If you plan to buy a preconstruction condo in Fort Lauderdale, the process is very different from buying a resale. You choose a residence from plans, pay deposits over several years of construction and close only when the building is delivered. Using St. Regis Residences Bahia Mar as the example, our team lays out the seven steps every buyer goes through, and the questions worth asking at each one.
Why Buyers Choose Preconstruction in Fort Lauderdale
Preconstruction gives buyers access to the newest buildings, the best choice of floors and views, and a payment schedule spread over construction instead of one large check. At a branded development like St Regis Bahia Mar, early buyers also lock in pricing before the towers rise, when the most desirable lines are still available.
The trade-off is time and paperwork. You are committing to a home that does not exist yet, so understanding the contract, the deposit schedule and your rights under Florida law matters more than it does on a resale.
7 Steps to Buy a Preconstruction Condo in Fort Lauderdale
1. Decide how you will use the residence
Full-time home, second home or investment? At St Regis Bahia Mar the answer points you to a collection. The Resort Collection (one to three bedrooms) offers flexible rental and leasing options. The Private Residences (three to five bedrooms) are designed for full-time living, and the penthouses are custom layouts on the upper floors.
2. Get the price list and floor plans
Ask for the current availability sheet, not just a starting price. Compare the St Regis Bahia Mar floor plans line by line: orientation, floor, terrace size and view all change the value of two residences with the same bedroom count. Our St Regis Bahia Mar prices page lists the current ranges by collection.
3. Reserve your residence
Many developments accept a reservation to hold a specific residence while contracts are prepared. Terms vary by project and phase, so confirm with our team whether a reservation is being taken and on what terms before you transfer funds.
4. Review the contract and condominium documents
The developer must provide the purchase agreement and the condominium documents. Florida law generally gives buyers of new condominiums a 15-day window to cancel after signing and receiving these documents. Use that time well: have a Florida real estate attorney review the contract, the budget, the delivery terms and what happens if construction is delayed.
5. Pay deposits on the construction schedule
St Regis Bahia Mar asks for 40% in deposits, staged over construction: 15% at contract, 15% at groundbreaking and 10% at top-off, with 60% due at closing. Florida law sets rules on how deposits are held in escrow and when a developer may use deposits above 10% for construction; your contract spells out exactly how yours are handled. The full St Regis Bahia Mar deposit schedule is on our deposits page.
6. Line up financing for closing
Preconstruction deposits are paid in cash; there is no mortgage during construction. If you plan to finance the 60% balance, a lender closes the loan when the building is delivered. Start the conversation early, especially if you are a foreign buyer, since foreign national loan programs usually require larger down payments and extra documentation.
7. Inspect, close and move in
When the towers are complete, you walk through the residence, note any items to correct, pay the balance and receive the keys. Resort Collection owners who want rental income can then enroll in the rental program.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Comparing starting prices instead of specific residences with the same view and floor.
- Skipping an attorney review during the cancellation window.
- Committing deposits without planning how you will fund the closing balance.
- Ignoring monthly association fees and the cost of furnishing a new residence.
- Assuming rental rules; confirm the current program for your tower and residence type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international buyers purchase at St Regis Bahia Mar?
Yes. There is no citizenship or residency requirement to buy property in Florida. International buyers should plan for tax advice in their home country and in the U.S. before signing.
How long until I can move in?
Delivery depends on the construction schedule, which is updated as the project moves through each phase. Ask our team for the current timeline before you make an offer.
Where can I see the amenities?
Our St Regis Bahia Mar amenities page and the photo gallery show the resort pools, beach club, spa and marina.
Comparing projects? Our team also works with buyers at W Hotel Residences Pompano Beach and Viceroy Residences Fort Lauderdale, so we can line up deposit schedules side by side.
Checklist Before You Buy a Preconstruction Condo in Fort Lauderdale
- Know why you want to buy a preconstruction condo in Fort Lauderdale: full-time home, second home or rental income.
- Budget for the full deposit schedule, not only the first 15%.
- Have an attorney review the contract during the cancellation window.
- Confirm association fees, rental rules and the delivery timeline.
- Plan how you will fund the 60% balance at closing.
Is now a good time to buy a preconstruction condo in Fort Lauderdale?
Timing depends on your goals. Buyers who buy a preconstruction condo in Fort Lauderdale early in a project usually get the widest choice of floors and views, while later buyers see more of the finished product. Our team can show where St Regis Bahia Mar is in its sales cycle.
How much cash do I need to buy a preconstruction condo in Fort Lauderdale?
At St Regis Bahia Mar the first deposit is 15% of the price, about $384,000 on a $2.56 million Resort residence. To buy a preconstruction condo in Fort Lauderdale with confidence, plan for the full 40% in deposits over construction, plus closing costs.
Talk to Our Team
Ready to buy a preconstruction condo in Fort Lauderdale, or still comparing options? Call our team at +1 305 571-6319 or tap the WhatsApp bubble on this page. We will send live availability, floor plans and the full deposit schedule.
Prices, sizes and terms are approximate, subject to change and based on published developer information at the time of writing. Oral representations cannot be relied upon as correctly stating the representations of the developer. For correct representations, make reference to the documents required by Section 718.503, Florida Statutes, to be furnished by a developer to a buyer or lessee.