Neighborhood Guide
Miami Beach's Luxury Islands: A Buyer's Guide
Star, Venetian, Palm & Hibiscus Islands — Miami Beach's trophy waterfront market. Prices, who's buying, and buyer-only representation.
The gated islands of Miami Beach are the global trophy market — guarded, private enclaves with open-bay views and superyacht dockage, minutes from South Beach. This is where international wealth competes for waterfront, and where a buyer needs an advocate and off-market access most.
Figures below are approximate, as of early 2026, and provided for editorial context — not a formal appraisal.
The islands
Star Island is the pinnacle: as of early 2026, listings range roughly $17M–$40M with an average near $28.5M — and the island set a Miami-Dade record with a reported $120M sale in 2025. Palm Island carries median listings north of $30M, with top listings well over $100M. Hibiscus Island is comparatively attainable, with median listings around $13M–$14M. The Venetian Islands blend interior homes and trophy waterfront — finished waterfront homes trade from the high seven figures into the eight figures, with a recent record near $46M.
What your money buys
Entry to the islands generally means high-seven to eight figures, and finished modern waterfront estates with dockage define the top of each island. Tear-downs and interior lots offer a relatively lower-cost entry for buyers planning to build.
Who's buying here
Global ultra-high-net-worth buyers, founders and finance principals, and international families who prioritize security, privacy and waterfront — many of them buying as second or third homes.
What to watch as a buyer
Much of the best inventory is off-market, valuations swing widely between interior and bayfront lots, and build/renovation rules along with seawall and insurance factors are significant. Representation and discretion are non-negotiable at this level.
Explore the islands with a buyer-only advocate. Browse current island and waterfront listings or get the free buyer's guide. Prefer to talk? Book a private consultation — EN/ES. Related: Key Biscayne luxury homes · the complete Miami buyer's guide.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the most expensive Miami Beach island?
- Star and Palm Islands command the highest prices, with multiple listings above $100M; Star Island set a reported $120M Miami-Dade record in 2025.
- Can you still buy on the Venetian Islands under $5M?
- Occasionally — interior homes or tear-downs can trade lower, while finished waterfront trades far higher.
- Are island homes sold off-market?
- Frequently, which is exactly why buyer-side relationships and off-market access matter most here.
