More snowbirds than ever are selling their properties in Florida. While the political context encourages some to leave the “Sunny State,” others are discouraged by the exchange rate and rising condo fees.
Published at 5:00 a.m.
In “snowbird” groups on social networks, announcements of houses, condos, mobile homes and land belonging to Quebecers are multiplying.
Reached by phone, real estate broker André Lauzier, from the Coldwell Banker agency, can’t believe it, he who has worked in South Florida for 25 years.
“There really is an increase, not nearly so! », he exclaims. “It’s really total panic! », observes the experienced broker, whose offices are located in Hollywood.
Normally, if we have around ten registrations, it’s good and the phone doesn’t ring. Since the beginning of January, I have had one person call me every day who wants to sell. I currently have 29 registrations, this is not normal.
André Lauzier, real estate broker
Real estate broker Alexandra DuPont, of the DuPont International Realty agency, observes the same phenomenon with her 27 properties for sale, the majority of which belong to Canadians. In recent years, his agency has worked with an average of 12 to 17 registrations.
“Personally, I have never had so many listings,” says the real estate broker who has worked in Florida for 15 years in Pompano, Lauderdale Lakes, Deerfield, Palm Beach, Boynton Beach and West Palm Beach.
“There are a lot of Canadians who are putting their property up for sale, and it’s not just people from Montreal and Quebec. There are some from all provinces. We have a lot of English-speaking customers from Ontario. The exchange rate is very advantageous for sellers. »
Why snowbirds are leaving the United States
Readers of The Press who wrote to Francis Vailles following his column “Wind of boycott of the United States” affirm that it is because of the new president that they are selling their property.
“I go even further to challenge Trump’s total lack of respect for Canada, Canadians and particularly the snowbirds who are fattening Florida’s economy,” says Jasmin Gosselin, who has owned a property in Florida since 2008, where he stays five months a year. “My wife and I have decided to put our condo up for sale,” he wrote.
-“We’ve been coming to Florida for about 30 years and that’s it for us. We have put our land up for sale and we will not be the only ones,” writes a Quebecer who wants her name to be kept quiet because she is known in her community and surrounded by Republicans who admire Trump.
Also finished for André Perreault, “snowbird” for 17 years with his partner. “This is our last winter season in Florida. Last December we sold our house in sunny Florida. Without regret or remorse. […] The US dollar versus the Canadian dollar knocks us out every time. The new political climate of Trump and his band of weirdos scares us, also, climate change is very present here,” they testify.
Residents of Lévis, “snowbirds” since 2017, say they had to make a big decision about their house in Arizona, purchased in 2012 and surrounded by magnificent landscapes. “This decision was made following the US elections on November 5, we are selling our house this year. […] We are sad, but our principles and our deep values prevent us from extending our project with the projected situation, the toxic climate and our Canadian money which has taken a nosedive since the appointment of this extraordinary character,” explain Michelle Langlais and Mario Provençal .
Price falling
Real estate broker André Lauzier confirms that he had to lower the prices of his listings by 15 to 20%. “Since New Year’s Day, I must have done around fifteen price raids. I took down one more today and two yesterday. »
He cites the example of a well-renovated condo at Hawaiian Gardens, located 30 minutes outside Fort Lauderdale, that previously sold for $185,000 and whose price dropped to $150,000.
Canadian buyers are becoming rare, notes real estate broker Alexandra DuPont, because the weakness of the Canadian dollar increases the cost of living and fixed costs such as internet and electricity.
Explosion of condo fees
There is also the increase in the price of insurance due to hurricanes, condominium contingency funds now compulsory since 1is January 2025 and the explosion of condo fees that are scaring away Quebecers and Canadians.
“What strikes me the most is that when I started in real estate 15 years ago, the average condo fee was $320 to $380. Currently, for basic communities, it is $600 to $700 per month,” notes Alexandra DuPont, specifying that these co-ownerships have neither the security service nor the training room.
“I have a client who is located on the seaside who paid $1,100 and now has to pay $1,900,” adds André Lauzier.
Owners who paid $900 in monthly condo fees and made $300 in profits from rentals now estimate that they will lose money, the broker illustrates. They opt for sale.
Although a tidal wave of sales is currently sweeping through Florida, André Lauzier, who went through the price drop of 2008, believes that the situation will readjust over the coming years.
