Slip on buy: Massive waterfront mansions float the market in Fort Lauderdale

More boat means moor problems — that’s why a home with a private pier is the splashiest asset in South Florida.And with prices for waterfront properties in Miami now regularly topping $100 million, Fort Lauderdale looks like a relative steal.“Fort Lauderdale’s extensive network of canals, waterways, marinas and private docks means homeowners can keep a boat close to home and be on the water within minutes,” said Jenni Morejon, president and CEO of Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority.

“That connectivity is a major reason Fort Lauderdale continues to attract buyers who want to make boating part of their lifestyle.”One of the city’s most eye-catching homes is located at 733 Middle River Drive.The three-story, six-bedroom mansion was built by Prestige Homes in 2023 and is now on the market with Rachel Berg and Marc Brandt of Douglas Elliman for $38.9 million.“Fort Lauderdale has evolved tremendously at the ultra-luxury level,” said Berg.“Buyers who once looked exclusively at Miami or Palm Beach are recognizing how much lifestyle, waterfront and privacy they can have here.”At the 11,838-square-foot home, an elevator leads to two putting greens on the third floor, flanking a private office with sweeping sunset views of the saltwater pool and your yacht.

It can be moored along the home’s 108 feet of deepwater frontage, with no low bridges to hinder your ocean access.Other amenities include a large screening room, billiard room and a built-in bar.“The home is striking, but what really sets it apart is the way it captures the best of Fort Lauderdale from every direction — open water and the city skyline, with Las Olas as the backdrop for the sunset every evening,” said Berg.

“There are beautiful waterfront homes, and then there are homes that feel irreplaceable — this is one of them.”Farther south in Rio Vista, agent Chad Carroll of Compass has similar words for the “showstopper” home at 1619 SE 7th St.The contemporary...