve higher-end buyers. The local broker, attorney, and lender networks are deeply experienced with cross-border transactions and FIRPTA considerations.

Top Miami neighborhoods and submarkets

  • Brickell: Densest foreign-national investor concentration; high-rise condo market dominates.
  • Edgewater: Newer high-rise inventory; popular with Latin American buyers.
  • Downtown Miami: Mixed-use core; active condo rental market.
  • Aventura: High-end residential; significant Brazilian and Venezuelan investor activity.
  • Coral Gables: Established luxury market; single-family and townhomes.
  • Coconut Grove: Premium waterfront and historic-district inventory.
  • Doral: Newer suburban development; rental investor activity.

Miami quick facts

  • #1 US foreign-national real estate market
  • Spanish/Portuguese broker pool deep
  • FIRPTA 15% withholding applies on sale
  • No state income tax
  • Property tax 1.0-1.4% effective rate
  • Documentary stamp tax 0.7% on note + 0.35% on deed

Miami Foreign National FAQs

Why is Miami the top US foreign-national market?

Combination of factors: established Latin American diaspora communities, direct flights from Latin American capitals, Spanish/Portuguese-speaking professional services (brokers, attorneys, lenders), no state income tax, and decades of established cross-border real estate transactions. Brickell's condo market specifically caters to non-US resident investors.

Brickell condotel and rental considerations?

Most Brickell high-rises are warrantable residential condos (not condotels). Many HOAs allow long-term rentals; STR (under 30 days) is widely restricted at the HOA level even when city law would permit. Read the project bylaws carefully before targeting STR strategy.

FIRPTA at sale - how does it work in Miami?

FIRPTA requires 15% withholding on the gross sale price when a foreign-national seller exits. The buyer (or buyer's closing agent) withholds and remits to IRS. Filings can claim back excess withholding via tax return, but the cash is locked up for months. Plan for this at acquisition - some entity structures reduce exposure.

Spanish-language broker and lender support?

Extensive. Most Miami-Dade lenders have Spanish-speaking originators and many handle Portuguese-language transactions for Brazilian buyers. The brokerage and legal community is bilingual by default.

See Florida-wide Foreign National guidelines and FAQs →

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