Founded in 2005, Habitat Group initially concentrated on developing hotels and short- term rental properties in the culturally vibrant neighborhoods of Little Havana and the rapidly evolving Brickell area. Over the years, the company has remained committed to its roots in Brickell, pioneering the concept of flexible, owner-controlled short-term rental units. This innovative approach set a new standard in the real estate market, with approximately 20 similar projects following suit in the Brickell and Downtown area. Today, Habitat Group commands around 35% of the market share for units under pre-construction for short-term rentals in Brickell, a testament to its leadership in the sector. Unlike many other developers, Habitat Group also operates its projects, offering a unique level of service and control. This operational expertise has further solidified its reputation as a market leader, particularly in Brickell, where the company regularly publishes market reports that provide valuable insights into the area.
Looking ahead, Habitat Group’s new portfolio, the Habitat Collection—which includes Smart Brickell Luxe, Parkside Brickell, Millux Place, and Season One—promises to elevate the standard for luxe short-term rentals. Scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2028, these projects will continue to define Habitat Group’s legacy of innovation and excellence in the Brickell area.
Expanding our business portfolio, Habitat Group recently introduced Habitat Immigration Law Firm, a specialized immigration service providing visa solutions, including EB-5, E-2, H-1, and L-1 visas, to support international investors and residents in their U.S. immigration journeys. Additionally, we launched Arbitaro, a unique co-ownership platform that enables a group of eight partners to share ownership of luxury vacation apartments in Miami, offering an accessible and flexible approach to high-end real estate ownership.
As we continue to evolve, Habitat Group remains at the forefront of innovation, continuously redefining the possibilities of real estate, hospitality, and shared ownership in Miami and beyond.
Santiago Vanegas is the Founder, CEO, and President of Habitat Group, a premier Miami-based real estate development and asset management firm. Since founding the company in 2005, Vanegas has spearheaded its growth into a multifaceted organization offering integrated services in hospitality, property management, construction management, architecture, sales and marketing, and investment funding. Demonstrating a commitment to innovation, he has expanded the business portfolio with ventures such as Habitat Immigration Law Firm, providing tailored visa solutions, and Abitaro, a groundbreaking co-ownership platform enabling groups to share luxury vacation apartments in Miami. Under his leadership, Habitat Group continues to redefine real estate, hospitality, and shared ownership in Miami.
INVESTMENT PARTNER
INVESTMENT PARTNER
INVESTMENT PARTNER
INVESTMENT PARTNER
COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
VP OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
CLO
CFO
COO
INHOUSE COUNSEL
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
SALES DIRECTOR
INTERNATIONAL ADVISOR
INTERNATIONAL ADVISOR
INTERNATIONAL ADVISOR
INTERNATIONAL ADVISOR
VP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
REAL ESTATE BROKER
MARKETING DIRECTOR
MARKETING DIRECTOR
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
ARCHITECT PROJECT MANAGER
ARCHITECT PROJECT MANAGER
PROJECT MANAGER
PROJECT MANAGER
JUNIOR ARCHITECT
PROJECT MANAGER
GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT
PROJECT MANAGER
INTERIOR DESIGNER
INTERIOR DESIGNER
HOTEL OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
HOTEL OPERATIONS ASSISTANT
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
The company's commitment to sustainable building practices is evident in its adherence to LEED certification protocols for all developments. Notably, Smart Brickell Tower 1 achieved prestigious LEED Platinum certification, exemplifying Habitat Group's dedication to energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, and innovation in green design.
Habitat Group integrates advanced grease trap systems in all real estate projects to efficiently separate grease, oils, and solids from wastewater, preventing blockages and reducing environmental impact. This ensures compliance with environmental regulations and reflects our commitment to sustainable, innovative, and environmentally responsible developments.
Habitat Group is deeply committed to sustainability and community enrichment through a variety of impactful initiatives. In Neiva, Colombia, the company revitalized an empty park, transforming it into the vibrant Parque Sevilla, a beautiful and loved space that now hosts monthly events and serves as a hub for community engagement.
In addition to environmental efforts, Habitat Group is extending its impact through social sustainability projects. The company is working to establish in Colombia, a non-profit organization originally founded in Kazakhstan by BI Group, dedicated to preventing child abandonment and reducing the number of children entering orphanages each year. These initiatives reflect Habitat Group’s holistic approach to sustainability, focusing on creating a better future for both people and the planet.
The Rotary Club Neiva Las Ceibas, in partnership with Rotary Miami Brickell, is spearheading a project to plant 32,000 trees in a protected area of Huila, Colombia. Habitat Group was one of the principal donors to this initiative, which aims to restore a region deeply affected by war and conflict. Local residents, many of whom are survivors of armed conflict, are employed to carry out the planting, providing both environmental restoration and meaningful job opportunities. The project is expected to last at least a year to ensure the successful planting of all the trees.
Habitat Group’s Laguna Park, a single-family home development in Neiva, is inspired by the region’s natural beauty. Extensive research on local bird species allowed us to create thriving habitats, fostering biodiversity and promoting ecological balance. The project’s fourth phase will include ecological trails, a lagoon, and reforestation with native plants, ensuring sustainable development. By seamlessly blending urban living with natural preservation, Laguna Park embodies Habitat Group’s commitment to environmental stewardship, offering spaces for the community to engage with and appreciate the surrounding ecosystem.
