Brett Forman, Managing Partner of private real estate lender Forman Capital (L) and Harvey Hernandez, CEO of Newgard Development Group (R)

Two of BoardroomPR’s longtime South Florida real estate PR clients were among the featured voices at Commercial Observer’s South Florida Capital & Development Forum, held Oct. 15 at the Bath Club in Miami Beach. Harvey Hernandez, CEO of Newgard Development Group, and Brett Forman, Managing Partner of private real estate lender Forman Capital, joined fellow industry leaders to examine the forces driving development and investment across one of the country’s most closely watched real estate markets.

The forum brought together developers, lenders, investors and advisors to discuss a market that continues to show strength even as much of the nation contends with rising interest rates. A central theme throughout the day was the steady stream of wealthy buyers and companies relocating to South Florida, which continues to fuel demand across residential, office and mixed-use projects. Speakers also acknowledged the growing pains that come with rapid growth, including strained infrastructure, traffic and the increasing difficulty of assembling financing for new projects.

Hernandez spoke on a panel focused on South Florida’s influx of branded luxury real estate developments. Newgard is developing The Standard Residences, Brickell Miami in Miami’s Financial District, a Standard-branded tower along Brickell’s waterfront. Panelists discussed how the buyer pool is evolving, with domestic buyers remaining a strong presence while Europeans increasingly overtake Latin American purchasers. Amenities and brand identity were also highlighted as key differentiators for projects competing for discerning buyers. For Hernandez, one factor stands above the rest. “Location is paramount,” he told the audience, adding that a project without the right location is better left undone.

Forman discussed the flow of capital into South Florida and the broader capital markets environment. The conversation reflected a market in transition. While strong demand has created abundant opportunity, panelists noted that debt financing often must be pieced together, and that some traditional lenders have pulled back. At the same time, new sources of capital are emerging, with family offices playing a growing role. Their long-term investment horizons and willingness to work with sophisticated advisors can help close capital stacks for projects that might otherwise struggle to find footing.

Taken together, the two panels detailed the interconnected nature of South Florida’s real estate story. Demand from affluent buyers is driving ambitious projects like branded residences, while a more complex capital landscape is shaping how those projects get financed and built. The takeaway from the forum was one of continued optimism, tempered by a recognition that infrastructure, financing and execution will determine how far the region’s momentum can carry.

BoardroomPR’s Florida Public Relations and Social Media experts make sure to attend important real estate conferences in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando and beyond. In some instances, we set up our mobile video production studio and interview top developers and other real estate leaders. Participating in such events enables team members to stay ahead of the curve on relevant industry trends, topics and issues.

Eric Kalis
Senior Vice President