Lauderdale-By-The-Sea condos for sale make up most of this small beach town's market: about four out of five homes on the county tax roll are condo units. The Broward County Property Appraiser puts the median condo value near $492,000 on the 2026 roll, and its few hundred single-family homes have a median above $1.2 million. Because so many buildings are older, the condo documents matter as much as the view. Rui Cunha, Broker at Royal Star Corp, works the town from his office up the coast in Deerfield Beach.
What it's like to live in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is a small town on a long, narrow barrier island, separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway. Fort Lauderdale is to the south and Pompano Beach to the north (Wikipedia). Florida's Office of Economic and Demographic Research estimated the population at 6,187 as of April 1, 2025 (Florida EDR).
Life here centers on the beach. Anglin's Fishing Pier anchors the oceanfront, and a coral reef sits about 100 yards offshore, close enough to snorkel from the beach. In 2016 the Florida Legislature named the town "Florida's Beach Diving Capital." Offshore, the wreck of the SS Copenhagen, which sank in 1900, is a state underwater archaeological preserve (Wikipedia).
Types of homes
- Condos. The bulk of the market: 4,310 condo units on the 2026 county tax roll (BCPA). Buildings range widely in age, size and amenities.
- Single-family homes. Only 947 on the tax roll, so supply is tight (BCPA).
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea market snapshot
On the Broward County Property Appraiser's 2026 tax roll, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea's condos have a median market value of $492,100, more than double the Broward-wide condo median of $200,120 (BCPA). Its single-family homes have a median market value of $1,208,610, against $514,200 countywide (BCPA). These are appraiser estimates, not sale prices.
Sale prices in a town this small swing a lot from month to month, and two units in the same building can differ widely by floor, view and renovation. Prices vary widely, so ask Rui for a current comparison of recent sales in the buildings you're considering.
Practical notes: condos, insurance and flood zones
Older condos. This is the most important topic in town. Florida's condo safety rules require buildings of three or more stories to have a milestone inspection at 30 years, or 25 if the local building department requires it (SB 154, 2023), plus a Structural Integrity Reserve Study and funded reserves (Rimkus). Oceanfront buildings face salt air and storm exposure, which can mean bigger repair bills. Before you make an offer, ask for the milestone inspection report, reserve study, budget, insurance policy and history of special assessments.
Rental rules. Many condo associations limit short-term or first-year rentals. If you plan to rent, read the documents before you sign.
Insurance and flood. A barrier island has high flood and storm-surge exposure. FEMA's newer pricing raised flood premiums most in coastal Broward and Palm Beach (WLRN), and Citizens policyholders must carry flood coverage as the requirement phases in through 2027 (News4JAX). For a house, get your own windstorm and flood quotes before you sign. For a condo, ask what the building's master policy covers and what an HO-6 policy will cost you.
Property taxes. A primary residence may qualify for Florida's homestead exemption; a second home does not. Ask a CPA how it applies to you.
Schools
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is served by Broward County Public Schools. The town is small but is zoned to several different elementary, middle and high schools depending on the street (Wikipedia), so confirm the zoned schools for any address with the district and check grades on the Florida Department of Education site.
Getting around
A single drawbridge on Commercial Boulevard crosses the Intracoastal and is the town's main link to the mainland (Wikipedia). Bridge openings and beach traffic can slow you down, so test your commute at rush hour.
Working with Rui in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
Rui has been in South Florida real estate since 2003, first as a mortgage broker and later as a broker and licensed General Contractor, which helps when you're reading a building's inspection and repair plans. He can help you buy a home, explain ITIN mortgages, or price your unit if you want to sell your home. Run numbers with the mortgage calculator, and compare nearby Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach.
FAQ
How much is a condo in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea?
On the Broward County Property Appraiser's 2026 tax roll, the median condo value is $492,100 across 4,310 units. Actual sale prices depend on the building, floor, view and the building's financial health, so compare recent sales in the same building.
What should I check before buying an older condo here?
The milestone inspection report, the Structural Integrity Reserve Study, the current budget, the master insurance policy and any special assessments, past or planned. Oceanfront buildings can face large repair costs that owners share.
Can I snorkel from the beach in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea?
Yes. A coral reef sits about 100 yards offshore, and the state named the town "Florida's Beach Diving Capital" in 2016.
Can I buy in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea without a Social Security number?
Many buyers use an ITIN mortgage, subject to lender approval. Condo loans also depend on the building meeting the lender's rules, so check that early. See our ITIN mortgage guide or contact Rui.
Talk to Rui
Thinking about Lauderdale-By-The-Sea? Ask Rui for recent sales and the condo documents for the buildings you like.