MIAMI—Just how hot is Downtown Miami's condo market? New stats are rolling in that make investors smile and developers move perhaps even more quickly.

For starters, Downtown Miami's condo market has posted two straight years of price appreciation. At the same time, land values are escalating and developer yields are compressing. Overall, land transaction volume is increasing. All this is according to a new study the Miami Downtown Development Authority (DDA) commissioned.

“The demand drivers of an urban lifestyle continue to provide motivation for suburban or Miami Beach residents to reconsider the Downtown Miami area,” says Anthony M. Graziano, senior managing director for Integra Realty Resources in Miami. “As the large-scale projects continue to progress, along with the development of a more transit-oriented metro area, Downtown Miami will benefit from increased downtown housing options.”

Turning to rentals in the urban core, prices are rising. That, in turn, is supporting more end-unit pricing increases and an overarching demand for new multifamily projects. Specifically, rents in Downtown Miami are appreciating by over 5% each year and are on track to experience annualized increases of 8% in 2014.

With such strong demand, new rental construction is moving ahead at a rapid clip. Developers currently building 2,301 multifamily units in five downtown projects. Another 2,742 units are in the planning phase of development to meet the demand, including strong demand from Millenials, who are moving to Downtown Miami in droves.

The third quarter saw some of the biggest blockbuster land sales in history, including the Epic Marina Site in the CBD that sold for $125 million, representing $2,296 per square foot. Ten land sites have either recently sold or are being marketed for sale through July 2014. In addition, there are three additional land transactions all upward of $50 million expected to close by the fourth quarter 2014.

“In 2008 many condos were sitting empty and pundits predicted they would remain dark for years to come,” says Alyce Robertson, executive director of the Miami DDA. “Local job growth, combined with foreign buyers and investors from Europe, South America and Asia have acquired most of the inventory and prices are again increasing even as dozens of new projects are in the works. Downtown Miami is witnessing a metamorphosis and evolving into a true 24/7 city as restaurants and retailers come online in the urban core.”

U.S. and foreign investors made safe bets in Downtown Miami condos. According to the study, current resale pricing appreciation is projected at 20% over year-end 2013 and up nearly 10% from the second quarter of 2014. Price appreciation was faster in the third quarter than in the previous two quarters, which is a positive sign going into 2015.

Finally, the first wave of condo completions is preparing to welcome owners and residents. BrickellHouse has received its TCO and is considered complete, with owners closing on units in the fourth quarter 2014. An additional 1,000 units are expected to be built in the first quarter 2015. Since IRR-Miami's second quarter 2014 report, several projects have moved forward in the development process. An additional 1,193 units have started construction after successfully marketing and selling units.

“Downtown Miami's population is growing rapidly and I expect the new inventory coming to market will find continued demand from U.S. and foreign buyers in the months and years ahead,” says Miami DDA Chairman and City of Miami District 2 Commissioner Marc Sarnoff. “With internationally recognized cultural institutions, five-star restaurants, eclectic retail shops and entertainment venues springing up, Downtown Miami has become a destination for area residents and tourists from countries around the world. Our real estate market reflects that status.”