Driven to Design: How Car Enthusiasts & Formula 1 Racers are Accelerating Luxury Living
From vintage car aficionados to weekend track racers, a growing segment of affluent buyers is seamlessly blending their passion for high-performance vehicles with their pursuit of the ultimate property. With the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix igniting global fascination with the automotive lifestyle, the luxury real estate market is shifting into high gear. The Compass Luxury and Sports & Entertainment Divisions spoke with top agents across the country to explore how car enthusiasts are redefining what it means to live in the fast lane, and why the garage may now be the most important room in the house.
What are car collectors and racing enthusiasts looking for in a luxury home?
For devoted car lovers, the garage has transcended its utilitarian purpose to become the very essence of the home. Lauren Forbes emphasizes that ample space and privacy are paramount. "They are looking for generous space to house their collection of vehicles," she states. "It’s not just about where the cars are parked—it’s about how the space contributes to the feeling of luxury throughout the home." In discerning markets like Manhattan Beach, garages featuring discreet access points are highly coveted, offering both security and convenience.
Former Professional NASCAR racer, Boston Reid, further notes that enthusiasts desire more than mere storage; they prioritize accessibility. "The convenience of walking out to a well-designed garage or shop—rather than traveling to an off-site facility—means they’re more likely to use and appreciate their vehicles regularly." For these discerning buyers, properties must seamlessly accommodate everything from routine maintenance to private admiration, all within the confines of their estate.
How are luxury garages being elevated beyond function?
Today's premium garages are increasingly viewed as significant architectural statements. According to Kelly Killoren Bensimon, "Car enthusiasts don’t just want a garage—they want a showroom." She highlights sophisticated design elements such as sleek epoxy flooring, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, and even picturesque views that transform the space into a highly expressive extension of the home. The prevailing concept is to treat the automobile as a central art piece, something to be displayed and admired, not simply stored away.
Lauren Forbes agrees, underscoring the importance of cohesive design between the garage and the main residence. "High-end clients are incorporating premium finishes, custom lighting, and refined design elements to match the sophistication found throughout the interior spaces," she explains. A garage that offers seamless accessibility, intuitive functionality, and visual polish has become a hallmark of luxury living, particularly when it effortlessly integrates EV charging capabilities, vehicle lifts, and advanced storage solutions.
What design elements or finishes are becoming more common in high-end garage spaces?
Design-forward garages are undergoing a significant transformation. Liz Hogan points out that refined, polished materials are now essential. "High-end garage spaces are increasingly featuring sleek epoxy or polished concrete floors, custom cabinetry, and smart storage solutions that mirror upscale interior design." These spaces are no longer perceived as cold, purely functional areas but rather as meticulously curated environments, often as impressive as the vehicles they house.
Boston Reid observes an even more experiential trend. "Many high-end garages now include lounge-style hangout areas, often resembling man caves, complete with TVs, bars, and sophisticated sound systems." He further mentions that some collectors are even incorporating guest suites within or adjacent to the garage space, fundamentally shifting its purpose from mere storage to an immersive living zone.
How often does the garage play a decisive role in luxury home sales?
A truly exceptional garage can often be the crucial factor that distinguishes a property of interest from a definitive investment. "In luxury real estate, the garage can be a deciding factor more often than expected—especially for car enthusiasts or buyers seeking multifunctional space," asserts Liz Hogan. In markets like Miami, a secure and well-appointed garage offers not just practical utility but also significant peace of mind and an elevated lifestyle.
Ben Moss has witnessed firsthand the critical role a well-designed garage can play in finalizing a sale. "I’ve sold a couple of houses that had huge garage spaces, 10 or more cars, to people who predominantly decided to purchase based on how many vehicles could be accommodated." For this specific buyer demographic, the inherent value of a bespoke garage frequently surpasses that of more conventional home amenities.
What are some of the most unexpected garage features collectors have requested?
When it comes to personalizing these automotive havens, the requests can be remarkably bold, ambitious, and uniquely tailored to a passion for cars. Liz Hogan has encountered requests for underground vaults featuring glass ceilings visible from the main living area, sophisticated car turntables for dynamic vehicle displays, and even professional-grade race simulators conveniently located just steps from the garage. "These are spaces designed not just to store, but to impress—and sometimes even entertain," she explains.
Boston Reid emphasizes the sheer scale of these custom automotive facilities. "What used to be considered large—2,000 to 3,000 square feet—has now grown to 10,000 to 16,000 square feet in some cases," he notes. "These aren’t garages anymore—they’re purpose-built automotive facilities."
What are some of the most unexpected garage features collectors have requested?
When it comes to personalizing these automotive havens, the requests can be remarkably bold, ambitious, and uniquely tailored to a passion for cars. Liz Hogan has encountered requests for underground vaults featuring glass ceilings visible from the main living area, sophisticated car turntables for dynamic vehicle displays, and even professional-grade race simulators conveniently located just steps from the garage. "These are spaces designed not just to store, but to impress—and sometimes even entertain," she explains.
Boston Reid emphasizes the sheer scale of these custom automotive facilities. "What used to be considered large—2,000 to 3,000 square feet—has now grown to 10,000 to 16,000 square feet in some cases," he notes. "These aren’t garages anymore—they’re purpose-built automotive facilities."
How has Formula 1’s presence in Miami impacted real estate trends?
The Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix has significantly amplified interest in luxury homes that specifically cater to car collectors and racing aficionados. "The rise of Formula 1 in Miami has increased buyer interest in luxury real estate, especially among global elites," states Kelly Killoren Bensimon. She highlights ultra-luxury developments such as the Aston Martin Residences and Bentley Residences, which feature exclusive in-unit garages and car elevators—a feature that once seemed like a futuristic concept but now feels increasingly essential.
According to Liz Hogan, this trend is reshaping buyer expectations. "Developers and brokers have capitalized on this momentum by offering high-end properties with bespoke features tailored to collectors’ passions—like expansive garages, private showrooms, and car elevators," she explains. The compelling fusion of high performance and prestige has elevated the garage from a mere necessity to a significant status symbol.
Which Miami neighborhoods or property types appeal most to car-focused buyers?
In Miami, the dynamic intersection of luxury living and vibrant car culture is particularly evident in high-rise developments like the Porsche Design Tower in Sunny Isles Beach, where residents enjoy the unique amenity of parking their vehicles directly adjacent to their living spaces. "Buyers gravitate toward buildings and neighborhoods that prioritize private car access," notes Kelly Killoren Bensimon. She also points to areas like Coral Gables, where high-end car vaults provide secure, climate-controlled storage solutions for valuable collections.
Ben Moss adds that for buyers seeking to construct larger-scale garage facilities, suburban areas such as Pinecrest, Davie, and Southwest Ranches are particularly appealing. "The larger lot sizes in these neighborhoods allow for greater design flexibility and overall square footage, which serious collectors highly value," he explains. In contrast, areas like Miami Beach present more logistical challenges due to limited lot sizes and potential flood zone restrictions.
Whether perched overlooking the vast ocean or nestled into a secluded hillside, luxury homes designed for car collectors are evolving beyond mere private retreats into comprehensive and immersive lifestyle statements. As Formula 1 continues to fuel a global fascination with speed, sophisticated design, and exclusivity, the luxury real estate market is keeping pace with the often-understated garage leading the way.