It’s no secret that the national housing market has cooled of late, with sales prices down, days on market up and many buyers hesitating over concerns about rising mortgage interest rates, inflation, job cuts and instability overseas.

That goes for the luxury market as well. Redfin reported in March that sales of luxury U.S. homes declined a record 44.6 percent year over year during the three months ending Jan. 31, 2023 – and that the drop in high-end home sales was led by Miami, where luxury-home sales slumped 68.7 percent year over year.

According to brokerage Douglas Elliman, the median sales price of a luxury home (the top 10 percent of sales) in Fort Lauderdale in the fourth quarter of 2022 was $3.325 million, down 36.7 percent over a year prior. Fewer sales took place as well – just 35 luxury homes were sold in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared to 59 a year earlier.

Luxury home sales in Palm Beach fared slightly better. The median sales price of a luxury home there in the fourth quarter of 2022 was $20.025 million, down 14.2 percent year over year, but up 36.5 percent over the previous quarter. And real estate agents are reporting that the market continues to improve.

“The luxury home market in Palm Beach is still strong and reaching new heights,” says Chris Leavitt, an executive director of luxury sales at Douglas Elliman in Palm Beach. “We have an inventory shortage. There are more buyers looking for major homes over $50 million than we have product for.”

So, if you’re in the market for an ultra-luxury home in South Florida, here’s help. Check out the homes below, some of the most-expensive and most-luxurious homes currently on the market. And don’t forget your checkbook. (See all the photos in the digital edition of City & Shore’s April HOME Issue).

One-of-a-kind estate, 17 10 Tarpon Isle in Palm Beach, has 360-degree water views and privacy.
One-of-a-kind estate, 17 10 Tarpon Isle in Palm Beach, has 360-degree water views and privacy.

Once in a Lifetime

This one-of-a-kind legacy estate, at 10 Tarpon Isle in Palm Beach, has 360-degree water views and privacy, as it sits on the only private island in Palm Beach. Developed by Todd Michael Glaser, this 28,618-square-foot estate, situated on a 2.2-acre lot, has 11 bedrooms, 15 full baths, seven half baths and a five-car garage. Features include a 98-foot-long pool, an indoor spa, a lighted clay tennis court, a library, an entertainment room, a home gym, two boat docks with lifts, a wine room, elevator and playroom. The cost for all this luxury: $218 million. Contact: Chris Leavitt at Douglas Elliman (917-664-0720; elliman.com) and Christian Angle of Christian Angle Real Estate (561-629-3015, anglerealestate.com).

This nine-bedroom, 25,867-square-foot home at 355 Ocean Blvd. in Golden Beach has 250 linear feet of ocean frontage.
This nine-bedroom, 25,867-square-foot home at 355 Ocean Blvd. in Golden Beach has 250 linear feet of ocean frontage.

Oceanfront Compound

This 25,867-square-foot home, with 250 linear feet of ocean frontage, sits on 1.5 acres at 355 Ocean Blvd. in Golden Beach. It has nine bedrooms, 11 full baths and five half baths, but if that’s not enough for you, the house already has approved plans and permits for a 10-bedroom, 30,000-square-foot mansion with three rooms for staff. Current features include a 58-foot pool with a cabana and a loggia. $100 million. Contact: Dina Goldentayer of Douglas Elliman (786-277-7539, elliman.com) and Ryan Serhant (serhant.com).

This new villa on La Gorce Island in Miami Beach features seven bedrooms, 10 full and three half baths and LEED Gold certification.
This new villa on La Gorce Island in Miami Beach features seven bedrooms, 10 full and three half baths and LEED Gold certification.

Miami Nice

This new villa, at 98 La Gorce Circle in Miami Beach, is on exclusive La Gorce Island. A LEED Gold-Certified home with insulated impact glass and a generator, the home has seven bedrooms, 10 full and three half baths, a gym and spa, a home theater, office, chef’s kitchen, marble wine cellar, outdoor kitchen, fire pit and an 88-foot cascading infinity-edge pool. With 172 feet of waterfront, the dock has ample space for a large yacht. $75 million. Contact: Mirce (Miki) Curkoski (786-395-2139) and Albert Justo (786-326-9613) at ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, onesothebysrealty.com.

This 8,323-square-foot contemporary mansion, at 2511 Lake Ave. in Miami Beach, has seven bedrooms, eight full and two half baths.
This 8,323-square-foot contemporary mansion, at 2511 Lake Ave. in Miami Beach, has seven bedrooms, eight full and two half baths.

Sunset Island Serenity

Nestled on prestigious Sunset Island II, this 8,323-square-foot contemporary mansion, at 2511 Lake Ave. in Miami Beach, has seven bedrooms, eight full and two half baths and boasts a principal bathroom designed by the late iconic architect Zaha Hadid. Features include a gourmet kitchen with professional-grade appliances and a detached guest house. Outside, there’s a heated pool, half basketball court, private dock and 163 linear feet of waterfront. $45 million. Contact: Jill Hertzberg (305-788-5455) and Jill Eber (305-915-2556) at The Jills Zeder Group at Coldwell Banker, jillszeder.com.

Views from an 11,068-square-foot penthouse at 1451 Brickell Ave., Miami.
Views from an 11,068-square-foot penthouse at 1451 Brickell Ave., Miami.

Penthouse Perfection

If you prefer a lock-and-leave lifestyle, how about a five-bedroom penthouse in Miami? Located at 1451 Brickell Ave., the 11,068-square-foot unit – which encompasses the entire 56th and 57th floors of the Echo Brickell building – has 360-degree views, a signature staircase, a green wall, a Poliform kitchen, custom marble baths and an indoor sky pool. Additional features of the ultra-modern residence include an office, media room, staff quarters, a fitness studio and sauna. $38.5 million. Contact: Dina Goldentayer at Douglas Elliman, 786-277-7539, elliman.com.