Current
Types of Luxury Homes Available on the Tampa Market
When the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic began to sink in, the real estate industry held its breath, unsure of how drastic the economic repercussions would be. Across all fields, businesses were forced to reconstruct the way they operated, with many closing their physical doors to begin working remotely instead.
While the long-term outcomes of these shifts are still being understood, the overwhelmingly positive influence that this past year has had on Tampa’s luxury real estate market is becoming hard to ignore. The city is experiencing a sudden influx of affluent, out-of-state buyers, and they’re looking to plant luxurious roots. Last year alone, the number of homes sold for more than $2 million increased nearly threefold. Perhaps enticed by Florida’s lack of income tax, buyers are discovering that Tampa homes have more value to offer than their northeastern counterparts.
The high-end trend is much more than a financial phenomenon; it is also a testament to Tampa’s allure. With no shortage of tropical landscapes or sunny days to enjoy them, the spacious coastal town has always been a decadent choice for retirees and vacationers. But the pandemic has caused many families to restructure their daily routines, giving them an opportunity to redefine what a luxurious lifestyle looks like for them. For some, that means more extensive square footage with ample space for every family member. For others, a well-equipped home office has become essential. At the end of a long day, some people just want to dock their yacht, dip their toes in their infinity pools, and enjoy the sunset with their loved ones. Whatever your ideal home entails, there is a Tampa property that has it all.
To give you an idea of what the area has to offer, here are some of my favorite high-end homes that sold last year. They capture an array of unique amenities across neighborhoods as beautiful and diverse as the properties themselves.
After just three days on the market earlier this year, a charming 7,800 square foot Mediterranean estate on Snell Isle sold for $4.8 million. The home takes full advantage of outdoor entertainment space with a gorgeous pool and a built-in kitchen under a covered terrace. Nestled around the historic Renaissance Vinoy Golf Club, Snell Isle is a private peninsula of paradise on Tampa Bay, providing just enough views of the St. Petersburg Pier to keep city life at your fingertips.
In the neighborhood affectionately known as “Bayshore Beautiful,” a British West Indies-style home recently sold for $5.2 million. The location has an alluring appeal, as scenic Bayshore Boulevard leads directly into the heart of Tampa’s flourishing downtown entertainment district. The residence features a wet bar in the master suite and a fully custom built-in home office with uninterrupted views of sunrises on Hillsborough Bay.
But Tampa isn’t all palm trees and sandy shores. With a property like “Serella Stables,” which sold for $5.7 million, you can enjoy waterfront sunsets on your private pond instead. Located in the Bison Creek Estates neighborhood, the 37-acre estate offers two pastures, a barn with room for eight horses, a library, and a wine cellar.
Another recent sale with unique amenities is a 9,100 square foot Harbor Bluffs mansion in Largo. The self-described “fortress” boasts an indoor shooting range, home gym, game room, and more. With a final purchase price of $6.6 million, the home has everything you need to stay entertained while staying home, including a heated saltwater pool that brings the beach to your backyard.
One of my favorites, a magnificent Davis Islands residence, sold for $9.1 million. An indicator of the times, the home had already seen a substantial increase in value since its last sale of $6.3 million in 2017. Equipped with a stadium-seating home theater and a wine cellar large enough to store 600 bottles, this home may make you forget your quarantine woes. The new residents recently installed their own boat dock, taking full advantage of their sprawling waterfront.
The most exciting home sale of last year was a spectacular historic estate in Harbor Oaks. Across 3.5 acres overlooking Clearwater Harbor, this gorgeous property has everything. The grounds include a tennis court, a guest house fit for royalty, and a three-story high lookout tower with a charming spiral staircase. Most notable of its assets is a grand ballroom suitable for hosting a party spectacular enough to make up for every canceled event of 2020. The estate sold just before the unpredictable year’s end for $9.3 million, Tampa Bay’s highest residential home sale of 2020.
And if you don’t come across a home that perfectly suits your needs at first, new construction is always an option. Perhaps the epitome of Florida luxury, vacant waterfront property is a scarce commodity – but it is still available if you’re lucky to catch it. Even vacant lots broke record sales in Tampa Bay last year. Two adjacent lots on Davis Islands recently sold for $11 million, a price $1.3 million higher than the closest residential sale. With a total of 31,000 square feet overlooking Tampa Bay, the sky is the limit in bringing this buyer’s ideal luxury home to life.
No matter what luxury living looks like to your family, Tampa Bay has the home for you. Contact me, Jaime Brown of Tampa Homestyles, to begin our search for your perfect slice of paradise.