Why Developers Are Quietly Buying Out South Florida Condos and What Stephen Ross’ Latest Move Signals

South Florida’s condo market is undergoing a subtle but significant shift. Instead of flashy ground up developments, some of the region’s biggest players are taking a quieter route by buying out older condominium buildings unit by unit. A recent acquisition by Related Ross, the real estate firm founded by billionaire developer Stephen M. Ross, offers a clear example of how and why this strategy is accelerating.

Over the past few months, Related Ross has amassed a majority ownership stake in the Southbridge condominium which is an older waterfront complex along South Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach. By purchasing dozens of units directly from the individual owners, often at prices well above tax assessed values, the firm has positioned itself to eventually control the entire property.

At first glance, paying premium prices for dated condos may seem counterintuitive; however, in today’s regulatory and financial environment, these deals are increasingly attractive to both developers and sellers.

The Post Surfside Reality

Following the 2021 collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida enacted sweeping changes to condo safety and reserve funding requirements. While designed to prevent future tragedies, the new rules have placed substantial financial pressure on owners in older buildings, many of which now face costly inspections, repairs, and mandatory reserve contributions.

For some condo owners, particularly retirees or absentee investors, the prospect of six figure special assessments has made selling an appealing alternative. Developers with deep capital reserves see the opportunity, acquire well located properties at scale, eliminate long term maintenance liabilities, and unlock redevelopment potential. Southbridge fits that profile precisely.

A Strategic Waterfront Play

The South Flagler Drive corridor is one of West Palm Beach’s most desirable stretches of real estate offering unobstructed Intracoastal views and proximity to Palm Beach Island. Redevelopment opportunities along this waterfront are increasingly scarce making existing condo buildings one of the few remaining entry points for large scale projects.

By consolidating ownership at Southbridge, Related Ross gains long term optionality. Whether the firm ultimately pursues a condo termination, a luxury residential redevelopment, or a mixed use concept, controlling the underlying land is the critical first step.

The acquisitions also align with Related Ross’s grander vision for West Palm Beach. The company has invested heavily in this South Florida area in recent years, developing office towers, luxury condominiums, and mixed use projects aimed at attracting financial firms, high net worth residents and corporate relocations.

What This Means for the Market?

The Southbridge buyout is unlikely to be an isolated case. Across South Florida, similar dynamics are unfolding as developers target aging condo properties, especially those built decades ago and facing major compliance costs.

For condo owners, this trend presents both opportunity and uncertainty. While buyouts can offer an exit at attractive prices, they also raise questions about displacement, neighborhood character, and long term affordability. For cities such as West Palm Beach, the challenge will be balancing redevelopment momentum with thoughtful planning and community impact.

What’s clear is that the condo market is no longer just about individual units as its also about land, control and timing. In this landscape, Stephen Ross’s latest move signals that South Florida’s next wave of redevelopment may begin not with demolition crews, but seems to begin with checkbooks.