Realtors and Mortgage Brokers / Condotel / Mortgage Learning Center

Icon Brickell Miami Florida: The Investor’s Guide to Luxury Waterfront Real Estate & Strategic Financing

Claudia Castaño

Why Do Investors Choose Icon Brickell Over Other Miami Properties?

Icon Brickell delivers a rare combination of factors that drive investor returns:

  1. Prime location in Brickell – Miami’s financial district with the highest rental demand per square foot
  2. CondoHotel flexibility (Tower III) Short-term rental income potential with hotel-style management
  3. Proven appreciation track record – Consistent value growth aligned with Miami real estate market trends
  4. Resort-caliber amenities – Attracts premium tenants willing to pay above-market rents

What Is a CondoHotel and Why Is It Attractive to Investors?

Definition: A CondoHotel is a residential property that operates under hotel management, allowing owners to generate short-term rental income when not in personal use. If you’re new to this property type, read our complete guide on what is a condotel.

Icon Brickell Tower III advantages for investors:

  • Daily, weekly, or monthly rentals permitted – Maximize occupancy and cash flow
  • Hotel-style services available – Concierge, housekeeping, and front desk attract higher-paying guests
  • Hands-off management option – Rental programs handle bookings and maintenance
  • No rental restrictions – Unlike Towers I and II, Tower III offers full flexibility

Discover the secrets of condotel financing in Miami to understand how these unique properties can boost your portfolio.

Who Invests in Icon Brickell?

Miami Lending Advisors® works with diverse investor profiles:

  1. Foreign Nationals – International buyers seeking U.S. real estate exposure without credit history requirements
  2. High-Net-Worth Individuals – Portfolio diversification into Miami’s resilient luxury real estate investment market
  3. Self-Employed Entrepreneurs – Investors who need flexible income verification through bank statement mortgage programs
  4. Short-Term Rental Operators – Airbnb and VRBO investors targeting Miami’s tourism-driven demand with DSCR loan programs
  5. 1031 Exchange Buyers – Tax-deferred reinvestment from other U.S. properties into investment property loans

What Financing Challenges Do Icon Brickell Investors Face?

Common obstacles when financing Icon Brickell units:

  • CondoHotel classification – Most conventional lenders reject these properties outright. Specialized condotel financing is required.
  • High investor concentration – Some towers exceed Fannie Mae thresholds, requiring non-warrantable condo financing
  • Special assessments – Recent or pending assessments can affect loan approval
  • Foreign national status – Traditional banks require U.S. credit history

The Solution: Partner with a specialized lender who understands condotel mortgages and building-specific requirements.

What Financing Options Does Miami Lending Advisors® Offer?

Investor-Focused Loan Programs

Loan TypeBest ForKey Benefits
DSCR LoansRental investorsQualify based on property income, not personal income
Foreign National LoansInternational buyersNo U.S. credit or tax returns required
Bank Statement LoansSelf-employed investors12–24 months bank statements replace W-2s
Jumbo LoansHigh-value purchasesFinancing for luxury properties above conforming limits
CondoHotel FinancingTower III buyersSpecialized terms for hotel-condo hybrid properties

For a complete overview of available programs, visit our loan options for Florida page.

Why Work With Miami Lending Advisors® for Your Icon Brickell Investment?

Strategic advantages for investors:

  • Deep Brickell market expertise – We’ve financed properties at Icon Brickell, DUA Miami (formerly SLS Brickell), and Missoni Baia
  • Access to niche lenders – Programs unavailable through retail banks
  • CondoHotel financing specialists – Tower III deals are our specialty
  • Concierge-level premier mortgage services – From consultation to closing, one dedicated advisor
  • Multilingual team – Spanish, Portuguese, and French support for international clients
  • Deal structuring for ROI – We optimize terms for cash flow and appreciation

Learn more about us and our approach to investor financing.

What Due Diligence Should Investors Perform Before Buying?

Essential investor checklist for Icon Brickell:

  1. Review HOA financials – Check reserves, pending assessments, and litigation status
  2. Verify rental rules – Confirm short-term rental permissions for your specific tower
  3. Analyze comparable sales – Understand price per square foot trends by floor and view
  4. Calculate true cash flow – Factor in HOA fees, taxes, insurance, and management costs. Use our mortgage calculator for estimates
  5. Assess financing eligibility Get pre-qualified with a lender who knows the building
  6. Understand closing costs – Review our guide on closing costs in Florida

For more insights, explore our mastering real estate investments guide.

Frequently Asked Questions for Icon Brickell Investors

Can foreign investors get financing for Icon Brickell?

Yes. Miami Lending Advisors® offers specialized foreign national mortgage programs with no U.S. credit history required. Down payments typically range from 25–30%.

Is Icon Brickell Tower III better for investors than Towers I and II?

For short-term rental income, Tower III is superior due to its CondoHotel status. Towers I and II are better suited for long-term rentals or primary residence with more traditional condo rules. Learn more about condo financing tips for Miami real estate.

What are the HOA fees at Icon Brickell?

HOA fees range from $0.70 to $1.10 per square foot, depending on the tower and unit size. This covers amenities, building insurance, water, and common area maintenance.

How long does it take to close on an Icon Brickell investment property?

With proper documentation and a specialized lender, investors can close in 30–45 days. Foreign national loans may require 45–60 days. Understand the complete mortgage process in Florida before you begin.

What exit strategies work best for Icon Brickell investors?

Common exit strategies include resale to other investors, 1031 exchange into larger properties, or conversion to long-term rental for stable cash flow.

Ready to Invest in Icon Brickell?

Miami Lending Advisors® is the preferred financing partner for Icon Brickell investors. We structure deals designed for maximum returns and long-term value.

What we offer:

Contact Miami Lending Advisors® today to discuss your Icon Brickell investment strategy.

Avatar of Claudia Castaño

Claudia Castaño

Business Administration

About the Author

I’m the founder and director of Miami Lending Advisors, with 25+ years of experience in mortgage and real estate. Recognized as Lender of the Year 2024 by South Florida Agent Magazine, I specialize in jumbo loans, luxury condos, and financing for high-net-worth clients, investors, and foreign nationals. My career spans leadership at Citibank, managing a $300M investment portfolio, and advising clients in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. With an MBA from Tulane University and a Master’s in Finance from Universidad Icesi, I combine global perspective with local expertise to deliver clarity, confidence, and results.

Certifications & Education

  • Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) (ICESI University)
  • MBA - Master in Finance (ICESI University)
  • MBA - Business (Tulane University)
  • NMLS # 1805081

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