Buying your dream Villa in Florida

The good news is that compared with most European countries - including Britain - the actual purchase process in Florida is quite simple. The legal aspects of home buying in Florida do not require each party to appoint and pay their own Legal Advisor. However, we advise all clients to utilize the services of a combined Attorney and Title and Guarantee Corporation - we instruct the Title Company to act on your behalf.

Because of our vast experience, we will advise you that location is all-important, especially if it is your intention to offset rental income against expenses on your investment property.

Do not accept verbal assurances from sales persons that short-term rentals are permitted unless you see it for yourself in the Covenants & Restrictions of the development. Many developments and even whole Counties expressly prohibit short-term rentals in private Florida homes. We will guide you through this potentially hazardous area and ensure your chosen vacation home is zoned correctly. We will arrange appointments with an independent Mortgage Broker. This way you can be assured that everyone is working in your best interest.

Although Florida vacation homes feature high specifications as standard (carpets, landscaping, cooker, dishwasher etc. usually included) be careful about ordering expensive builder options that may not actually increase the value or rentability of the property.

All these aspects and many more, have been researched to provide you with the best information, including seeking out the better builders, especially established builders given a good report by the Florida Better Business Bureau. Every location we recommend for Florida vacation rental homes is fully zoned for that purpose by Developer and County. We can help you select a development that offers the very best prospects of long-term capital growth.

What size of vacation home should I buy?

For many years the most popular type of home has been a detached three-bedroom, two-bathroom villa, with private screened swimming pool. We estimate that 70%-75% of homes purchased fit this specification, although 4 bedroom homes with two master suites are becoming increasingly popular. Two families can holiday together with both sets of parents having the privacy of an en-suite bathroom and two further bedrooms sharing a bathroom. This also saves a lot of time when trying to get to the theme parks for opening time!

However, is that the correct choice for you?

Rental clients are very discerning, and the vast majority prefer vacation villas with private pools, compared to condos & apartments which are smaller and have communal facilities.

Three bedroom vacation homes range in size from a modest 1000 square feet of living area (usually with a main living/dining room) to homes of twice that size, featuring separate living, family and dining rooms. We usually recommend a maximum of six persons for the smaller floorplans, but eight will be comfortable in the medium to larger types, using a sofabed in one of the living rooms as additional sleeping capacity. Price Range £90,000 and up.

Four bedroom vacation homes afford yet more living area, usually allowing up to 10 persons maximum. Please check out the prices before you decide on a 3 bedroom home. In many cases, the extra cost for the fourth bedroom is just a few thousand dollars. Not only will rental income per week be increased compared to a 3 bedroom home, a four bedroom home will afford you the option of accepting 3 bedroom rental rates which will maximise the potential rental - an important consideration for many purchasers. As we have already said two master suites and a third full bathroom will, we believe, be the most popular model sold in the year 2000. Price Range £110,000 and up.

Five bedroom vacation homes are becoming more popular and can now be found in most builders' portfolios, these homes can usually accommodate up to 12 people. Please consider that a 5 bedroom home will need at least 3 bathrooms. A lot of 5 bedroom floor plans only allow for 2.5 baths. Price Range £130,000 and up.

Six bedroom vacation homes are sought after by tour operators and can be a good source of rental income, but remember apart from the initial outlay being quite a lot more than say a 4 bedroom holiday property they are also more costly to run. Because they can accommodate up to 14 people, wear and tear is heavy on these homes and repair and maintenance due to normal wear and tear is likely to be higher than three or four bed vacation homes. Price Range £150,000 and up.

We understand you may feel there is a lot to consider when buying a home in Florida, but with our help your property purchase can be both fun and rewarding. Let us guide you through the process of buying your Florida home and help you avoid the pitfalls.

We will research the Florida property you specify, find it for you, arrange finance, help you select the right company to manage it for you and help you with rentals.

You will gain maximum financial benefit if you book your own rental clients by marketing your vacation home to the UK and European traveller, ensuring that you reach break even in a shorter period.