Dominic Pickering, Executive Director, BTI Partners
July 2026 — Dominic Pickering, executive director at BTI Partners, spoke with Invest: about Tampa’s investment and lifestyle appeal to high-net-worth buyers. “Tampa is in a position where it has many amenities and recreation already here, with plenty of room for growth. From both investment and lifestyle standpoints, there’s a lot to look forward to,” said Pickering.
What changes over the past year impacted BTI Partners, and in what ways?
Tariffs certainly shaped the landscape this year, and construction costs shifted as a result. It required more planning, diligence and insight on our end. With high-rise construction, once you begin, everything has to be aligned in advance because every detail matters when you put a shovel in the ground. It’s been an interesting year from that standpoint, but we feel we’ve moved past much of the uncertainty around tariffs. We’re optimistic, and we continue to see strong interest from high-net-worth buyers entering our market.
What makes Tampa Bay so attractive to affluent buyers right now, and how has that demand shaped BTI Partners’ approach to development?
Tampa Bay, and Florida as a whole, has become a magnet for high-net-worth buyers from across the U.S. and overseas. These buyers are seeking more than just a home; they want a complete lifestyle. They look for a combination of luxury, convenience, investment potential, and access to vibrant communities, culture, and waterfront living, all of which Tampa delivers.This benefits us because Marina Pointe embodies everything these buyers are looking for.
Our amenity-rich development offers residents world-class features, thoughtful design, and a lifestyle that combines coastal living with the energy and opportunities of a growing city. By continuing to enhance Marina Pointe, we ensure it remains a top destination for buyers who want both an exceptional home and a smart investment in Tampa Bay and Florida’s thriving market.
How have higher interest rates and other broader economic factors impacted Tampa’s luxury sector?
In the high-net-worth market, high interest rates aren’t necessarily a deterrent for buyers. They often have capital spread across various portfolios, making this market different from traditional housing. When buying preconstruction, a couple of years typically pass before closing, and no one knows what interest rates will be at that point. Many other developments target a slightly different market, where interest rates can have a major impact, but they don’t affect us as much.
What trends are impacting buyer decisions in Tampa Bay?
High-net-worth individuals tend to buy based on several factors. Growth potential is important, but they also want to live somewhere enjoyable. They want to walk to restaurants, access the water, and enjoy life while making a sound investment, which Marina Pointe offers.
Many large companies are coming to the Tampa Bay area, bringing executives who are exploring the luxury market – one trend fueling the other. Several residents of our first tower run businesses elsewhere, such as in New York or Chicago. They came to Tampa Bay for the lifestyle and later established businesses here, creating jobs and contributing to regional growth.
Many of our Marina Pointe residents are CEOs, some long-term locals, and others new to the area and energized by its momentum. Many are avid boaters who are drawn to Marina Pointe for its private marina. By 2030, the number of individuals with net worths of $30 million or more is expected to grow by 8% to 10%.
Wealthy buyers don’t want to invest in something that won’t materialize for years, and Tampa is well positioned with strong amenities and recreation already in place and ample room for growth. When you look at the level of public investment and private capital flowing into Tampa, it’s clear the city is entering a new chapter, one that’s creating long-term value and an elevated lifestyle for those choosing to call it home.
What advice would you give to those looking to buy or develop in Tampa Bay today?
Tampa is at the point where it’s developed enough with plenty of things here already, and there are many other initiatives like Moving Florida Forward to build infrastructure. Tampa Bay is a beautiful area and as more people move in, land will get more scarce as time goes on. There isn’t that much waterfront property available for homes. At Marina Pointe, we have a beautiful private peninsula out to the bay, which is an extremely rare opportunity My advice for a high-net-worth individual looking to move into the area would be to jump on it now before its too late
Is the public sector keeping pace with private development?
Yes, I think there’s a very good focus. Government officials have been supportive and focused. They understand the infrastructure has to keep up with the private sector, and we are moving in the right direction.
What are your key goals and priorities for BTI Partners over the next two to three years?
Completing Marina Pointe is our primary focus. Once we begin moving forward with Tower Two, we’ll start exploring other parcels of land for similar projects. We seek out unique sites and develop projects that help move the market forward. For example, Marina Pointe’s location is truly one of a kind. No other development in the area sits on a private peninsula with its own marina directly on Tampa Bay. We focus on rare sites like this, places that offer a distinct experience for buyers who want something genuinely different.
