The South Florida real estate market — especially Miami — continues to position itself as one of the most attractive destinations for international investment, and Latin American buyers remain a major force behind that growth. Among them, Ecuadorian investors are becoming increasingly visible.

According to Karina Baquerizo, CEO of Intermix Consultores, an Ecuadorian firm focused on connecting entrepreneurs and investors with real estate opportunities in the United States, buyers from Latin America currently represent between 30% and 40% of international transactions in Miami’s real estate market.

She explains that Ecuador has emerged as a growing market within South Florida, with investors looking not only for luxury properties, but also for developments offering rental income potential, flexibility and long-term appreciation.

Why Ecuadorians continue investing in Miami

Based on data from Miami Realtors, Ecuadorian buyers account for approximately 3% of the international market in Miami, while Colombia and Argentina lead the ranking with 15% and 14% respectively.

“Ecuadorians are always within the top ten international investors,” Baquerizo explains. “Some are looking for status and lifestyle, others want to generate capital gains through buying and selling, others focus on rental income, and many want a mix of everything. But ultimately, all of them are looking to protect their wealth through an asset that consistently grows, and they find that in Miami.”

According to the consultant, the most popular areas among Ecuadorian investors are:

  • Brickell
  • Downtown Miami
  • Edgewater
  • Doral

These neighborhoods combine luxury living, strong rental demand, international business activity and rapid appreciation, making them especially attractive for foreign buyers.

Miami
Photography: Miami Florida

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A relationship between Ecuador and Miami that spans decades

Baquerizo notes that Ecuadorian investment in Miami is not something new.

More than 50 years ago, an early wave of Ecuadorian investors played an important role in the development of areas such as Brickell, now recognized as Miami’s financial district. She even highlights that an Ecuadorian bank established a presence there decades ago and remains active today.

Now, a new generation of investors is returning to Miami, attracted by Florida’s legal and financial stability, as well as favorable tax conditions.

One of the main advantages, she explains, is that Florida has no state income tax, something that continues to attract entrepreneurs, international buyers and technology companies relocating operations to the region.

Luxury developments and international partnerships

In response to growing demand, Intermix Consultores recently formed a strategic alliance with Fortune International Group, one of the most influential luxury real estate developers and marketers in South Florida.

Baquerizo says the partnership came after years of working with clients in both Miami and Ecuador, helping international buyers successfully navigate the U.S. market.

“Our experience, trajectory and sales volume allowed us to become visible to a company like Fortune International Group, which selected us as its international broker representing them in Ecuador,” she explains.

Why Miami remains attractive for international buyers

According to Baquerizo, the biggest benefits for Ecuadorian investors in Florida are:

  • stability
  • legal security
  • high demand
  • long-term appreciation

She believes few real estate markets in the world currently offer the same combination of growth and asset protection that Miami provides.

“The greatest benefit an investor can have is the ability to protect and secure their investment,” she says.

New residential developments across Florida can start around $300,000 and reach several million dollars depending on the location, property size and intended use.

At the same time, Miami’s continued growth as a business and technology hub has also opened opportunities for Ecuadorian entrepreneurs looking to expand commercially into the United States.

How can Ecuadorians buy property in Florida?

According to Baquerizo, the process is more accessible than many people think.

Potential buyers mainly need:

  • the intention to invest
  • a valid visa and passport
  • funds for a down payment

From there, consultants can help determine the ideal area, property type and financing options depending on the buyer’s goals, whether they are seeking rental income, long-term appreciation, personal use or business expansion opportunities.

Miami
Photography: Miami Florida

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