Fort Lauderdale Surges Ahead: #2 in U.S. for Homebuilding as Billions Fuel Downtown Growth

Nov 20, 2025

Fort Lauderdale continues to solidify its reputation as one of the nation’s most dynamic real estate markets.

According to the recently released Urban Land Institute and PwC’s 2026 Emerging Trends in Real Estate® Report, the city’s long-term job growth and income projections outpace neighboring Miami, reinforcing its position as a magnet for investment and talent.

Consistently recognized as one of the country’s top “18-hour cities”—midsized metros offering a balance of lifestyle, opportunity, and affordability, Fort Lauderdale has again captured national attention, ranking #2 in the U.S. for homebuilding prospects for the second consecutive year according to an annual survey of national real estate experts.  

DowntownFTL is transforming rapidly, with new construction, new residents, and a skyline that continues to rise.

“Fort Lauderdale’s growth is the result of years of strategic investment in housing, infrastructure, and public spaces,” said DDA President & CEO Jenni Morejon. “We’ve created an environment where businesses, families, and innovators all see a future here, fueling sustained confidence in our market.”

This ranking underscores the city’s unprecedented momentum as a leading destination fueled by water:

·       $12+ billion in waterfront development currently underway

·       $300+ million in public space reinvestment

·       83% growth in families living downtown since 2018

Fort Lauderdale continues to outperform every major market in the Southeast, driven by strong investor confidence in the city’s residential multifamily sector, outpacing Tampa (#6), Atlanta (#8), Charlotte (#20), Miami (#22), Palm Beach (#33), and Nashville (#39).

Fort Lauderdale is redefining what an 18-hour city can be: walkable, livable, and economically resilient.

As DowntownFTL grows, so does the energy on its streets, families, neighbors, and new development, shaping a thriving urban core.

“We’re vibrant yet approachable, sophisticated yet inviting. Downtown drives Broward County’s success, covering less than one percent of the land, but generating a third of the economic output and a quarter of all jobs. With walkable urban districts and scenic waterfronts, it’s clear why Fort Lauderdale continues to grow,” shared DDA Board Chair Dev Motwani in a recent Forbes feature highlighting Fort Lauderdale’s momentum.

From a wave of waterfront redevelopment to an influx of corporate relocations and billions invested to improve the visitor experience, Fort Lauderdale isn’t just keeping pace with national trends; it’s setting them.

About The Report

Published annually by the Urban Land Institute and PwC, “Emerging Trends in Real Estate®" is a trends and forecast publication now in its 47th edition; it is one of the most highly regarded and widely read forecast reports in the real estate industry, reflecting the views of industry experts across the United States and Canada.