As the Winter a.k.a. "High Season" approaches, we're witnessing a continuation of strong Buyer demand for Miami Beach luxury condos. I've written extensively this year about the sales surge in South Beach luxury condos to Foreign Buyers, some of these Miami Beach condo sales can be seen by clicking HERE. I'd like to highlight our clients eight most popular waterfront luxury condo buildings in Miami Beach.

The Continuum on South Beach (South of Fifth Condo)
This is my personal favorite luxury condo building- an incredible location on Miami Beach- and quite possibly THE best condo location anywhere! The Continuum Condos feature two Oceanfront Towers located on a twelve acre site at the southernmost tip of Miami Beach. Unlike most luxury condos, the twelve acre site on which The Continuum condos are located is mostly devoted to resort-like amenities. The North and South Condo Towers occupy only a small fraction of the twelve acres comprising The Continuum common areas.

The Continuum features two massive lagoon pools, three lit tennis courts, an incredible 12K + Sq. Ft. Fitness Center and many other luxury amenities. The residences are on a par with or exceeding most luxury properties with Five Star Resorts. The Continuum Miami Condos are located next to the best South of Fifth restaurants, lounges, and major tourist attractions.

Apogee South Beach Condos (South of Fifth Ultra-Luxury Condos)
Each Apogee Miami Beach condominium was built to be the equivalent of a penthouse in the sky. With just two basic floorplans, each individual condominium features 10' floor to ceiling windows, a gas grill on each terrace (unique in all of Miami Beach), and extra sound-insulation concrete barriers between condos and floors. This was the last of the luxury condo buildings built in the South of Fifth Neighborhood, with just 67 boutique ultra-luxury residences.

Apogee South Beach Condos are located next to South Pointe Park, at the southernmost tip of Miami Beach. Apogee South Beach Condos generally sell for a premium above all the other buildings listed in this article- with prices starting well over $4 Million for the smallest floorplan.

The Murano at Portofino (South of Fifth Condo)
This was The Related Group's first luxury condo building to be built and designed from the ground up. Along with The Continuum & Apogee, this condo is among the most popular South of Fifth luxury condo buildings. The Murano at Portofino is the only luxury building to feature both a fresh water and salt water pool, along with The Piaggia Beach Club.

The Murano at Portofino Condos are considered boutique, in that the three towers comprising this condominium complex feature a total of 188 condominiums. The Murano features a beautiful two story lobby, and Bayfront Townhomes facing the Miami Beach Marina and incredible views of Downtown Miami in the distance.

Icon South Beach (South of Fifth Condo)
This condo building was designed by Philip Starck, and is especially popular with Europeans and Northeastern condo buyers. Icon South Beach was completed in 2005, and shares a common entrance with the Murano Grande. Featuring an incredible & contemporary Fitness Center, along with two pools (lap pool and infinity edge wading pool), almost all Icon South Beach condos have views of the either Miami Beach or Downtown Miami skyline. Located at the entrance to Miami Beach (just off of Fifth Street), the Icon South Beach Condos appeal to the luxury buyer, especially those that look for a contemporary and minimalist design with grand building amenities.

The Portofino Tower (South of Fifth Condo)
The original South of Fifth Condo Building built during the Miami Beach real estate renaissance that began in the 1990's. The Portofino Tower set the contemporary standard for Miami Beach luxury condo buildings, as this was the first high-rise condo building built in the South of Fifth Neighborhood in over 15 years (constructed in 1997).

The Portofino Tower features a unique and incredible fitness center located on the 27th floor, with panoramic views of the City of Miami Beach, Downtown Miami, Fisher Island, and the cruise ships of sailing out towards the Atlantic Ocean.

The Il Villaggio (South Beach / Ocean Drive Condo)
The ONLY ultra-luxury boutique condo building located at the northermost tip of Ocean Drive. The IL Villaggio is next to Lummus Park, which recently underwent a complete renovation with improved landscaping and oceanfront walkways.

The Il Villaggio Condos are considered among the most exclusive and private luxury residences in all of Miami Beach. This is a boutique condo building with only 127 total condominiums and 17 stories in height. Many Hollywood and International celebrities call this building home (or vacation home).

The Akoya Miami Beach (Mid-Miami Beach Area)
The Akoya luxury condominiums are located on Collins Avenue, in one of Miami Beach's best Oceanfront locations. The Akoya condominiums were originally conceived as the sister building to the nearby Blue and Green Diamond condos.

The unique appeal of The Akoya condos are that they are moderately priced luxury condominiums, with incredible views in almost all directions. The Akoya Condo Tower sits on a unique Oceanfront property that has unobstructed views to the West, and the building rises well above all obstructions to the North and South.

The Bath Club (Mid-Miami Beach Area)
Built on the site of the historic Bath Club resort, this contemporary condo tower and luxury townhome residences are THE most luxurious oceanfront condominiums in the Mid-Beach area of Miami Beach. Located just north of what was once termed "Millionaires Row", The Bath Club was built with the highest quality construction materials in all of Miami Beach. The Developer (Arthur Peebles) took great care in making sure that no attention to detail was overlooked. The entrance is a multi-story atrium lobby with Venetian Plaster and contemporary artwork welcoming residents and guests.

The Bath Club sits on 5+ Oceanfront acres, with starter condos of two bedroom + luxury residences. The Bath Club residences are ideal for the Miami Beach luxury condo buyer looking for an ultra-luxury residence to get away from the bustle of South Beach.

Below are the past thirty days closed sales of Miami Beach Luxury Condos:

Icon South Beach paired developer Jorge Perez' Related Group with the contemporary design genius of Philippe Starck, and brought innovative concepts where the original owners were able to choose from four different interior design packages. These decorpackages included options such as flooring, lighting, closet systems, countertops, custom lighting, window treatments, and other design amenities in individual condos. The Icon South Beach condominium was conceived as a contemporary follow up to The Murano Grande. A unique luxury building- with it's own design, architectural style, and amenities- located at 450 Alton Road, just South of Fifth Street.

Located North of the Murano Grande, Icon Miami Beach consists of two towers with incredible views of Downtown Miami, the city of Miami Beach, the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. The condoniminium building consists of One, two and three bedroom floorplans, all of which are available all with floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors leading to oversized terraces. Featuring the contemporary and minimalist decor of Philippe Starck, Icon South Beach features two pools, one of the largest private fitness centers in all of Miami Beach, a private library, and many other amenities such as private massage rooms, and private his and her locker rooms. Located in the prestigious South of Fifth Street neighborhood, adjacent to the Miami Beach marina and the recently completed Fifth and Alton Shopping Center. This is one of the most spectacular locations and one ofSouth Beach's hottest addresses. Residents are just five minutes away from the Beach, South Pointe Park, and even Publix supermarket!

This is by far one of the most popular buildings in all of Miami Beach, especially with the New York and East Coast"transplants". Icon Miami Beach tends to be particularly favored by the upwardly mobile and highly successful "Gen X" and "Gen Y" hip crowd that enjoys the many social benefits that this contemporary condo buildings offers its residents. The original vision of "Where you live is who you are", as conceived by Philippe Starck, is definitely reflected in Icon's younger residents today.

Top 10 Reasons why Icon South Beach is one of the most popular and "Hip" Miami Beach luxury condo buildings:

1. A strong social environment, with a beautiful bar and poolside food and beverage services.
2. Top-tier amenities- including a private lap pool, beautiful infinity pool deck, and a contemporary and oversized fitness center.
3. Incredible Views of downtown Miami, Biscayne Bay, Fisher Island, Star Island, and the city of Miami Beach.
4. Location- South of Fifth Street yet right next to the Miami Beach marina and the Fifth & Alton Shopping Center.
5. Amazing kitchens- Featuring Miele Appliances, high end cabinetry, and large granite countertops in every condominium.
6. Hurricane Impact Windows throughout the entire property. This one feature puts this condo building one notch above all others built prior to the passage of the stricter construction codes of 2001.
7. The separation of traffic among two towers- with elevators opening to semi-private foyers (in most cases).
8. Financial Stability- There have been short sales in the building in the past year, yet the condo association is well managed and has reduced delinquency rates to under 5% and has strong reserves.
9. Active Social Committees- The Board of Directors and management organize semi-regular social functions aimed at creating a sense of community among full and part-time residents.
10. Large Terraces- Every two and three bedroom condominium in the building has surprisingly large terraces, with all condos facing the Bay having extra large wrap around balconies.

The Murano Grande was conceived as a larger follow up to The Related Group's original South Fifth Masterpiece- The Murano at Portofino. A unique luxury building- with it's own design, architectural style, and amenities- the Murano Grande South Beach is a luxury condominium building located at 400 Alton Road, just South of Fifth Street.

No detail was spared in the construction of the Murano Grande, from the unique design of the shared spaces (conceived by The Rockwell Group), to the form and modern layout of the two story lobby. The Murano Grande evokes a contemporary feel, with a strong emphasis on the preservation of large open spaces. The lobby features a 24 hour security desk, as well as a concierge service desk. Since the building was completed in 2003, I have had the priviledge of representing many of it's sellers and buyers. Almost all of my clients have LOVED living here.

10 Reasons why The Murano Grande South Beach is one of the most popular Miami Beach luxury condo buildings:

• 1. The strong management staff- Top notch and long-term employees.
• 2. Top-tier amenities- including Tennis Courts, beautiful waterfall pool deck, and a well appointed gymnasium.
• 3. Incredible Views of downtown Miami, Biscayne Bay, Fisher Island, Star Island, and the city of Miami Beach.
• 4. Location- South of Fifth Street yet right next to the Miami Beach marina and the Fifth & Alton Shopping Center.
• 5. Amazing kitchens- Featuring Miele Appliances, high end cabinetry, and large granite countertops in every condominium.
• 6. Hurricane Impact Windows throughout the entire property. This one feature puts this condo building one notch above all others built prior to the passage of the stricter construction codes of 2001.
• 7. The separation of traffic among three towers- with elevators opening to semi-private and private foyers.
• 8. Financial Stability- There have been short sales in the building in the past year, yet the condo association is well managed and has reduced delinquency rates to under 5% and has strong reserves.
• 9. Active Social Committees- The Board of Directors and management organize semi-regular social functions aimed at creating a sense of community among full and part-time residents.
• 10. Large Terraces- Every condominium in the building has surprisingly large terraces, with all condos facing the Bay having extra large wrap around balconies.

Currently there are 40 condos available for sale at the Murano Grande. View the Listings.

I'd like to take this opportunity to explain why I moved to the South of Fifth Street neighborhood in Miami Beach in 2002 when the area was still up and coming:

I love living in Miami Beach's South of Fifth (SoFi) district due to the amazing variety of restaurants, small shops, and the spectacular waterfront buildings in the area. The most sought-after and popular waterfront condominium buildings include The Continuum North and South Towers, Icon South Beach, The Murano at Portofino, The Portofino Tower, Apogee, and The Murano Grande.

A few of my personal favorite restaurants include Joe's Stone Crab, DeVito's (owned by actor Danny DeVito) with incredible Italian cuisine, Fogo de Chao Churrascaria, Texas de Brazil, Prime 112, and Smith & Wollensky steakhouses. The SoFi neighborhood also has a variety of other attractions which make this a self-contained community that is also surprisingly family-friendly:

* The South Pointe Elementary School - an "A-rated" K-6 public school. This school and local parents collaborate on field trips, art shows, book fairs, festivals and lots of practice for the FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test). Many of my clients who have recently moved to the area are surprised by the diversity and quality of this local elementary school located just across the street from the Murano Grande and Icon South Beach buildings.

* The recently refurbished South Pointe Park, with an incredible light display, walking paths, and cascading water fountains facing towards Fisher Island and cruise ship alley which leads to the Atlantic Ocean. To walk the length of this park (especially as the sun sets) is an experience that I highly recommend to all who visit Miami Beach.

* The Miami Beach Marina, which is located at 300 Alton Road, just South of Icon South Beach and the Murano Grande has a deep sea diving center, a gourmet gourmet food market, and local favorite Monty's restaurant. The marina also offers Pinky's Parasail rentals and American Watersports Jet Ski rentals, the Tarpon Lagoon Dive Center (classes and dive trips), power boat rentals, yacht charters, sailfish tournaments, poker runs to the Florida Keys and, once a year, the Columbus Day Regatta sailboat race.

The other local favorites in South Beach's South of Fifth district include:

• Nikki Beach Complex at 1st and Ocean Drive, with two restaurants, two nightclubs, and a beachfront setting with huts. A little known fact is that the Nikki Beach complex also contains a beautiful beach access (open to the general public).
• Red the Steak House, with a beautiful oceanview rooftop scenery,
• The brand new French gourmet restaurant with beautifully classic French interiors Au Pied de Cochon,
• The Taverna Opa restaurant across the Street from Nicki Beach Club for Greek food and table dancing at night!,
• China Grill right on the corner of Fifth and Washington Avenue,
• Locals favorite Clarke's, which is a neighborhood pub with excellent casual lunch and dining menus,
• La Piaggia Beach Club, adjoining the Murano at Portofino with a saltwater pool and great mojitos,
• The Sofi Salon and Spa where many of our locals go to pamper themselves, especially before a weekend night on the town
• There's even a local public library branch located at 131 Alton Road (South Shore Branch)
• The Portofino Wine Bank, located right underneath the Portofino Tower, which has a large selection of domestic and imported wines, beers, and liquors.
• Spa 101 located right next to The Bentley Hilton Resort, and at the same address a private club called the Bentley Beach Club, as well as the restaurant Gaia
• The new Alton & 5th Street Shopping complex (of course located right on the corner of 5th Street & Alton Road) which has a Publix & Greenwise (all-natural products) super market, Best Buy, Petsmart, TJ Maxx, and Ross Dress for Less, and Staples discount stores.

You’ve entertained the thought of investing in Miami Beach luxury homes but you don’t want to take the risk of losing money since prices are still going down, that’s certainly understandable. In such a situation, it may be wise to seize upon the heightened demand for rental homes which produce a steady income and can be sold off once the South Florida real estate market gets better. Becoming a landlord of sorts does however come with a few important items to be aware of.

A rental home is a business. While for you it may simply be a residential property investment, the money generated from rent is a form of income which means it’s taxable. Most insurance policies do not cover what is now a business which means you may need to take out additional insurance in order to protect tenants and the property itself in case of damages.

Lawsuits do happen.In a perfect world tenant lawsuits would not exist but they can happen. Strongly consider hiring a lawyer or property manager who knows what laws and regulations the state has when it comes to rental property. They can also make sure the rent you’re charging for that Miami Beach oceanfront condo is justified.

Appearances are deceiving. Anyone can say they’re financially responsible but their credit report may prove otherwise. Taking the time to know who the tenant is and whether they’re a financial liability waiting to happen can save you headaches and lots of money in the end. With that in mind, it may be wise to consider a lease to reduce the chances of the tenant suing you if they’re evicted.

Rental properties are homes themselves.They may not have the same appeal as actually owning a Miami Beach home but tenants still put a lot of importance on the appearance and upkeep of the property they’re paying rent for so it ultimately works in your favor to ensure it looks nice and is well maintained.

The Kleer Team specializes in renting luxury condos in South Beach, Miami Beach, Bal Harbor, Sunny Isles Beach, and Downtown Miami. With our annual rental program, we can help you find the perfect condo you are looking to rent in Miami Beach. Click here to search available Miami Beach Condos for rent.