Who Bought Where

South Florida’s luxury real estate scene has always drawn the global wealth class, and now it’s the stars who are actively writing the next chapter. From Hollywood actors to sports legends, recent acquisitions confirm the region is still one of the most sought-after addresses in the world.

Mark Wahlberg has quietly become one of the most significant celebrity buyers in South Florida. He recently acquired an estate dubbed “Palazzo di Lago” in Delray Beach’s exclusive Stone Creek Ranch for approximately $37 million. The 17,800-square-foot Italian-inspired compound features seven bedrooms, ten full baths, a hidden cigar lounge, wellness retreat, guest house, and saltwater lagoon pool—visual proof of what taste, wealth, and global cachet look like on Florida’s Gold Coast.

Soccer icon Lionel Messi is not just planting roots in Miami—he’s doubling down. In April 2025, he entered a contract to acquire four units at the upcoming Cipriani Residences Miami tower, one reportedly priced around $7.5 million for a 3,500-square-foot residence in the 80-story new build. Messi already owns a $10.75 million waterfront estate in Fort Lauderdale and luxury condo holdings in the Porsche Design Tower, making this latest purchase a strategic expansion of his South Florida portfolio.

While not celebrity-named, one of the region’s marquee sales confirms the strength of the local market. A waterfront residence on San Marino Island in Miami Beach recently sold for an eye-watering $46 million, a record for the Venetian Islands sub-market. Built by tech entrepreneurs Thomas and Patricia Kennedy, founders of Zudy, the home features a bay-facing pool, bronze sculptures, and expansive indoor-outdoor living. The identity of the buyer remains confidential, but the sale underscores the region’s sustained appeal to global high-net-worth investors.

So why are celebrities and the ultra-wealthy still leaning into South Florida? Several factors converge. The region offers lifestyle as an asset—sun, sea, privacy, and international ease. Buyers like Wahlberg and Messi aren’t just purchasing property; they’re buying identity and status. Today’s luxury clients also prioritize design as much as location, seeking architectural pedigree, resort-style amenities, and deeply private compounds. Despite rising insurance costs and limited land availability, Florida’s tax advantages and global connectivity make it a legacy investment rather than a fleeting trend.

Ultra-luxury condo towers such as Cipriani Residences are redefining Miami’s skyline, while new enclaves like Delray Beach’s Stone Creek Ranch and Jupiter’s oceanfront estates are capturing attention among those seeking privacy with proximity to the coast. Buyers are also driving trends in climate-resilient design, wellness-focused features, and smart-home technology—proof that South Florida’s market continues to evolve alongside its elite clientele.

South Florida’s luxury real estate narrative is no longer just about beachfront views—it’s about curated lifestyles, celebrity neighbors, and global prestige. With multimillion-dollar estates changing hands almost weekly, the region remains a magnet for those who collect not just art and cars, but addresses that define success.

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