Picture this… A second home or vacation home in Miami that lets you soak in the sun and earn while you’re away. That’s the dream most second-home buyers have in mind, including sparkling water views, breezy terraces and an investment that pays for itself when you’re not there.  With most pre-construction condo projects in Miami being built to offer flexible rental options, that dream is more attainable than ever. But before you commit to a condo-hotel or Airbnb-friendly building, it’s worth thinking beyond nightly rates and rental calendars to consider what kind of second home experience you truly want. I’m Sep Niakan—a longtime Miami real estate agent and founding broker of Blackbook Properties—and in our latest video, I walk you through the lifestyle-versus-investment trade-offs between the more exclusive vacation rentals and the more revenue-driven Airbnb-friendly condos in Miami.     At Blackbook Properties, we believe in showing both sides of the coin, and having worked...

Known as the “Venice of America” and the world’s yachting capital, Fort Lauderdale is emerging as one of South Florida’s most exciting urban markets for real estate investors. The city generated over $125 million in tourist tax revenue last year—and approximately 14 million people visit Fort Lauderdale every year, contributing more than $11.4 billion to the local economy. Clear proof that there’s steady demand for short-term stays. For those eyeing top Airbnb-friendly opportunities in South Florida, Fort Lauderdale is a compelling choice. With its laid-back, powdery sand beaches, definitely boat-friendly lifestyle, navigable waterways, rich arts and culture scene, and collection of fine dining venues, Fort Lauderdale feels tailor-made for flexible living and short term stays. Developers are responding by bringing new, thoughtfully designed condo offerings to market. This new wave of Fort Lauderdale condos that allow Airbnb or daily rentals offers more than just a place to stay—each...

If you’ve ever tried driving from Brickell to Downtown Miami for work, lunch or a meeting, you know the gamble. Most Miamians dread the thought of such a risky drive for fear of getting caught at the Brickell Avenue Bridge. One of Miami’s busiest drawbridges, it links Brickell to Downtown by connecting Brickell Avenue to Northeast 2nd Avenue. When it rises, so does frustration. The Brickell Bridge spans the busy Miami River, opening on the hour and half-hour (during non-curfew time) to allow both pleasure boats and maritime traffic to pass. For anyone navigating between Brickell and Downtown, these frequent openings can be a headache, especially as both neighborhoods keep on growing. So What’s the Problem with the Brickell Bridge? Let’s Investigate! Brickell is considered one of Miami’s hottest neighborhoods today. The “Manhattan of the South” is the city’s financial core and a highly desirable residential area, as well as a go-to destination for dining and nightlife. For many,...

Describing South Beach, Mid Beach, and North Beach in Miami is like describing Downtown, Midtown, and Uptown in Manhattan. Each area has a huge variety of qualities that defines it from other parts of the city. Together they make up the whole of “Miami Beach.” But even though there are plenty of similarities, there are also enough differences among these neighborhoods to set them apart enough that each area of Miami Beach is unique unto itself. To give you an insider’s view, here’s our comparison of the three main geographic areas of Miami Beach in case you’re thinking of moving to one of them or are simply curious. — The Lifestyle If you’re considering moving to Miami Beach, chances are the beach lifestyle is a top priority for you. So, let’s explore what each of these neighborhoods has to offer.  South Beach: Iconic Miami Beach Photo courtesy of miamiandbeaches.lat South Beach is undoubtedly the most famous part of Miami Beach, known for its vibrant street life, historic...

What do cobia brined in mango boshi, hirami with marigold granita and a 42-day dry-aged tuna flown in from Japan have in common? They have all just earned the world’s most coveted culinary stamp of approval. The Michelin Guide Florida 2025 is out, and Miami continues to dominate the spotlight—while Fort Lauderdale makes its debut, signaling a new chapter for the state’s growing fine-dining map. In 2025, the distinction that can catapult a tiny 10-seat counter to international fame or cement a neighborhood’s status as a gastronomic destination brings fresh accolades. At the top of the list is Itamae Ao, a new one-star restaurant in Midtown that blends Japanese technique with Peruvian soul.  Interesting fact: the neighborhood will also soon be home to a luxurious, gastronomy-focused condo concept, with kitchens, catering services, and amenities conceived by French master chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Get a first look in our exclusive video tour of Jean-Georges Miami Tropic...

Working to meet the ever-increasing appetite for luxury residences in South Florida, particularly north of Miami, developers are moving full steam ahead with sales launches, groundbreakings, and architectural reviews.  This month, Unilog Group launched sales for its boutique, ultra-luxury project boasting dual-waterfrontage, poised to bring an elevated standard of waterfront living to Hollywood Beach. Related Group’s Andare Residences, conceived in a direct partnership with Pininfarina, broke ground and is set to become the tallest residential tower in Fort Lauderdale. Star Developers unveiled a state-of-the-art sales gallery for One Hollywood Residences. And two new preconstruction projects secured construction financing to accelerate their development timelines. Plus, read on to find out which ultra-luxury Palm Beach condo project got sent back to the drawing board by town commissioners—and is now set for a design review in July—along with other updates in our May 2025...