Can I Sell My Home After 1 Year? What Coconut Grove Sellers Need to Know
May 31, 2025Can I sell my home after just one year in Coconut Grove?
Yes, you can sell your home after one year—but whether it’s financially wise depends on your market value, transaction costs, capital gains tax implications, and personal goals. In a high-demand market like Coconut Grove, it’s possible to come out ahead with the right strategy.
1. Yes, You Can Sell—But Timing Matters
There’s no legal restriction preventing you from selling a home after one year of ownership. However, there are a few financial and strategic considerations to weigh before listing.
At Riley Smith Group, we’ve helped sellers in Coconut Grove make profitable one-year exits—but not without careful planning.
2. Consider Capital Gains Tax Implications
One of the biggest factors to watch is capital gains tax:
- If you’ve owned and lived in the home for at least 2 of the last 5 years: You may qualify for the capital gains exclusion—up to $250,000 (or $500,000 for married couples) of profit is tax-free.
- If you sell after just 1 year: You may be subject to short-term capital gains tax, which is taxed as ordinary income and could significantly reduce your net profit.
It’s important to consult a tax professional to understand how this may apply to your specific situation.
3. What Will You Walk Away With?
Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs you’ll need to cover:
- Real estate commission (5–6%)
- Closing costs (1–2%)
- Any unpaid property taxes or HOA fees
- Potential capital gains tax
- Staging, repairs, or upgrades before listing
Unless your home has appreciated significantly in the past 12 months or you’ve made valuable improvements, these costs may offset your gains.
That said, the Coconut Grove market has seen year-over-year appreciation in many price bands. Riley Smith Group can provide a valuation to help you assess your equity position.
4. Why Some Sellers Still Move After One Year
Selling quickly isn’t always about profit. Some common reasons we’ve seen Grove homeowners list within a year include:
- Relocation for work or family
- Change in financial situation
- Realizing the home wasn’t the right fit
- Seizing a better opportunity elsewhere in the Grove
In each case, our job is to maximize the return—even if the hold period was short.
5. How to Decide If Selling Now Makes Sense
Ask yourself:
- Has my home increased in value since purchase?
- Am I willing to potentially pay capital gains taxes?
- Will my next move put me in a stronger position long term?
- Can I improve the home’s appeal with strategic updates?
Riley Smith Group helps sellers weigh all these factors with data, comps, and insight based on more than 2,500 sales across Miami—and 650+ in Coconut Grove alone.
6. Even a One-Year Sale Deserves a Smart Strategy
Whether you’re selling after 12 months or 12 years, preparation and marketing matter. Our team can:
- Advise on light prep work to boost buyer interest
- Price your home to reflect current demand and competition
- Market your home across all major channels and local networks
We’ve successfully helped sellers exit in less than a year—sometimes with multiple offers and record-breaking prices—by focusing on what makes each Grove home unique.
Final Thought
Selling after one year isn’t always ideal—but in Coconut Grove, it can still be a smart move with the right guidance.
Reach out to Riley Smith Group for a free, no-pressure consultation to understand your home’s current value and your best path forward.