Tallahassee, FL – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced his support for a new legislative proposal aimed at eliminating property taxes across the state, a move that could significantly reshape the financial landscape for homeowners, local governments, and public services.

Mortgage rates saw a modest decline last week, but the slight shift did little to spur buyer activity in the housing market. The average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dipped five basis points to 6.79% for the week ending February 20, according to rates provided to NerdWallet by Zillow. A basis point is equivalent to one one-hundredth of a percentage point.

NEW YORK — The U.S. office market is showing signs of recovery as investors return, marking the first increase in sales volume since 2021. According to new data from Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI), office building sales surged by 20% in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching $63.6 billion.

Florida’s property insurance landscape continues to evolve as Mangrove Property Insurance has become the latest company approved to operate in the state. This marks the 11th new insurer to enter the market since legislative reforms were enacted to stabilize the industry and attract new players.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Reserve announced on Wednesday that it will maintain the federal funds rate target at 4.25% to 4.50%, marking a shift to a steadier monetary policy after three consecutive rate cuts. The decision, made during the Fed’s first monetary policy meeting of 2025, reflects the central bank’s continued commitment to fostering maximum employment and maintaining long-term inflation at 2%.

The commercial real estate market has begun showing signs of recovery after a two-year downturn, with investors shifting their focus towards residential properties and hotels while continuing to steer clear of office buildings. According to MSCI, investment in commercial property across Europe increased by 4% in 2024, reaching €189 billion. This marks a notable rebound following a steep 45% decline in the previous year. A similar pattern has been observed in the United States, where property investment surged by 9%.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Florida and Texas became prime destinations for people relocating from colder, more expensive regions. The increased demand triggered an unprecedented construction boom, with the two states leading the nation in new housing developments. However, as in-migration slows post-pandemic, the once-thriving markets in these Sun Belt states are facing a sharp cooldown.

Hurricane Milton, which ravaged Florida in October 2024, has been identified as the most financially damaging natural disaster of the year in terms of insured losses. According to a recent analysis by Munich RE, a global leader in insurance and reinsurance, Milton inflicted approximately $25 billion in insured losses, surpassing all other disasters worldwide in 2024.

The Sun Belt, known for its rapid population growth and housing construction, has emerged as a focal point in the decline of asking rents. Florida, in particular, boasts two of the most significant drops in rental costs. Tampa saw a 10.4% decrease, while Jacksonville recorded a 6.7% decline. Austin, TX, leads nationally with a dramatic 16.3% year-over-year drop in median asking rent, plummeting 22.6% from its August 2023 peak to $1,393.

Florida has emerged as a hotspot for first-time homebuyers in 2025, with three cities—Villas, Altamonte Springs, and Lauderdale Lakes—earning top spots in Realtor.com’s annual report on the Best Markets for First-Time Homebuyers.

As Mexico's economy shows signs of slowing growth and persistent challenges, international investors are increasingly turning their attention to the U.S. real estate market as a stable and lucrative opportunity. A closer look at Mexico's economic trends reveals why investors are diversifying their portfolios and exploring the benefits of U.S. real estate.

Despite Millennials (ages 26 to 44 in 2023) representing the largest generation in American history—nearly 86 million people—their homeownership rates remain strikingly low compared to previous generations. This growing gap underscores a troubling trend: young adults today are not only buying homes later in life but are also making up a smaller portion of total homebuyers than ever before.

Florida's housing market remains a magnet for homebuyers despite rising mortgage rates and surging homeowners insurance costs. The Sunshine State's real estate landscape in 2025 is balancing out, offering neither buyers nor sellers a clear upper hand. However, with inventory on the rise, prospective buyers may soon find themselves in a stronger negotiating position, unlocking opportunities to secure favorable deals in one of the nation's most dynamic housing markets.

In recent years, the housing market has been a subject of intense scrutiny, with many analysts speculating on the potential for another wave of foreclosures similar to the 2008 financial crisis. Florida, a state that was severely impacted during the previous housing collapse, is now in a markedly different position. Thanks to soaring home equity levels and proactive lender forbearance programs, the likelihood of a massive foreclosure crisis in the Sunshine State remains low.

The U.S. housing market faces a mixed forecast for 2025, with regional disparities shaping the narrative. While affordability remains a challenge in the Southeast and Texas, the Midwest and Northeast show resilience. Housing market analyst Nick Gerli, founder and CEO of Reventure App, shared insights into these trends, highlighting the forces at play.

In the wake of the tragic collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, in June 2021, which resulted in the loss of 98 lives, the state has enacted significant reforms to enhance the safety of condominium buildings, particularly waterfront properties. These measures focus on stricter inspection protocols, mandatory reserve funding, and increased transparency to prevent such disasters in the future.

Amid ongoing currency struggles and economic uncertainties in Brazil, a growing number of Brazilian investors and business owners are turning their attention to the U.S. real estate market. With the Brazilian real weakening by over 16% against the U.S. dollar in the past year, wealthy Brazilians are seeking financial stability and long-term value through property investments in the United States.

Miami will once again become the epicenter of Latin American business and investment as some of the wealthiest and most influential families from the region convene for the LATAM Investment Convergence Summit. The event, taking place October 8-9 at the JW Marriott Miami, promises to redefine investment strategies, foster sustainability, and advance technological innovation across Latin America while fortifying economic ties with the United States.