The ultimate guide to buying, selling and letting in Florida
ABOUT THE BOOK
An authoritative, information-packed guide to buying a property in Florida, focusing on over 40 top hotspots, and offering a unique illustrated price guide to properties in every region, from the Everglades and Orlando to the Florida Keys. Full of expert advice and up-to-the minute information, this is an invaluable handbook for everyone who would like to buy or let a home in Florida.
FREE full-colour fold-out map of top Florida hotspots!
The Panhandle
Relatively unspoilt and uncommercialised with some of the most breath-taking scenery and beaches in Florida, including Panama City Beach, the top spring break destination in the State. Key industries are agriculture, timber and fishing. Property values are appreciating, making it an excellent time to buy.
The North East
A very strong economy and a rare blend of state-of-the-art technology, old world charm and natural beauty, with mile upon mile of beautiful beaches. Top attractions include the Kennedy Space Center and Daytona Beach a mecca for car racing enthusiasts as well as countless top-class golf courses. House prices are well below those in the rest of Florida, and the area is still a new one for overseas investors, although realtors predict a boom.
The Gulf Coast
After Orlando, the second most popular area for buying property, encompassing Sarasota, the city of culture, and a stunning coastline, with the officially designated best beach in the US. A thriving economy with an active business centre and hundreds of hi-tech companies. In terms of capital appreciation, the Gulf Coast offers some of the best real estate in the US.
Central Florida
The epicentre of tourism and house-buying activity, dominated by Disney World in Orlando. Very popular with American retirees and young families. A strong rental market, especially for short-term lets, with some great value properties, particularly in Orlando.
The South East
An extremely affluent region, including Palm Beach, one of the richest cities in the US. Dubbed the Internet Coast, with many companies involved in cutting edge technology, this area also has miles of navigable canals and Intracoastal Waterways. Property prices are correspondingly high, with an emphasis on luxurious gated communities.
The Everglades
The largest subtropical wilderness in the USA teeming with exotic wildlife, the Everglades attract over 1 million visitors a year. One of the most popular house-buying areas in Florida, offering a mix of resale and new-build, with a preponderance of mobile homes.
Miami
With its world-famous beaches and the vibrant US/Latin American city of Miami, Greater Miami is one of the wealthiest areas of Florida. Home to financial and commercial corporations, especially businesses with links in Latin America.
Excellent rental prospects with a strong rental market and high rents.
Florida Keys
A necklace of tropical islands, surrounded by coral reef. Key Largo, the self-styled dive capital of the world, sports fishing and the erstwhile home of Ernest Hemingway in Key West are just some of the attractions that lure tourists and weekenders to the region. House prices are very expensive, and the Keys have the highest cost of living in Florida, but for the wealthy investor, they offer excellent capital appreciation. Strong rental market.