In 2024, Newgard Development Group launched sales for Natiivo Fort Lauderdale, the city’s first turnkey condominium project specifically designed, built, and licensed for short-term rentals. The development company, led by Harvey Hernandez, pioneered this concept a few years ago when he recognized a growing desire among customers to find smarter ways to own real estate. Harvey Hernandez shares more about this innovative concept and the inspiration behind it.
How did you come up with this short-term rental concept?
Years ago, we realized people were increasingly interested in sharing their homes through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. That got us thinking: Wouldn’t it be fantastic to own an apartment in any city we loved visiting and be able to generate income from it when we weren’t using it? However, there wasn’t a product out there dedicated to this type of flexible ownership. So, we created one—Natiivo.
What is the significance of the Natiivo name?
Natiivo, which means “native,” reflects how we want to experience life today. We don’t want to travel like tourists; we want to immerse ourselves in the local culture and feel the local energy. Natiivo offers that experience—it adapts to each location and its unique vibe. Natiivo Fort Lauderdale, for example, perfectly mirrors the sophistication of a rapidly growing downtown area.
What is the concept behind your Flexible Ownership Model?
It’s simple and empowering. You own a beautiful, turnkey condominium that comes fully furnished and ready to use. You can stay in it as much as you’d like. When you’re not there, you have the freedom to rent it out for any period you choose—a night, a week, or even a month. The power is in your hands, giving you full control over how and when you monetize your investment.
Is there anything like this in Fort Lauderdale currently?
While our first Natiivo projects in Miami and Austin were big successes, nothing like this currently exists in Fort Lauderdale. The trend has now taken off in Miami, but we are the first to bring it to Fort Lauderdale. It is the first condominium in the city designed, built, and licensed specifically for short-term rentals in the city. We pride ourselves on being pioneers.
What do you mean by turnkey residences?
Our units come fully designed and furnished by IDDI, a highly respected interior design company based in Pompano Beach. There’s no need to hire a decorator or spend time shopping for furniture—everything you need is included, from furniture and appliances to silverware. We deliver a fully functional home with minimal effort required on your part.
How can an owner lease their home when it’s not being used?
Owners can choose to list their units on their preferred home-sharing platform and handle everything themselves. For those who prefer a more hands-off approach, we offer a management service that takes care of everything—from guest bookings to maintenance. Plus, the building will provide many high-end services, like what you’d expect at a five-star hotel.
What are some of the key services and amenities that owners and their guests will be able to advantage of?
Natiivo Fort Lauderdale will have a 120-foot rooftop pool, a fitness center with a spa, a signature restaurant, and café, a bar and social club, co-working spaces, and housekeeping services, creating a resort-style living experience. We will also have a marquee restaurant on the ground floor. We will have more to say on that at a later date.
What is the difference between flexible ownership and condo hotels?
Condo hotels are outdated. Flexible ownership is the smarter, more modern way to own real estate. With condo hotels, you’re subject to blackout dates and limited control over your unit. In contrast, flexible ownership lets you use your property whenever you wish and rent it out whenever you want. Plus, financing is typically easier to get with our model.
Finally, why did you choose downtown Fort Lauderdale for your newest Natiivo development?
Downtown Fort Lauderdale is on fire right now and offers so much potential. The location is ideal—right across from the Brightline station, which connects us easily to Orlando, West Palm Beach, Miami, and points in between. The area’s cultural, dining, and entertainment scenes are thriving, with venues like the Broward Center for the Performing Arts just blocks away. With so many new developments planned for the next five years, we’re just at the beginning of something truly exciting.
How much does a unit at Natiivo cost?
We have studios, one, two and three-bedroom units for sale, plus dens available. They start in the $600s.
When will the building open for move-ins?
We expect to start construction in the fourth quarter of 2025, with a delivery date about two and half years later.
If someone is interested in buying a unit, who can they contact?
They can call our knowledgeable in-house sales team at 954-210-4400 and set up an appointment to visit our beautifully appointed sales lounge on the corner of US 1 and Broward Boulevard. Here, they can view furnished model rooms and touch and feel the high-quality finishes that will be used in the units and the building. Interested buyers can also visit our website at NatiivoFortLauderdale.com for more information.
