Maintenance and Costs

Congratulations you've found your new home and need to know more about how much it's all going to cost to maintain and what's needed to keep that new home in first class condition.

Florida also has some particular maintenance aspects -  turn away now if you are squeamish, but you will need a firm to control bugs, spiders and termites on your lawn and in your home.

The cost of owning and maintaining a home in Orlando is a substantial commitment -

Why when prices appear to be cheaper than the UK?

The answer to that is two fold -

Weather and that needs little explanation the heat and rain mean that the structure of your home takes a deal of punishment.

The second item is obligation - What does that mean you ask yourself? In the UK for the most part you decide when and how you wish to look after your property, in the Florida if you are buying a freehold in a community you will have to look after your home and that not only means keeping the grass down but also the hedges the cleanliness of your roof and that goes on and on so that your home in 20 years will look the same as when it was new. That's good news for your investment but at a monthly cost.

Maintenance and cost really go hand in hand. You'll want to keep your home in great condition and the Florida weather does take it's toll.

If you buy a Condo (Flat) an annual charge is made for all of the outside maintenance including the landscape and pools. These charges typically run at around $400-$ 600 a month on top of this all property has what is called property taxes which can be as much as 2% of the price you pay for your home on an annual basis. Please check very carefully before you commit to a purchase as this tax which is a similar to the UK Council Tax is based on the value of your home but without limit.

For a single family homes which for Brits is the phrase used for a detached house you will have the responsibility of looking after your own home and importantly you will be required to do so by what is known as the Homeowners Association for that community locals call them the HOA. The fees to maintain the roads, landscape and items like security vary but typically are in the $2000-$3000 range per year and will charged at the same rate whether you are buying at $400,000 or $5m (in the example of Keenes Pointe in Windermere).

If you don't intend to spend all year round in your home we would suggest that you use the services of a local property manager who may charge $100 to $150 per month. It's worth it for peace of mind and if you find the right one they may well include an airport pick up or two!!

You will need to have your garden and pool maintained on a weekly basis which can be around $200 month upwards and you will have other services to keep the bugs away and we recommend an annual termite bond which is required if you sell your home.

The air conditioning needs to be run even if you are not using the house and can add up to a few hundred dollars a month. We don't think that the actual looking after of your home abroad is an issue but it does add up financially on a monthly basis.

See our tips below to help successfully maintain your home:

1) Have a Professional Inspection before purchase.

2) Don't let your home pool or lawn get into bad order.

3) Employ a Property Manager.

4) Get friendly with your neighbors and make sure they have your contact details. Early discovery of a problem is valuable.

5) Keep your air conditioning set to come on at various times Mould is an issue in Florida.

6) Change your air conditioning filters at the required intervals.

7) Keep to maintenance schedules for pool pumps and mechanical items it pays off in the end.

8) Set your alarm when you leave your home.