Nearly 45% of all real estate transactions in Palm Beach County are cash deals.
But here’s the part most people don’t talk about:
The Palm Beach market has a split personality.
THE ULTRA-LUXURY SIDE ($5M+)
- 262 transactions above $10 million in the first 9 months of 2025
- Cash-dominated, internationally driven
- Largely immune to interest rates and insurance
- Continued strength expected through 2026
THE 55+ COMMUNITY SIDE (Under $200K)
- Dozens of units in communities like Century Village sitting for months
- Units listed at $85,000 that NO ONE wants
- Why? Monthly HOA fees of $600-900 EXCEED the mortgage payment
- Total monthly cost: $1,130-1,430 for a unit “worth” $85K
- You could rent a nicer apartment for less
This is the “cheap condo mirage” — properties that look like bargains until you see the total cost of ownership.
Whether you’re looking at a $10M estate or a $100K condo, understanding the real numbers is essential.
📊 Read our full Palm Beach analysis in “Stagnation in the Sun” →