Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale FL - Frequently Asked Questions

What buyers and sellers
ask about Fort Lauderdale.

Answers to the most common questions about buying and selling real estate in Fort Lauderdale, FL from InvesTeam Realty, serving this market for over 24 years.

What is the average home price in Fort Lauderdale FL?
+
Fort Lauderdale has one of the widest price ranges in South Florida. The median sale price across all property types ranges from approximately $538,000 to $646,000 depending on the data source and period. Single-family homes carry an average list price around $2M while condos average closer to $984,000. Luxury waterfront estates in Harbor Beach, Seven Isles, and Las Olas Isles command significantly higher prices. Homes are averaging 83 to 104 days on market citywide and tend to sell at approximately 6% below list price. The Broward metro area has 8.7 months of supply as of early 2026, giving buyers meaningful leverage across most segments.
What makes Fort Lauderdale a distinct real estate market?
+
Fort Lauderdale is Broward County's largest city and has over 300 miles of interconnected navigable waterways — more than any other city in the world except Venice. This makes waterfront single-family home and boating access a defining feature of the market at a scale unavailable anywhere else in South Florida. Las Olas Boulevard provides a vibrant walkable dining and retail corridor at the heart of the city. Luxury enclaves include Harbor Beach, Seven Isles, Las Olas Isles, and the Rio Vista neighborhood. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Brightline rail provide strong transportation access. The city has established itself as a growing hub for financial and professional services firms relocating from northeastern markets.
Is Fort Lauderdale a good place to invest in real estate?
+
Fort Lauderdale's luxury waterfront segment has shown strong appreciation — average list prices for single-family homes rose approximately 42% from January 2025 to January 2026. The broader market is in a buyer-favorable rebalancing phase with 8.7 months of supply and homes selling at 94% of asking price across the metro, giving investors entering now real pricing leverage. The Brightline connection to Miami and West Palm Beach adds long-term value to well-located properties. Single-family homes in Broward County have a 4.6-month supply — tighter than the condo segment — which supports values in that segment. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
What should condo buyers in Fort Lauderdale know about the Florida structural inspection law?
+
Florida Senate Bill 4D requires condominium buildings of three stories or more that are 30 years old or older to complete milestone structural inspections and Structural Integrity Reserve Studies. Fort Lauderdale has a significant inventory of older waterfront condo and mid-rise buildings in scope of this law. Buildings with underfunded reserves or incomplete inspections may face special assessments or restrictions on unit sales. Before making an offer on any Fort Lauderdale condo, your agent will obtain and review the association's financial statements, reserve fund status, inspection reports, and any pending assessments. Consult a qualified real estate attorney for guidance specific to any building you are considering.
How long does it take to buy a home in Fort Lauderdale?
+
Homes in Fort Lauderdale are currently averaging 83 to 104 days on market. Once under contract, financed purchases typically close in 30 to 45 days and cash transactions in 14 to 21 days. Waterfront single-family home purchases at luxury price points often involve extended due diligence periods covering dock rights, seawall condition, tide water easements, and flood zone verification. Your InvesTeam Realty agent will identify all applicable waterfront due diligence items specific to each property before you make an offer.
What public schools serve Fort Lauderdale FL?
+
Fort Lauderdale is served by Broward County Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in the United States. School quality varies significantly by zone within the city. The city also has access to private and charter school options. School assignments are determined by property address and are subject to change - always verify zoning directly with Broward County Public Schools before making a purchase decision.
What are the closing costs for buyers in Fort Lauderdale?
+
Fort Lauderdale is in Broward County. Buyers typically pay 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs on a financed transaction. Unlike Miami-Dade County where the buyer pays owner's title insurance, in Broward County it is customary for the seller to pay owner's title insurance - however this is negotiable and should be confirmed in your contract. Other key costs include doc stamps on the mortgage at $0.35 per $100 of loan and intangible tax at 0.20% of the loan amount. Use our free Buyer Closing Costs Calculator on the InvesTeam Realty website. If purchasing from a foreign seller, FIRPTA withholding requirements may apply - consult your closing agent and a qualified tax advisor.
What is FIRPTA and does it apply to Fort Lauderdale transactions?
+
FIRPTA - the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act - requires buyers to withhold up to 15% of the gross sales price when purchasing U.S. real estate from a foreign seller. South Florida has a significant international seller base and FIRPTA applies to qualifying transactions in Broward County. Buyers have a legal obligation to withhold and remit these funds to the IRS at closing unless a valid exemption applies. Both buyers and sellers should consult a qualified tax advisor and real estate attorney before closing on any transaction involving a foreign seller.
Why choose InvesTeam Realty to buy or sell in Fort Lauderdale?
+
InvesTeam Realty has been active across South Florida including Broward County for over 24 years. Broker-Owner Reinaldo Gonzalez holds 16 NAR professional designations including the Certified International Property Specialist designation. Our agents bring experience with Fort Lauderdale's full range of property types from luxury waterfront estates to condos and townhomes. We serve all buyers and sellers equally in full compliance with federal and Florida fair housing laws. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Ready to buy or sell in Fort Lauderdale?
Talk to an InvesTeam Realty agent today. No pressure, no obligation.