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        <title>Real Estate News</title>
        <link>https://www.floridarealtymarketplace.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Real Estate News in the Davenport, Kissimmee, Clermont, Orlando, and Greater Central Florida Area</description>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.floridarealtymarketplace.com/blog/florida-builder-incentives.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.floridarealtymarketplace.com/blog/florida-builder-incentives.html</link>
        <author>info@floridarealtymarketplace.com (Florida Realty Marketplace)</author>
        <title>Florida Builder Incentives in 2026</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Florida Builder Incentives in 2026





Builders across Central Florida are spending roughly 7 to 8 percent of the sale price on builder incentives in 2026, according to the John Burns Homebuilder Survey, against a historical norm closer to 2 to 3 percent. On a typical Davenport or Kissimmee new build, the combined package can be worth $25,000 to $35,000. The money reaches buyers four ways. Builders selling new construction homes in Central Florida are buying down mortgage rates, cutting list prices, contributing toward down payments, and covering closing costs. Each one changes your numbers in a different place, and knowing where each dollar lands decides which one to push for.


Why Are Builders Offering Incentives in 2026?


Builders in the Disney corridor have finished inventory to move and a full pipeline behind it. New communities keep opening from Davenport up through Haines City and Kissimmee, and every one of them competes for the same buyers. Rather than cut list prices across a community, most builders prefer credits and financing help. A price cut lowers the recorded sale price, which affects appraisals for every neighbor who already closed. A credit or buydown moves the home without touching the comps.


Protecting the comps also explains why a new build can carry a lower monthly payment than an older resale at a similar price. A resale seller cannot subsidize your mortgage rate. A builder with an affiliated lender can, and in 2026 most are.


For buyers, the incentive budget is real money the builder has already set aside to spend. Whether it goes toward your rate, your closing costs, or your down payment is often up to you, if you ask.










Incentive






Where the Money Lands






Typical Value on a $400,000 Build








Mortgage rate buydown






Your monthly payment






Around $300 a month at current spreads








Price reduction






Contract price, taxes, equity






Up to $24,000 at the current average








Down payment contribution






Cash to close






$5,000 to $15,000








Closing cost coverage






Settlement charges






$8,000 to $12,000










Mortgage Rate Buydowns Lower Your Monthly Payment


A rate buydown is the headline incentive on Central Florida new builds in 2026. The builder pays its affiliated lender to offer you a mortgage rate below the open market. Through much of 2026, builder lenders around Orlando have advertised 30-year fixed rates in the mid 5s while open-market rates have hovered near 6.75 percent.


The dollar impact is larger than any single credit. On a $380,000 loan, the principal and interest payment at 6.75 percent runs about $2,465 a month. At 5.5 percent it drops to roughly $2,158. The buydown is worth around $300 a month, about $3,700 a year, for as long as you hold the loan.


Permanent Buydown


The builder pays discount points to make the lower rate last the full 30-year term. A point typically costs about 1 percent of the loan amount and trims the rate by roughly a quarter point. Buying the rate down to the mid 5s takes several of them, which is real builder money. On the numbers above, the savings add up to six figures over the life of the loan.


Temporary 2-1 Buydown


The rate drops 2 points in year one and 1 point in year two, then returns to the note rate. Year-one savings on that same loan approach $480 a month, but the payment steps up on schedule, and you still need to qualify at the full rate. Selling or refinancing before the two-year window closes leaves part of the incentive unused.


Before you sign, ask the builder three things. Is the buydown permanent or temporary, is it tied to the preferred lender, and can the same dollars go toward the price or closing costs instead.


Read: How Mortgage Rate Buydowns Make New Homes More Affordable in Florida


When a Price Reduction Beats a Financing Incentive


Outright price cuts are back in 2026. An August 2026 survey from the National Association of Home Builders found about 35 percent of builders reducing list prices, by an average of 6 percent. On a $400,000 Davenport new build, a 6 percent reduction is $24,000 off the contract price.


A lower price helps in ways a credit cannot. Your loan amount shrinks, your property taxes are assessed on a smaller sale price, and your equity position starts stronger. Cash buyers and buyers with outside financing should push here first, since lender-tied incentives do them no good.


Price cuts cluster on completed spec homes and quick move-in inventory. A home that has been standing finished for 60 or 90 days carries the most room. Ask which homes in the community have been complete the longest, and whether the advertised price already reflects a reduction or sits above one still available.


Down Payment Contributions and Flex Cash Credits


Builders advertise down payment help, and the fine print matters more here than anywhere else in the package. On a financed purchase, lender rules stop builder money from becoming the down payment itself. The credit instead pays closing costs, prepaid taxes and insurance, or a rate buydown. Your own cash is freed up to cover the down payment, leaving the result at the closing table the same. Advertised contributions typically run $5,000 to $15,000.


Lender caps decide how much of the package you can use. On conventional loans for a primary or second home, builder credits toward financing costs cap at 3 to 9 percent of the price depending on your down payment. On an investment property loan, the cap is 2 percent regardless of the package advertised, $8,000 on a $400,000 home. Many vacation-rental purchases near Disney are financed as investment properties, which brings the lower cap into play for more corridor buyers than the flyers suggest. Amounts above the cap generally have to come through as a price reduction instead, which is worth requesting outright.


Flex cash can also flow to the design center for flooring, countertops, or appliance upgrades. Upgrade credits are worth taking when you wanted the finishes anyway, and worth trading for cash at closing when you did not. Before counting on any of the money, confirm the loan type you are using and where the cap sits for it. The answer changes the value of every other line in the package.


How Closing Cost Coverage Works on a New Build


Closing cost credits are the most common incentive of the four. The builder pays some or all of your settlement charges at closing. Florida buyers typically pay 2 to 3 percent of the purchase price in closing costs, or $8,000 to $12,000 on a $400,000 home. Credits in that range are widely available on Central Florida new construction as of fall 2026, and they almost always require the builder's preferred lender and title company.


Request a loan estimate from an outside lender anyway. Comparing the preferred lender's rate and fees against the open market shows whether the credit is a true saving or partly priced into the loan. Then ask these questions in writing.






Which specific charges does the credit cover, and which are excluded






Does the credit require the preferred lender, the preferred title company, or both






What happens to the credit if the appraisal comes in below the contract price






How to Compare Builder Incentives Before You Sign


Every incentive package looks generous in the sales office. The comparison that matters happens on paper, across builders, in total dollars. As of fall 2026, packages on comparable Davenport and Kissimmee homes can differ in value while advertising similar headlines.






Get each builder's full incentive breakdown in writing, itemized by type and dollar value.






Price the buydown by its monthly savings and how long the savings last, not the headline rate.






Add the price reduction, down payment contribution, and closing credit into one total per builder.






Compare the preferred lender's loan estimate against at least one outside lender.






Confirm which incentives stack and which cancel each other before you write the contract.






Check the base price too. Comparing similar homes from the same builder and from competing communities shows whether part of an advertised credit was built into the list price to begin with. Stacking rules vary builder to builder, and the sales office will not always volunteer them.


Factor the ongoing costs into the same comparison. Many Central Florida new communities carry a CDD assessment on top of property taxes and HOA dues, and a community with higher monthly carrying costs can quietly erase a closing credit within a couple of years. Ask for the CDD figure on the specific home before you rank one package above another.


The totals decide the choice. A 4.99 percent headline rate in one community can be worth less than a $24,000 price cut two miles away. Incentive packages also shift at quarter end. A contract timed for March, June, September, or December often has the most room.


Read: How to Buy a New Construction Home in Florida


Getting the Full Incentive Takes an Agent on Your Side


The builder's sales agent works for the builder, and every advertised incentive is a starting point rather than the builder's final number. One practical rule matters most here. Bring your own agent to the first visit, because most builders ask you to register on that first walk-through, and once you register without representation you often cannot add an agent to the deal later. An experienced agent who knows what nearby communities are offering, which homes have stood longest, and which credits stack can surface offers the sales office was never going to lead with.


Experience decides how much of the incentive budget you capture. Florida Realty Marketplace works only with seasoned Central Florida real estate professionals, not the inexperienced agents the industry is full of. The team tracks builder offers across Davenport, Kissimmee, Champions Gate, and the surrounding corridor week to week, including which communities allow short-term rentals for buyers shopping with Disney in mind.


Talk to Florida Realty Marketplace About New Construction Incentives


Buying new construction in 2026 rewards buyers who negotiate the whole package, and the right agent knows what each builder will do before you walk in. Contact us to talk through your options, or call (863) 877-1915. You can also browse New Homes For Sale in Davenport to see what builders are offering today.


Frequently Asked Questions About Builder Incentives


Are builder incentives negotiable in Florida?


Yes. Advertised incentives are a floor, not a ceiling, especially on homes that have been complete for 60 days or more. Builders would rather add a credit or deepen a buydown than cut the recorded price. An agent who tracks the community's recent contracts knows how far the sales office has gone before.


Do builder incentives require the builder's preferred lender?


Rate buydowns and most closing credits do. Price reductions and some flex cash contributions do not. Always compare the preferred lender's full loan estimate against an outside lender because a below-market rate paired with above-market fees can shrink the real value of the incentive.


Can you combine a rate buydown with closing cost coverage?


Often, yes. Many Central Florida builders let buyers stack a buydown with a closing credit, while others make you choose between financing help and a price cut. Stacking rules differ builder to builder and even community to community, which is why you want the combination confirmed in writing before you sign.


Are builder incentives available on vacation homes near Disney?


Yes. Incentives apply in short-term rental communities the same way they do in primary residence neighborhoods. The loan type sets how much you can use, since second-home loans allow larger builder credits than investment property loans. Confirm the community's rental rules before you contract, since eligibility varies by neighborhood.





 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 03:49:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.floridarealtymarketplace.com/blog/central-florida-real-estate-recap-of-august-2026.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.floridarealtymarketplace.com/blog/central-florida-real-estate-recap-of-august-2026.html</link>
        <author>info@floridarealtymarketplace.com (Florida Realty Marketplace)</author>
        <title>Central Florida Real Estate Recap of August 2026</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Central Florida Real Estate Recap of AUGUST 2026


Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association data buyers and sellers both pulled back in August as sales and new listings decreased.











State of the Market




The median home price for August was recorded at $400,676, down from $410,494 in July.



The median home price in August 2025 was $403,222.






August’s interest rate was recorded at 6.7, up from 6.5 in July.



Interest rate data is sourced from Freddie Mac, a government-sponsored enterprise that tracks national mortgage market trends and publishes weekly average mortgage rates.






Homes spent an average of 64 days on the market (DOM) in August, holding steady with July.


Overall sales fell by 8.9 from July to August. There were 2,720 sales in July and 2,478 sales in August.


New listings fell 7.7 from July to August, with 3,439 new homes on the market in August, compared to 3,727 in July.


Inventory for August was recorded at 12,144, up slightly from July, when inventory was recorded at 12,043.


&quot;August's numbers point to a market finding its footing rather than losing ground,” said Chris Atwell, 2026 president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. “Buyers are being more selective with rates near 6.7, and sellers are adjusting alongside them, which is why we're seeing both sides pull back together. Single-family homes are holding their value well, and this remains a healthy market working through a very typical seasonal slowdown.&quot;








Inventory




Area inventory rose slightly from July to August. Inventory in July was 12,043, and inventory in August was 12,144.


The supply of homes increased in August, with 4.9 months of supply in August compared to 4.4 months of supply in July. A balanced market is six months of supply.


The number of new listings decreased from July to August by 7.7 – from 3,727 homes to 3,439 homes.








Sales Snapshot




1,929 single-family homes sold in August, down 9.9 from 2,140 sales in July. The median home price was $436,456.



There were 1,939 single-family homes sold in August 2025.


The median home price for single-family homes in August 2025 was $435,069.






549 condos/townhouses sold in August, down 5.3 from 580 sales in July. The median home price in August was $301,071.



There were 553 condos/townhouses sold in August 2025.


The median home price for condos/townhouses in August 2025 was $309,493.






12 foreclosures and short sales took place in August.




Year over Year Changes 





 Courtesy of Orlando Regional Realtor Association




Homes for Sale in Davenport FL - Click Here to Search All of Davenport








 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:42:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.floridarealtymarketplace.com/blog/reunion-resort-vs-champions-gate-comparison.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.floridarealtymarketplace.com/blog/reunion-resort-vs-champions-gate-comparison.html</link>
        <author>info@floridarealtymarketplace.com (Florida Realty Marketplace)</author>
        <title>Reunion Resort vs Champions Gate: Which Should Vacation Home Buyers Pick?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Reunion Resort vs Champions Gate: Which Should Vacation Home Buyers Pick?


 


 


Drive south from Disney on I-4 and you pass two of Central Florida's best-known golf resorts within a few minutes of each other. Reunion Resort covers 2,300 acres in Kissimmee with three signature courses and a mix of condos, villas, and estate homes. Champions Gate sits just west of exit 58 in Davenport, built largely by Lennar around two Greg Norman courses, the Omni hotel, and the Oasis Club. Both are gated, both attract second-home and investment buyers, and both keep Walt Disney World within about 15 minutes.


For buyers weighing Reunion vs Champions Gate, the choice usually comes down to four things. Reunion offers more golf, more variety in home styles, and a higher ceiling on price, with club membership as part of the ownership cost. Champions Gate offers newer, more uniform construction, a lower entry point for rental-zoned homes, and rental rules that change from one neighborhood to the next. Neither resort is the better resort. One of them is the better fit for the kind of owner you plan to be, and this guide walks through golf, amenities, rental rules, and costs so you can tell which.


Reunion vs Champions Gate at a Glance for Vacation Home Buyers


Most of the differences between the two resorts show up in seven lines, and the sections that follow explain each one.








 




Reunion Resort






Champions Gate








Location






Kissimmee, off I-4 south of Disney






Davenport, I-4 exit 58








Drive to Disney






About 10 to 15 min






Under 15 min, free resort shuttle








Golf






Three signature courses (Nicklaus, Palmer, Watson), members and guests






Two Greg Norman courses, resort and public play








Home types






Condos, townhomes, villas, custom estates to 15 bedrooms






Condos, townhomes, Lennar vacation homes to 9 bedrooms








Entry price (approx)






Condos from high $100Ks






Condos from low $200Ks, rental-zoned homes from $300Ks








Short-term rental






Permitted across most of the resort






The Retreat only, other sections residential








Extra costs






HOA plus Reunion club membership






HOA, club access bundled in rental sections










Entry prices reflect the lowest active listings on FRM's community pages as of late August 2026 and move with inventory.


Golf Courses at Reunion and Champions Gate


Golf is the clearest difference between the two resorts, and for many buyers it settles the question on its own. Reunion is the only place in the world where courses by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Watson share one property, and each plays differently.






The Nicklaus Course is the longest of the three at over 7,200 yards and stands alone on the west side with its own clubhouse.






The Palmer Course rewards risk, with elevation changes of up to 50 feet that are rare in this part of Florida.






The Watson Course favors a strong short game, with wide fairways and elevated greens.






Palmer and Watson share a clubhouse near the resort hotel, and the Golfzon Leadbetter Academy moved its world headquarters here in 2022, so serious players can train and play without leaving the property.


Reunion's courses are open to members and resort guests, which means an owner joins the Reunion club to play or to offer golf to renters. Membership tiers and transfer terms vary by home, and they belong in the purchase math from the start.


Champions Gate takes a more open approach. Its 36 holes run across the National, a parkland course, and the International, a links-style layout, both designed by Greg Norman and tied to the Omni Orlando Resort. The courses serve hotel guests and the public as well as owners, so a renter can book a tee time without a membership step and an owner carries no separate golf dues. Buyers who want a resort course as a booking feature rather than a personal pursuit often find that simpler.


Amenities at Reunion vs Champions Gate


Champions Gate gathers its amenities close together, which is a large part of its appeal to rental guests. Reunion spreads them across a much larger footprint and asks guests to drive between enclaves. The difference shapes how each resort feels day to day.


Champions Gate






The Oasis Club anchors the rental-zoned sections with a resort pool, a 500-foot lazy river, water slides, a splash park, a movie theater, a fitness center, and sand volleyball. Most homes in The Retreat can reach it on foot.






The Omni Orlando Resort adds its own pools, spa, and restaurants inside the gates.






Champions Gate Village puts a Publix and a row of restaurants a few minutes from any door.






A complimentary scheduled shuttle runs to Walt Disney World, and guests mention it in reviews more often than owners expect.






Reunion Resort






A five-acre water park with a 1,000-foot lazy river is the centerpiece, supported by seven community pools.






A tennis and pickleball center with its own pro shop, plus mini golf and footgolf, fills the afternoons between park days.






A spa and dining that runs from casual to fine sit near the resort hotel.






Each enclave is walkable within itself, with bike paths and landscaped streets, and the pace is quieter and more residential.






Champions Gate feels like an active family resort. Reunion feels like a club you belong to.


Short-Term Rental Rules in Champions Gate and Reunion


Reunion is rental-friendly across most of the resort. Owners can live full time or place a home in a rental program, and many do both in different seasons. The sub-communities give buyers a way to narrow the search. Reunion West holds newer vacation homes on the west side, Reunion Village offers new construction from Lennar, Encore at Reunion is built around 5 to 13 bedroom homes with its own clubhouse and water park for large groups, and Bears Den is a gated enclave of luxury homes along the Nicklaus course.


Champions Gate works neighborhood by neighborhood, and the neighborhood name on the listing is the first thing to check.






Short-term rental permitted. The Retreat at Champions Gate is zoned for nightly rentals by right, with 4 to 9 bedroom homes and townhomes and Oasis Club access for guests.






Residential only. Champions Club, the Country Club village, and the Stoneybrook sections are primary-residence neighborhoods with minimum lease terms and no nightly rentals. Listings there often say so outright.






Confirm before you offer. ChampionsGate Vistas is a townhome enclave that trades largely as residential and long-term rental. Ask your agent to verify the governing documents before you treat any Vistas home as a vacation rental.






Both The Retreat and the residential villages sit inside the Stoneybrook South plat, which is why the names cause confusion. A buyer who misreads them can close on a home that cannot legally host a guest.


Read: Florida Airbnb Investing: What Buyers Should Expect


Prices, HOA Fees, and Membership Costs


Reunion has the wider price band and, at the bottom of it, the lower entry. Champions Gate has the more predictable middle. The numbers below reflect the lowest active listings on FRM's pages in late August 2026.


Reunion Resort entry prices






Reunion condos start in the high $100,000s for one-bedroom units near the water park, with three-bedroom condos in the $200,000s.






Single-family homes and villas run from the $500,000s well into the millions for estate homes on the fairways.






Champions Gate entry prices






Condos start in the low $200,000s.






Rental-zoned homes in The Retreat begin in the $300,000s, with four to eight bedroom pool homes running higher.






Ongoing costs. Reunion's HOA dues cover the gated enclaves and common areas, and club membership is a separate cost that unlocks golf and the water park. Membership terms vary by home and enclave, so it belongs in the budget as its own line rather than an afterthought. Champions Gate bundles Oasis Club access, lawn care, and gate security into the HOA dues in the rental sections, so guests get the amenities without a membership step.


Returns. Champions Gate homes tend to yield more relative to purchase price because the entry is lower and demand is steady. Reunion's luxury homes pull higher gross income per booking, though membership and higher carrying costs narrow the net. Before making an offer in either resort, the closing cost calculator shows what the purchase costs beyond the list price.


Which Resort Fits Your Buying Goals


Most buyers arrive with one priority that outweighs the rest, and each resort answers a different one.






Golf as the reason to own points to Reunion. Three signature courses and the Leadbetter Academy on site are the strongest golf package in the corridor.






Golf as a booking feature points to Champions Gate, where renters can play the Norman courses without a membership.






The lowest possible entry is at Reunion, where one-bedroom condos start in the high $100Ks.






The lowest entry for a home that can rent nightly is at Champions Gate, where Retreat homes start in the $300Ks with Oasis Club access included.






Luxury and large-group income favors Reunion, with estates and Encore homes sleeping groups of 20 or more.






Rental eligibility without a zoning question favors Reunion, where most of the resort permits nightly stays.






Steady cash flow relative to price favors Champions Gate, with consistent product, strong occupancy, and a lower buy-in.






Full-time living with resort amenities works in both. Reunion's enclaves feel residential throughout, and Champions Gate's Club and Country Club are residential by rule.






Golf-first and luxury buyers usually end up at Reunion. Cash-flow investors and first-time vacation home owners usually end up at Champions Gate. Owners who want a quiet base for their own use can find it in either, provided they buy in the right section.


How to Choose Between Reunion and Champions Gate


Finding a good-looking home in either resort is the easy part. Matching the right neighborhood to your rental plan, your budget, and how often you will use the home yourself is where the decision is won or lost. Get the zoning wrong in Champions Gate, or underestimate membership at Reunion, and a purchase that looked strong on paper underperforms for years.


Florida Realty Marketplace works only with seasoned Central Florida real estate professionals, not the inexperienced agents the industry is full of. Our team knows which Champions Gate sections carry rental zoning, how Reunion's price bands and membership terms move, and what each association covers. That depth turns a confusing comparison into a clear decision.


Find Your Reunion or Champions Gate Home with Florida Realty Marketplace


The best resort for you matches how you will use the home, and a listing photo rarely shows that. Golf, amenities, and rental rules each tip the decision differently, and the agent reading the fine print with you matters as much as the resort itself.


Browse Reunion condos or Champions Gate homes for sale to start comparing.


Contact a Florida Realty Marketplace professional to compare both resorts against your goals, or call (863) 877-1915.



 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:31:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.floridarealtymarketplace.com/blog/disney-vacation-homes-under-500k.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.floridarealtymarketplace.com/blog/disney-vacation-homes-under-500k.html</link>
        <author>info@floridarealtymarketplace.com (Florida Realty Marketplace)</author>
        <title>Disney Vacation Homes Under $500K: 8 Communities Where Buyers Win in 2026</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Disney Vacation Homes Under $500K: 8 Communities Where Buyers Win in 2026





A four-bedroom townhome with a private splash pool, ten minutes from Magic Kingdom, that pays part of its own mortgage through nightly rentals. That combination is real in Central Florida, and a $500,000 budget reaches more of it than most first-time buyers expect. Vacation homes under $500K near Disney cluster in a handful of resort communities built for short-term rental owners, each with its own price tier, rental rules, and drive time to the parks.


Shopping the corridor's vacation homes near Disney World by community rather than listing by listing shows where the budget goes furthest. The eight communities below are ranked by value, starting with the lowest entry and ending with the homes that press against the ceiling.


What $500K Buys in a Disney Vacation Rental


At this price point you are choosing among three property types, and each behaves differently as a rental.






Condos give you the lowest entry price and a lock-and-leave setup, with the association handling exterior upkeep. Two-bedroom resort condos in Davenport currently list from the mid $100,000s.






Townhomes add square footage, a second floor, and often a private splash pool that families booking a Disney trip search for by name. Three and four bedroom townhomes in gated Kissimmee resorts run from about $210,000 to the high $300,000s.






Smaller pool homes appear at the top of the range in a few communities, usually four to five bedrooms and priced right against the $500,000 line.






Most of these homes sit inside gated resort communities where nightly rentals are permitted, and that permission decides whether you can list on a nightly basis at all. Rental eligibility, HOA rules, and distance to the parks move the value more than square footage alone. On the income side, a higher bedroom count books larger groups, a furnished home can carry its existing reservations over the day you close, and year-round Disney demand keeps the calendar busy.


8 Vacation Home Communities Near Disney Under $500K, Ranked by Value


Entry prices reflect the lowest active listings as of late August 2026 and move with inventory. Drive times are typical off-peak trips to the nearest Walt Disney World entrance.










Community






Area






Under-$500K home type






Entry price






Drive to Disney






Short-term rental








Regal Palms






Davenport






Condos and townhomes






From about $167K






15 to 20 min






Resort rental community








Tuscana






Davenport






Resort condos






From about $175K






Under 15 min






Resort rental community








Emerald Island






Kissimmee






Townhomes






From about $210K






10 to 12 min






Permitted








Encantada






Kissimmee






Townhomes






From about $220K






About 12 min






Permitted








Storey Lake






Kissimmee






Townhomes






From high $200Ks






10 to 12 min






Permitted








Paradise Palms






Kissimmee






Townhomes






From about $300K






12 to 15 min






Permitted








Solterra Resort






Davenport






Townhomes






From about $370K






About 20 min






Permitted








The Retreat at Champions Gate






Davenport






Townhomes and smaller pool homes






From the $300Ks






Under 15 min






Permitted










Regal Palms, Lowest Entry on the List


Regal Palms in Davenport has the lowest prices of the eight. Two-bedroom condos currently list from about $167,000, and three and four bedroom townhomes of roughly 1,400 to 1,760 square feet run from about $180,000 to $220,000. The community sits off Sand Mine Road near US-27, about 15 to 20 minutes from Disney's western gates, and operates as a resort rental community with a gated entrance.


A furnished Regal Palms townhome is the least expensive way on this list to own a multi-bedroom rental near the parks. Buyers here trade the newest construction and the shortest drive for an entry price that leaves room in the budget for updates and furnishing.


Browse: Regal Palms homes for sale


Tuscana, the Budget Condo Entry Point


Tuscana is a resort condo community in Davenport near Champions Gate, and it is the simplest ownership on this list. Two and three bedroom condos of about 1,130 to 1,240 square feet currently list from about $175,000 to $210,000. Condo ownership means the association handles the exterior, which suits an out-of-state owner who wants to test the nightly rental market before committing to a larger home.


The location puts guests under 15 minutes from Disney with Champions Gate's shops and restaurants next door. Tuscana is where a first-time buyer with a modest budget can start earning rental income without taking on a pool or a lawn.


Browse: Tuscana condos for sale


Emerald Island, Kissimmee Townhomes Behind a 24-Hour Guard Gate


Emerald Island pairs a Kissimmee address about four miles from the parks with townhome prices that start around $210,000. The standard floor plan is 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths at about 1,290 square feet, and listings currently run from about $210,000 to $260,000, with furnished, partially furnished, and unfurnished options. Short-term rental is permitted, and guests have full access to the amenities.


The community is quieter than most on this list. A 24-hour guardhouse and a staffed front desk sit at the entrance, and the clubhouse holds a fitness center, a game room, and a snack bar. The resort pool looks out over water and conservation land, with tennis and volleyball courts, a playground, a picnic area, and nature trails through the property. Families who want calm after a long park day tend to book here.


Browse: Emerald Island townhomes for sale


Encantada, Private Hot Tubs About 12 Minutes from Disney


Encantada is a gated townhome community off Highway 192 in Kissimmee, about five miles and 12 minutes from the parks. Two-bedroom townhomes of about 1,160 square feet list from about $220,000, and three and four bedroom units run into the $300,000s. Every 2 and 3 bedroom townhome includes a private hot tub on the patio, a feature that photographs well and earns repeat bookings, and most sell fully furnished.


Short-term rental is permitted, and many owners run their townhomes as investment properties. The community wraps around a lake with walking trails and a catch-and-release fishing pier, and the clubhouse offers a bar, a kids' game room, and heated pools. Encantada suits a buyer who wants a proven rental subdivision with a low entry and a short drive.


Browse: Encantada homes for sale


Storey Lake, Newer Lennar Townhomes with Splash Pools


Storey Lake is a Lennar resort just off Highway 192 and Osceola Parkway, roughly four miles and 10 to 12 minutes from the parks. Three and four bedroom townhomes of about 1,670 to 1,960 square feet currently list from the high $200,000s to the high $300,000s, and each comes with a private splash pool. Short-term rental is permitted throughout.


The resort is built around its lake. Guests have a lazy river, a water slide, a splash pad, and a resort pool, plus canoes and kayaks on the water. The clubhouse adds a tiki bar and grille, a fitness center, a putting green, and courts for tennis, basketball, and volleyball, behind a 24-hour guard gate. Storey Lake is the newest construction on this list at a townhome price, which matters to buyers who want fewer maintenance surprises in the first years of ownership.


Browse: Storey Lake townhomes for sale


Paradise Palms, Townhomes with a Full Amenity Package


Paradise Palms is a gated resort just south of Highway 192 in Kissimmee, about 12 to 15 minutes from Disney. The community holds close to 200 townhomes and pool homes built from 2007 onward, priced from about $300,000 to over $500,000. The townhome tier is where the under-$500K value sits. The five and six bedroom pool homes currently list from the high $400,000s and climb past the ceiling.


The clubhouse is the draw. A waterfall resort pool with a slide, spa, and two hot tubs sits beside a movie theater, an arcade, an internet lounge, a fitness center, and a sauna, with tennis, basketball, and beach volleyball courts and a tiki bar and grille. The HOA fee covers cable, internet, phone, exterior care, and 24-hour gated security, which keeps monthly ownership predictable for a remote owner. Many homes sell furnished.


Browse: Paradise Palms vacation homes


Solterra Resort, Five-Bedroom Townhomes with Private Pools


Solterra Resort is a D.R. Horton community in Davenport about 10 miles from Walt Disney World, or roughly 20 minutes by car. Five-bedroom townhomes of about 2,280 square feet currently list from about $370,000 to $470,000, and every home in the resort has its own private pool. Short-term rental is permitted, and the larger detached homes run past the $500,000 line.


Lawn maintenance, daily trash valet, and internet service are included in the dues, which simplifies ownership from out of state. The 6,700-square-foot clubhouse holds a fitness facility and Cafe Sol, a grill with a licensed bar, and the swimming complex pairs a zero-entry pool with a water slide, a spa, and a lazy river. Tennis and volleyball courts, a playground, and a sports court round it out. Solterra suits a buyer who wants five bedrooms and a pool under $500,000 and can accept the longer drive.


Browse: Solterra Resort homes for sale


The Retreat at Champions Gate, Golf Resort Address Near the Ceiling


The Retreat at Champions Gate is the short-term rental section of the Champions Gate resort at I-4 exit 58, under 15 minutes from Disney. The Retreat is zoned for nightly rentals by right, which matters because the neighboring Club, Country Club, and Stoneybrook villages are residential only. Townhomes and the smaller pool homes list from the $300,000s, and inventory under $500,000 sits at the four and five bedroom end.


Owners and guests use the Oasis Club, with a resort pool, a 500-foot lazy river, a water slide, a splash park, a fitness center, and sand volleyball, and a complimentary scheduled shuttle runs to Walt Disney World. Two Greg Norman golf courses and the Omni hotel sit inside the arches. The Retreat is the premium address on this list, and the budget reaches it only at the smaller end of the inventory, so the section name on the listing is the first thing to confirm.


Browse: The Retreat at Champions Gate homes for sale


What to Check Before Buying a Disney Rental Under $500K


Two townhomes a mile apart can carry different rental rights, different HOA rules, and very different booking histories. Before you make an offer, confirm the details that decide whether the home performs.






Short-term rental rights. Confirm the community, the specific HOA section, and the county all allow nightly rentals. Rights can differ from one section to the next, and the Osceola and Polk county line runs through this corridor.






HOA rules and fees. Check rental caps, pool requirements, and what the dues cover, from cable to exterior care. A higher fee that bundles internet and lawn care can cost less overall than a lower fee that leaves you paying separately.






CDD fees. Some newer communities carry a community development district charge on top of the HOA.






Management costs. Turnkey rentals usually run through a management company that takes a percentage of every booking.






Occupancy and seasonality. Disney demand holds year-round, though rates swing with school holidays and the event calendar.






Insurance and closing costs. A non-owner-occupied home needs landlord and windstorm coverage priced into the return, and the closing cost calculator shows what you will owe at the table beyond the purchase price.






Get those right and a home under $500,000 can cover a real share of its costs through bookings while you still use it for your own trips.


Read: Buying a Short-Term Rental Property Near Disney


Read: Why Condos Near Disney Are a Good Investment Option


How to Buy a Disney Rental Home Without Surprises


A listing photo shows the pool and the game room. It does not show whether the section allows nightly rentals, what the dues include, or how the home has booked over the last two years. Those three facts separate a townhome that earns from one that only looks good online, and they take an agent who has worked these exact resorts to read.


Florida Realty Marketplace works only with seasoned Central Florida real estate professionals, not the inexperienced agents the industry is full of. Our team knows which subdivisions hold short-term rental rights, how Davenport and Kissimmee HOAs differ, and where the under-$500K inventory delivers on bookings. That local read is the difference between a home that performs and one that sits.


Find Your Disney Vacation Home Under $500K with Florida Realty Marketplace


A vacation home under $500,000 near Disney can hand you family trips and rental income from one address when the community fits how you plan to use it. From a lock-and-leave condo in Davenport to a pool townhome in Kissimmee, the vacation homes near Disney World page shows the full corridor in one place.


Browse Davenport Vacation Homes For Sale and Kissimmee Vacation Homes For Sale to see what fits your budget today.


Contact a Florida Realty Marketplace professional to talk through your goals, or call (863) 877-1915.




 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 14:31:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.floridarealtymarketplace.com/blog/storey-lake-vs-solara-resort-comparison.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.floridarealtymarketplace.com/blog/storey-lake-vs-solara-resort-comparison.html</link>
        <author>info@floridarealtymarketplace.com (Florida Realty Marketplace)</author>
        <title>Storey Lake vs Solara Resort: Two Top Kissimmee Vacation Home Picks Compared</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Storey Lake vs Solara Resort: Two Top Kissimmee Vacation Home Picks Compared





Kissimmee has more short-term rental resorts than any other city in the Disney corridor, and two of them come up in nearly every buyer conversation. Storey Lake sits on the east side near Osceola Parkway, close enough to the parks that guests plan their day around the drive. Solara Resort sits on the west side along Westside Boulevard, built around an amenity campus that guests plan their day around instead. Both are gated, both are zoned for nightly rentals, and both were built by national builders within the last decade.


The Storey Lake vs Solara decision comes down to what you want the home to sell to guests. One resort sells proximity and a lower entry price. The other sells a resort experience with a higher entry and larger homes. The sections below set the two side by side on location, price, amenities, and ongoing costs, then show which kind of buyer each one suits.


Storey Lake Vacation Homes Near Disney


Storey Lake is a gated, guard-attended resort community in Kissimmee built by Lennar. It sits just off Highway 192 and Osceola Parkway, roughly four miles from the parks, which puts most homes about 10 to 12 minutes from a Walt Disney World entrance at off-peak times. Few resort communities of this size sit closer.


The community offers townhomes with private splash pools and larger single-family pool homes, and short-term rental is permitted across both. Townhomes currently list from the high $200,000s, which gives Storey Lake one of the more accessible entry points among the newer Kissimmee resorts. Buyers who want more bedrooms can look directly at Storey Lake single-family homes.


The resort is built around its lake. Owners and guests have a lazy river, a water slide, a splash pad, and a resort pool, plus canoes and kayaks for the water itself. The clubhouse adds a tiki bar and grille, a fitness center, a putting green, and courts for tennis, basketball, and volleyball, with a playground for younger children. The resort is large, so some homes sit a short walk from the pool complex and others a short drive.


Solara Resort Vacation Homes in Kissimmee


Solara Resort sits a few miles west along Westside Boulevard, between Highway 192 and Highway 27, about 15 minutes from the Disney gates. Mattamy Homes launched the community in 2017 and is still building, so buyers can choose between new construction and furnished resales.


Homes here run larger. Solara offers townhomes, single-family homes, and villas, and the smallest homes on the market are 3 bedroom townhomes listing from about $390,000. Every home in the resort is zoned for short-term rental, and most are designed and furnished for it from the start.


The amenity package is the reason most guests book Solara. The Grand Clubhouse centers on a resort pool with a FlowRider surf simulator, a water slide, a splash pad, and a spa. The Solstice Bar and Grill serves a full menu with a poolside tiki bar, an ice cream and coffee bar, and a mini-market for essentials. A supervised kids' club, a wellness spa, a fitness center, and courts for basketball, volleyball, and soccer round it out. Gate security runs 24 hours a day.


Storey Lake vs Solara at a Glance


The table sets the two resorts side by side. Entry prices reflect the lowest active listings as of late August 2026 and move with inventory.








 




Storey Lake






Solara Resort








Builder






Lennar






Mattamy Homes








Location






Off Highway 192 and Osceola Parkway






Westside Boulevard, between 192 and 27








Drive to Disney






About 10 to 12 min






About 15 min








Home types






Townhomes, single-family pool homes






Townhomes, single-family homes, villas








Entry price (approx)






Townhomes from high $200Ks






Townhomes from about $390K








Signature amenity






Lakefront resort with lazy river and kayaks






FlowRider surf simulator and Solstice Bar and Grill








Short-term rental






Permitted, all home types






Permitted, all home types








Inventory






Resale






New construction and resale










Cost of Owning in Storey Lake vs Solara


Entry price sets the floor, and three ongoing costs shape the return on either side of it.


HOA dues. Both resorts charge monthly dues that fund the pools, clubhouses, landscaping, and gate security. In many vacation communities the dues also bundle services an out-of-area owner would otherwise arrange separately, such as exterior care or internet, and the exact list varies by section. The association documents for any home on your shortlist will spell out what is included, and your agent can pull them before you offer.


Property taxes and insurance. Florida property tax applies to every owner, and a vacation home does not qualify for the homestead exemption a primary residence would, so budget for the full assessed rate. A non-owner-occupied rental also needs landlord and windstorm coverage, which costs more than a standard homeowner policy.


Rental performance. At both resorts, the homes that earn the most are the larger ones with game rooms, themed bedrooms, and private pools, because those are what large groups search for. Storey Lake's shorter drive tends to support occupancy through the year. Solara's amenity campus supports a higher nightly rate for guests who plan to spend part of the trip at the resort. Neither advantage replaces good furnishing and responsive management.


Before you offer in either resort, the closing cost calculator shows what the purchase costs beyond the list price.


Read: Condo vs Townhouse: What's the Difference


Read: Windsor Island Resort vs Solara Resort


Why Choose Storey Lake or Solara Resort


Each resort answers a different priority, and most buyers know theirs before they start touring.


Choose Storey Lake if






The shortest possible drive matters most. At 10 to 12 minutes from the gates, it shortens every park day and gives listings a location line guests notice first.






You want a lower entry. Townhomes from the high $200,000s let a first-time investor own in a newer gated resort without stretching to the $400,000s.






A lakefront setting suits your guests. Kayaks, canoes, and a lazy river give families a reason to stay on site for an afternoon without a theme park ticket.






Choose Solara if






The amenity campus is the draw. The FlowRider, the Solstice Bar and Grill, and the kids' club are features a listing can lead with, and they support a stronger nightly rate.






You plan to host larger groups. Bigger floor plans and villas take the multi-family and reunion trips that smaller homes turn away.






You want new construction. Buyers who prefer a builder warranty and a home nobody has rented yet can still purchase new from Mattamy.






Both communities sit minutes from golf, lakes, and dining well beyond the theme parks, so the choice is less about which resort is better and more about how the home will be used.


Choosing the Right Kissimmee Resort for Your Rental Plan


The two resorts look alike in a listing photo and perform differently in practice. A townhome at Storey Lake and a townhome at Solara can carry the same bedroom count and attract different guests, at different rates, with different HOA inclusions behind them. The right choice depends on the guest you plan to host and the budget you are working with, and both of those are easier to judge with rental histories and association documents in hand.


Florida Realty Marketplace works only with seasoned Central Florida real estate professionals, not the inexperienced agents the industry is full of. Our team knows both resorts from the inside and can compare real rental histories, flag the HOA and management costs that shape your return, and point you to the home that fits your booking goals.


Find Your Storey Lake or Solara Home with Florida Realty Marketplace


Storey Lake and Solara are two of the strongest short-term rental communities in Kissimmee, and either one rewards an owner who buys the right home for the right guest. The wider corridor is worth a look too, since vacation homes near Disney World range from condo-hotels to estate homes within the same 15-minute ring.


Browse Kissimmee Vacation Homes For Sale to compare current listings across both resorts.


Contact a Florida Realty Marketplace professional to talk through Storey Lake and Solara, or call (863) 877-1915.


Storey Lake vs Solara FAQ


Which resort is closer to Disney?


Storey Lake, at roughly four miles and 10 to 12 minutes from the gates. Solara sits about 15 minutes out.


Can you short-term rent in both?


Yes. Both resorts permit nightly vacation rentals across all home types.


Which is better for a first-time vacation home buyer?


Storey Lake offers the lower entry price and the shorter drive. Solara suits buyers who want larger homes, new construction, and a resort-scale amenity package.



 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 04:23:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.floridarealtymarketplace.com/blog/closest-vacation-home-communities-to-disney-world.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.floridarealtymarketplace.com/blog/closest-vacation-home-communities-to-disney-world.html</link>
        <author>info@floridarealtymarketplace.com (Florida Realty Marketplace)</author>
        <title>Closest Vacation Home Communities to Disney World: 8 Picks Within 15 Minutes</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Closest Vacation Home Communities to Disney World: 8 Picks Within 15 Minutes





Most families who rent a vacation home near Disney plan their week around the parks, and the drive back to the house is part of every day. A ten-minute trip after fireworks feels very different from a thirty-minute one with tired kids in the back seat. Guests filter for proximity first and pay more for it. Homes inside the 15-minute ring book earlier in the season, stay booked longer, and earn some of the highest nightly rates in Central Florida.


That premium is the reason vacation home communities near Disney deserve a closer look before you widen your search. The eight resorts in this guide each sit within about 15 minutes of a Walt Disney World entrance at off-peak times, and each was built with short-term rental income in mind. Some lean toward large multi-family groups, some toward couples and small families, and a few give you a foot in the door at a surprisingly modest price. You can browse the whole corridor on our vacation homes near Disney page, and the sections below walk through what sets each community apart.


Drive Times and Entry Prices for Vacation Homes Near Disney


Drive time in this corridor depends less on mileage than on which entrance you use. Resorts on the west side reach the parks through the Western Way gate off Highway 429, a quiet back route that avoids most of the tourist traffic. Resorts along Highway 192 come in through World Drive, which is direct but busier around park opening and closing. The times here reflect a typical off-peak trip to the nearest entrance, with a few extra minutes for Magic Kingdom parking.










Community






Drive to Disney






Entry Price (approx)






Short-Term Rental








Windsor Hills Resort






8 min






$200Ks and up






Yes








Windsor at Westside






10 min






$400Ks and up






Yes








Storey Lake






10 to 12 min






$300Ks and up






Yes








Encantada






12 min






$200Ks and up






Yes








Paradise Palms






12 to 15 min






$300Ks and up






Yes








Solara Resort






15 min






$400Ks and up






Yes








Bella Vida Resort






15 min






High $200Ks and up






Yes








Champions Gate






15 min






$200Ks and up






Select sections










Entry prices reflect the lowest active listings as of late August 2026, and they move with inventory. In every one of these resorts, the larger pool homes sell well above the entry figure, so treat the column as a starting point and confirm against live listings before you make an offer.


8 Closest Vacation Home Communities to Disney World, Ranked by Drive Time


Windsor Hills Resort, About 2.5 Miles from Disney


Ask a Kissimmee property manager which resort guests request by name, and Windsor Hills comes up first. It sits about 2.5 miles from the Disney property line, and Highway 192 runs straight into World Drive, so guests reach the main gate within minutes. The community was built in the mid-2000s and offers the widest range of home types on this list, from 2 and 3 bedroom condos to 3 bedroom townhomes and 4 to 6 bedroom pool homes. That spread is what keeps the entry price in the low $200,000s for a condo while a furnished pool home commands far more.


Guests gather at the lagoon-style pool with its water slide, then drift to the movie theater or the games room in the evening. There is a fitness center for early risers and a guard-gated entrance staffed around the clock. Because the homes are older than the newer resorts, fresh furnishings and updated finishes make a noticeable difference in booking rates here.


Browse: Windsor Hills homes for sale


Windsor at Westside, About 10 Minutes to the Western Way Gate


Windsor at Westside is the resort for buyers who want the newest Disney access without the Highway 192 crowds. It sits a short drive from the Western Way entrance, and that back-door route is a real selling point in listings. Pulte designed the community for large groups, with 4 to 5 bedroom townhomes and single-family homes of up to 9 bedrooms, so multi-generational trips and friend groups are the natural audience.


The Mediterranean-themed clubhouse is where guests spend their off days. A resort pool with a bar sits beside a lazy river and an aquapark, and there is an arcade and a set of multi-purpose sports courts for the teenagers. The gate is attended, and an on-site sundries shop covers the small items guests forget. Resale townhomes currently list from around $390,000, and many come furnished and ready to rent from the first week.


Browse: Windsor at Westside homes for sale


Storey Lake, Lennar Townhomes Off Osceola Parkway


Storey Lake sits just off Highway 192 and Osceola Parkway, roughly four miles from the parks, which puts it comfortably inside the ring at a mid-range price. Lennar built the resort around its namesake lake, and the water is the theme throughout. Guests can float the lazy river, ride the water slide, or take a canoe or kayak out in the afternoon when the parks are at their hottest. A tiki bar and grille, a putting green, and courts for tennis, basketball, and volleyball round out the clubhouse.


Inside the homes, themed game rooms and private pools help individual listings stand out on booking platforms, and owners here compete on those details. Townhomes start in the high $200,000s, and a separate single-family section opens several higher price points for buyers who want more bedrooms.


Browse: Storey Lake townhomes for sale


Encantada, Lowest Entry Price Inside the 15-Minute Ring


Encantada is where many first-time vacation home buyers start, and for good reason. Listings currently begin in the low $200,000s, the lowest entry on this list, and the gated community sits off Highway 192 in Kissimmee about five miles from the parks. Every home is a townhome, from 2 bedrooms up to 4, and each 2 and 3 bedroom unit comes with a private hot tub on the patio, a small detail that photographs well and earns repeat bookings.


The setting is quieter than the larger resorts. A lake runs through the community with walking trails and a fishing pier, and the clubhouse offers a bar, a kids' game room, and heated pools. Guests who want a calm base after long park days tend to love it.


Browse: Encantada homes for sale


Paradise Palms, Gated Resort with a Full Amenity Package


Paradise Palms packs a great deal into a compact footprint just south of Highway 192. The gated community holds close to 200 townhomes and pool homes built from 2007 onward, priced from about $300,000 to over $500,000, and its clubhouse is the reason guests keep coming back.






A waterfall resort pool with a slide, spa, and two hot tubs






A movie theater, arcade, internet lounge, fitness center, and sauna






Tennis, basketball, and beach volleyball, plus a tiki bar and grille






For owners who live out of state or overseas, the HOA fee does a lot of the work. It covers cable, internet, phone, exterior care, and 24-hour gated security, which keeps the monthly picture simple and predictable. Many homes here sell furnished, so a new owner can be taking bookings within weeks of closing.


Browse: Paradise Palms vacation homes


Solara Resort, FlowRider Surf Simulator and Newer Construction


Solara Resort has one amenity nobody else in the corridor can match, a FlowRider surf simulator at the center of its water complex. It stands out in guest reviews. Mattamy built the community, and the grand clubhouse surrounds that centerpiece with a resort pool, a splash pad, a water slide, on-site restaurants and bars, a supervised kids' club, and a wellness spa for the adults. Sports courts include basketball, volleyball, and a soccer field.


Homes range from 3 bedroom townhomes up to large villas, so there is an entry point for most budgets. Resale townhomes currently list from about $390,000, and because Solara is still building, buyers can choose between new construction and a furnished resale.


Browse: Solara Resort listings


Bella Vida Resort, Value Pick with a Private Pool on Every Home


Bella Vida Resort sits off Highway 192 in Kissimmee, just behind Medieval Times, and it earns its place on this list through value. Every home comes with its own pool, which is not a given at this price point, and 3 bedroom townhomes currently list from about $270,000. The gated community keeps its shared amenities practical rather than showy, with a zero-entry pool, a 6,700-square-foot clubhouse, a cyber cafe, a gym, basketball, sand volleyball, and a playground.


Owners here are usually looking for steady bookings without a premium entry price, and Bella Vida delivers that. Guests get the private pool they were hoping for and an easy drive to the parks, and the owner keeps more margin at the end of the month.


Browse: Bella Vida Resort homes for sale


Champions Gate, Golf Resort at I-4 Exit 58


Champions Gate sits at the outer edge of the 15-minute ring at I-4 exit 58, and it operates more like a small town than a subdivision. Two Greg Norman golf courses, the Oasis Club water park, the Omni hotel, and a walkable downtown of shops and restaurants all sit inside the arches. For guests who would rather not drive, a scheduled complimentary shuttle runs to Walt Disney World.


One thing sets Champions Gate apart from the other seven, and it matters. Short-term rental eligibility varies by neighborhood. The Retreat and its townhome sections are zoned for nightly rentals, while The Club is residential only, so the section name on a listing tells you whether the home can earn rental income at all. Condos start around $210,000, and rental-zoned pool homes sell for considerably more.


Browse: Champions Gate homes for sale


Vacation Home Communities in Davenport 20 Minutes from Disney


A few extra minutes on the road can change the math considerably. Davenport sits just west of the ring, and the same budget buys more home there, or the same home at a lower entry price, in exchange for a drive of 15 to 25 minutes depending on the park.


Windsor Island Resort shows the trade-off clearly. Pulte's newest Windsor community sits about eight to nine miles from Disney's western gates off US-27, and it was built for big groups. Homes run from 5 bedroom townhomes up to 9 bedroom estates, with townhomes starting around $400,000. The clubhouse pairs a tavern with a gym, an arcade, and a concierge, and the pool complex includes a lazy river, slides, and a splash pad. Explore Windsor Island Resort homes if sleeping 20 guests matters more to you than the last few minutes of drive time.


Three reasons buyers look to Davenport.






Lower price per square foot on comparable homes






Newer construction with builder incentives






Rental demand that still benefits from Disney proximity






Guests rarely pass on a home over a slightly longer drive, especially when the trade is a bigger pool or an extra bedroom, so occupancy holds up well. The Disney resort vacation homes page tracks listings across the wider corridor.


Read: Buying a Short-Term Rental Property Near Disney


Short-Term Rental Zoning, HOA Fees, and Other Checks Before You Buy


Once a community makes your shortlist, the next questions are about the specific home and its paperwork. Resort communities in this corridor are permitted for nightly rentals at the community or section level, and that permission does not always extend to every street. Working through a short checklist before you make an offer saves a great deal of trouble later.






Confirm short-term rental zoning in writing for the specific section, since eligibility can vary within a single resort






Review the HOA and club fees, which fund the amenities and often bundle cable, internet, landscaping, and gate security






Run the closing cost calculator to see what the purchase costs beyond the list price






Choose a guest-friendly layout, with a private pool, several bedrooms, and a game room






Line up local management, so bookings, cleaning, and upkeep run smoothly while you are away






HOA fees in these resorts run several hundred dollars a month and rise with home size, and the headline number can mislead. A higher fee that covers internet, cable, landscaping, and security often costs less over a year than a lower fee that leaves you paying for those separately.


Read: Explore These 5 Gated Communities Near Disney World


How to Choose a Vacation Home Near Disney for Rental Income or Family Use


The community that fits you best depends on your budget, the size of the groups you expect to host, and whether rental income or your own family's time in the home comes first. Resorts that look alike online carry different fee structures, rental rules, and resale patterns, and those differences are easy to miss from a listing photo. Champions Gate alone splits into rental-zoned and residential sections, and choosing the wrong one can rule out short-term rental permanently.


Florida Realty Marketplace works only with seasoned Central Florida real estate professionals, not the inexperienced agents the industry is full of. Our team knows which sections allow nightly rentals, how each resort's fees compare, and where the strongest bookings come from. That local knowledge turns a long list of resorts into a shortlist you can act on with confidence.


Find Your Disney-Area Vacation Home with Florida Realty Marketplace


The closest communities reward you with high occupancy, and the value picks a little farther out reward you with margin. The right fit comes down to how you plan to use the home and what you want it to earn. Florida Realty Marketplace pairs Disney-corridor buyers with agents who know which resorts book best and which sections allow short-term rental.


Browse Vacation Homes Near Disney World to start matching communities to your goals.


Contact a Florida Realty Marketplace professional to talk through your options, or call (863) 877-1915.




 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:35:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.floridarealtymarketplace.com/blog/disney-vacation-rental-roi-cap-rate.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.floridarealtymarketplace.com/blog/disney-vacation-rental-roi-cap-rate.html</link>
        <author>info@floridarealtymarketplace.com (Florida Realty Marketplace)</author>
        <title>How Much Do Disney Vacation Rentals Really Earn? A 2026 ROI Breakdown</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
How Much Do Disney Vacation Rentals Really Earn? A 2026 ROI Breakdown





A themed six-bedroom pool home fifteen minutes from Walt Disney World can book more than 200 nights a year and gross over $90,000. That top-line number is what sells vacation homes. It is not what you keep.


What you keep is measured by the disney vacation rental cap rate, a property's yearly net income divided by its price. In 2026, a professionally managed Disney-area rental usually returns between 4 and 6, and owner-managed homes return more. Two identical-priced homes on the same street can still earn very differently. The gap comes down to how often each books and how well it is run.


What Disney-Area Vacation Rentals Bring In Each Year


Income comes down to how often a home books and what it charges. Well-marketed corridor rentals run 55 to 70 annual occupancy. Bookings peak near 70 in March, April, July, and December. They dip into the mid-40s to low-50s around September. Shoulder months land between the two. Nightly rates climb with size:






3-bedroom townhome: roughly $180 to $250 per night






4 to 5-bedroom pool home: roughly $250 to $350 per night






6 to 8-bedroom themed villa: $350 to $600 or more on peak dates






A typical single property grosses around $35,000 to $46,000 a year. Larger resort homes in communities like Solara Resort earn well above that when run well.


Read: Florida Airbnb Investing: What Buyers Should Expect


What Counts as a Good Disney Vacation Rental Cap Rate


Cap rate takes net operating income, meaning gross revenue minus operating costs, and divides it by purchase price. The mortgage is left out, because cap rate measures the asset, not your loan. For the corridor in 2026:






Professionally managed homes most often land between 4 and 6.






Owner-managed entry and mid-tier homes can reach 6 to 8.






Million-dollar villas frequently sit at 3 to 5, where appreciation carries more value than yield.






Financing changes your cash-on-cash return, but never the cap rate, which keeps property comparisons clean.


Operating Costs on a Disney Vacation Rental


Costs decide how much of that revenue you keep. Plan for management at 20 to 30 of revenue, resort HOA dues, property tax near 1 to 1.5 with no homestead exemption, short-term-rental insurance, and ongoing utilities and upkeep. Gated townhome communities like Encantada keep these fixed costs manageable for first-time investors.


Florida charges no state income tax, so rental profit is untaxed at the state level. The tourist tax runs around 12 in Davenport and 13.5 in Kissimmee. Guests pay it and you remit it, so it never comes out of your income.


Sample Pro Forma for a $500,000 Vacation Rental


This example runs a $500,000, 5-bedroom resort pool home grossing $60,000 a year at roughly 58 occupancy. Treat it as a model, not a quote, since your utilities, dues, and booking pace will move every line.










Annual line item






Amount








Gross rental revenue






$60,000








Professional management (22)






-$13,200








HOA dues






-$6,000








Property tax (~1.2)






-$6,000








Insurance (wind and STR liability)






-$4,500








Utilities, internet, pool, pest






-$6,000








Repairs, supplies, reserves






-$3,500








Licensing and miscellaneous






-$800








Net operating income






$20,000








Cap rate (NOI ÷ price)






4.0










Professionally managed: the home runs hands-off from anywhere, and the 22 fee brings the cap rate to about 4.0.


Self-managed: drop the fee, add roughly $2,000 for tools and your own time, and net income climbs near $31,000, lifting the cap rate to about 6.2 on the same property.


Before you offer, model the cost of getting in with FRM's closing cost calculator, not just the sticker price.


Cap Rates for Entry, Mid, and Luxury Rentals










Price tier






Example community






Typical price






Est. cap rate (managed)








Entry townhome (3 BR)






Encantada






~$300,000






~4–5.5








Mid pool home (4–5 BR)






Solara, Windsor Island






~$450K–$550K






~4–6










Mid-tier pool homes give the cleanest balance of yield and demand. Davenport options such as Windsor Island Resort offer full amenities at a friendlier entry price. Kissimmee holds the deepest inventory on the Kissimmee Vacation Homes For Sale page. A golf villa in Reunion Village earns a strong gross number but a lower cap rate, because its costs scale with the home. Premium buyers accept that trade for appreciation and personal stays.


How the Community Changes Your Cap Rate


The same $500,000 buys very different returns depending on whether the community allows short-term rentals, how heavy its HOA runs, and how close it sits to the parks. A home in a community that restricts nightly rentals has a cap rate of zero as an investment, no matter how good the listing photos look. Sorting the homes that cash flow from the ones that quietly erase your margin is local work that rewards experience, and it is exactly where Florida Realty Marketplace comes in.


As an independent, owner-operated brokerage that has specialized in the Disney corridor since 2015, Florida Realty Marketplace hires only seasoned Central Florida experts, not the inexperienced agents the industry is full of. The team works with vacation-rental and second-home buyers every week and maintains detailed pages on dozens of named resort communities, so it can tell you which ones actually cash flow before you make an offer.


Buying a Disney Vacation Rental With Florida Realty Marketplace


Buying a Disney rental that performs is a building-level exercise, not a zip-code average. Which resorts permit nightly rentals, how an HOA profile reads to lenders, and which communities are drawing stronger demand all come from working this corridor rather than pulling a national database.


If you are weighing a vacation home near Kissimmee, Davenport, or anywhere in the Disney corridor, contact us to pressure-test a pro forma before you commit, or call (863) 877-1915. You can also browse Vacation Homes Near Disney World or current Davenport Vacation Homes For Sale to see what is earning right now.




 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 10:46:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.floridarealtymarketplace.com/blog/central-florida-real-estate-recap-of-july-2026.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.floridarealtymarketplace.com/blog/central-florida-real-estate-recap-of-july-2026.html</link>
        <author>info@floridarealtymarketplace.com (Florida Realty Marketplace)</author>
        <title>Central Florida Real Estate Recap of July 2026</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Central Florida Real Estate Recap of JULY 2026


Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association data shows Central Florida home sales cooled slightly in July following June's seasonal peak.














State of the Market




The median home price for July was recorded at $410,494, down from $416,308 in June.



The median home price in July 2025 was $402,655.






July’s interest rate was recorded at 6.5, holding steady with May and June.



Interest rate data is sourced from Freddie Mac, a government-sponsored enterprise that tracks national mortgage market trends and publishes weekly average mortgage rates.


In ORRA’s recent mid-year member survey, 64 of surveyed local REALTORS® report buyers are choosing to wait for rates to drop, while 53 say buyers are shopping at lower price points to make monthly payments manageable.






Homes spent an average of 64 days on the market (DOM) in July, up slightly from 62 days in June.


Overall sales fell by 7.4 from June to July. There were 2,936 sales in June and 2,720 sales in July.


New listings fell 7.0 from June to July, with 3,727 new homes on the market in July, compared to 4,008 in June.


Inventory for July was recorded at 12,043, down 1.8 from June, when inventory was recorded at 12,260.


“July’s data reflects a typical slight seasonal pullback following June’s peak,&quot; said Chris Atwell, 2026 president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. &quot;What's notable is that even with fewer homes on the market, months of supply ticked up to 4.4, which continues to shift the balance toward buyers. A bit more time on the market and a slight dip in median price are giving buyers additional room to negotiate. ORRA’s recent member survey shows this dynamic is working: 68 of REALTORS® report seeing more seller concessions than last year. That's a healthier market for consumers, and it underscores why partnering with a REALTOR® to navigate options and strategy remains essential.”








Inventory




Area inventory fell 1.8 from June to July. Inventory in June was 12,260, and inventory in July was 12,043. 


The supply of homes increased in July, with 4.4 months of supply in July compared to 4.2 months of supply in June. A balanced market is six months of supply. 


The number of new listings decreased from June to July by 7.0 – from 4,008 homes to 3,727 homes.








Sales Snapshot




2,140 single-family homes sold in July, down 7.3 from 2,309 sales in June. The median home price was $446,375.


There were 2,001 single-family homes sold in July 2025.


580 condos/townhouses sold in July, down 7.5 from 627 sales in June. The median home price was $299,911.


There were 533 condos/townhouses sold in July 2025.


11 foreclosures and short sales accounted for 0.4 of all home sales in July.




Year over Year Changes 





 Courtesy of Orlando Regional Realtor Association




Homes for Sale in Davenport FL - Click Here to Search All of Davenport








 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 14:14:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.floridarealtymarketplace.com/blog/florida-vacation-rental-management-diy-vs-pro.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.floridarealtymarketplace.com/blog/florida-vacation-rental-management-diy-vs-pro.html</link>
        <author>info@floridarealtymarketplace.com (Florida Realty Marketplace)</author>
        <title>Should You Manage Your Florida Vacation Rental Yourself? DIY vs Hiring a Pro</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Should You Manage Your Florida Vacation Rental Yourself? DIY vs Hiring a Pro


 


A vacation home near Disney can be a strong investment, with steady bookings and year-round demand across the Davenport and Champions Gate corridor. What surprises a lot of new owners is how much work sits behind those bookings. Someone has to handle the guests, the cleanings, the pricing, and the late-night call when the pool heater quits.


The vacation rental property management Florida owners take on is the first real decision after closing. Run the home yourself and keep the full income, or hire a professional manager and buy back your time. Both work well across this corridor, and the right call mostly comes down to how close you live, how big the property is, and how much of the day-to-day you want to handle.


Self-Managing a Florida Vacation Rental


Run your own rental and you keep nearly all of the booking revenue and call every shot, from nightly pricing to which cleaner you trust with turnovers. For a hands-on owner who lives nearby, that control is the whole appeal.


A short-term rental is a hospitality business, not a set-and-forget asset, and one busy weekend can stack back-to-back checkouts, a clogged disposal, and a five-star review that hinges on how fast you reply.


Self-management tends to stretch thin when:






You live out of state and cannot meet a repair tech the same day






Your home sleeps ten or more guests with heavy turnover






Peak season books faster than you can clean and restock






A day job already competes for your attention






Small operational habits decide more than most first-time hosts expect, from guest screening to keeping the supply closet stocked.


Read:  18 Expert Tips for Renting Out a House for the First Time


Hiring a Vacation Rental Property Manager


A full-service manager covers listing optimization, dynamic pricing, round-the-clock guest support, and cleaning, and takes on the DBPR licensing and tourist-tax filings that catch new owners off guard.


Full-service management in the Orlando area usually covers:






Marketing across Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com with professional photos






24/7 guest communication and emergency response






Cleaning, restocking, and maintenance scheduling






Revenue reporting and tax-compliance filings






In the Disney corridor, full-service managers generally charge 20 to 25 of gross revenue, while the broader industry runs 15 to 35. Plan for extras too, including cleaning fees, supply restocking, and the occasional setup charge. If giving up that much margin stings, some managers offer a lighter co-host or booking-only tier for a smaller cut. You hand over some margin and control for a home that runs whether you are in Davenport or London.


DIY vs Professional Management at a Glance










Factor






Self-Managed






Professionally Managed








Revenue kept






Nearly all, minus platform fees






75 to 80 after the fee








Your time






High, hands-on daily






Minimal, mostly hands-off








Guest support






You, at all hours






24/7 team coverage








Best fit






Local, smaller homes






Out-of-area or larger homes








Biggest risk






Burnout and slow replies






Less daily control










Self-management fits when you live in Central Florida, own a smaller home, and enjoy the host role. Hiring a pro fits when you buy from out of state, own a larger resort home, or simply want the income without the inbox. A third path removes the decision almost entirely, because the management comes built into the property.


Condo-Hotels That Manage Themselves


Condo-hotel units come with built-in, fully managed rental programs, so the property runs hands-off by default with no separate company to vet. They suit owners chasing vacation-home upside with near-zero operational lift, and you find them in resort communities built for short-term stays, where the HOA welcomes rentals instead of restricting them. If a turnkey program appeals, the current Orlando Condo Hotels for Sale listings are the place to start.


Resort-zoned neighborhoods around Davenport were designed for exactly this kind of investment. When you are weighing layouts and rental potential side by side, comparing Davenport Vacation Homes For Sale is a smart next step. Either way, set realistic income expectations before you buy.


Read: Airbnb Investment Property in Florida: What to Expect


Why the Right Home Matters More Than Management


Whichever route you pick, the bigger lever is the purchase itself. A rental only performs if you buy the right home, in a rental-friendly community, at a price the numbers support. Layout matters too. A home that sleeps twelve with a themed room and a pool books all year, while a generic three-bedroom competes on price alone. Buyers who skip that homework sometimes learn too late that their HOA bans short-term stays, the kind of mistake Florida Realty Marketplace helps you avoid.


As an independent, owner-operated brokerage that has specialized in the Disney corridor since 2015, Florida Realty Marketplace knows which communities permit short-term rentals and which quietly do not, so you buy a home that earns. Our team also reads the resale angle, flagging which floor plans hold their value when it is time to sell. With the right home under you, choosing how to manage it becomes the easy part.


Managing Your Vacation Rental With Florida Realty Marketplace


Choosing how to run a Disney-area rental is an experience-driven call. It takes corridor-level knowledge instead of national averages, from what full management really costs here to how the seasons swing occupancy and when a condo-hotel beats going solo. That read comes from working this market, not from a database.


Florida Realty Marketplace works only with seasoned Central Florida real estate professionals, not the inexperienced agents the industry is full of. If you are buying or already own a rental near Davenport, Kissimmee, or anywhere in the Disney corridor, contact us to talk through the option that fits your goals, or call (863) 877-1915. You can also explore Vacation Homes Near Disney World or current Kissimmee Vacation Homes For Sale to find the right fit.


Tools to Estimate Your Costs and Home Value


Buying first? The closing cost calculator maps your upfront taxes, fees, and prepaids before you make an offer. Already own? The home value tool returns a current estimate in minutes, whether you plan to hold and rent or eventually sell.




 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 10:46:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.floridarealtymarketplace.com/blog/how-to-check-str-rules-florida-before-buying.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.floridarealtymarketplace.com/blog/how-to-check-str-rules-florida-before-buying.html</link>
        <author>info@floridarealtymarketplace.com (Florida Realty Marketplace)</author>
        <title>How to Check If a Florida Community Allows Short-Term Rentals Before You Buy</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
How to Check If a Florida Community Allows Short-Term Rentals Before You Buy





Picture closing on a sunny pool home minutes from Walt Disney World, ready to host nightly guests, then learning the community caps every rental at six months. It happens more often than buyers expect, and it can turn a smart purchase into a long-term landlord business you never wanted.


Knowing how to check STR rules in Florida before you sign is the surest way to protect your investment. In the Disney corridor, the answer usually sits in a few documents.


What Counts as a Short-Term Rental


In Central Florida, a short-term rental, or STR, usually means guest stays under 30 days. Anything longer is treated as a standard long-term lease.


Demand near the parks runs year-round, which is exactly why eligibility is never automatic. Whether a home qualifies rests on two layers, the county zoning and the rules of the specific community.


An STR-eligible home can host nightly guests and capture peak rates through theme-park season. An STR-restricted home, however, may allow only six- or twelve-month leases, which reshapes your income and your financing.


Read: Florida Airbnb Investing guide


How to Confirm Short-Term Rental Eligibility


Work through these four steps in order. Each one filters out homes that cannot do what you need.


Step 1: Check the County Zoning First


What people call the Disney area spans four counties, and each treats short-term rentals differently. Zoning is your first filter, because if the county does not allow it, nothing else matters.










County






Short-term rental stance








Osceola (Kissimmee tourist zones)






Friendly in designated resort zones








Polk






Generally permissive with the right permits








Orange (City of Orlando)






Restrictive, often owner-occupancy required








Lake






Mostly residential, limited rental zones










The closer you get to the parks, the more the answer depends on which county line you land on. Even in a friendly county, only designated zones qualify, so confirm the exact parcel.


Step 2: Read the HOA Bylaws


Clear the zoning check and the community still has the final say. Many Disney-corridor subdivisions were built specifically for vacation rentals, while others restrict or ban them outright. Pull the full recorded documents, not a summary, and look for:






A minimum rental period (a six-month minimum ends nightly rentals)






Rental caps or registration requirements






Owner-occupancy clauses






Guest, parking, or amenity limits






Communities built around vacation rentals make this simple. If those are your focus, our Kissimmee Vacation Homes For Sale listings center on resort-style homes already zoned and approved for short stays.


Step 3: Confirm Eligibility in Writing


Verbal assurances do not survive a dispute. Ask the listing agent to confirm the home's short-term rental status in writing, even a simple email, before you write an offer. Request the relevant HOA section by name rather than accepting a general yes. If a seller or agent hesitates to put it on paper, treat that as your answer and keep looking. Written confirmation protects you when a question surfaces after closing.


Step 4: Verify the License Requirements


Eligibility and licensing are two different things, and a legal rental needs both. Once a home clears zoning and the HOA, line up the credentials that let you operate:






A Florida DBPR vacation rental license at the state level






A county business tax receipt tied to the property






Tourist development tax registration with the county tax collector






Booking platforms collect the state sales tax, but in counties like Osceola the county bed tax is yours to remit, and these registrations are always yours to hold.


What Else to Check Before You Buy


Eligibility is the dealbreaker, but a few more checks protect your return.


Run the Numbers First


Eligibility tells you whether you can rent. The math tells you whether you should. Before you make an offer, get a clear read on costs and on what comparable homes are worth. Our closing cost calculator breaks down what you will owe at the table, and our home value estimator gives a fast, data-backed sense of value so you negotiate from strength.


Insurance, Taxes, and Demand


Short-term rental income carries a tax layer most buyers miss. Tourist development tax plus state sales tax add roughly 12 to 13.5 percent on nightly bookings. Platforms handle the state sales tax, but counties like Osceola make owners collect and remit the county tourist tax themselves.


Coverage matters too, since a standard homeowner policy rarely fits a rental. Demand stays strong here because guests want quick access to the parks plus golf, lakes, and dining, which keeps well-placed homes booked through the year.


The Agent You Choose Changes the Outcome


Short-term rental rules do not stay still. Counties revise ordinances, communities amend bylaws, and a clause that allowed nightly stays last year can read differently today. For an out-of-area buyer opening these documents for the first time, one missed line is easy to overlook, and the cost of getting it wrong lands after closing, when the options are gone.


Florida Realty Marketplace exists to take the guesswork out of that decision. Our team knows which Disney-corridor communities permit short stays and which quietly do not, so you buy a home that can earn. We read the resale angle too, flagging which floor plans hold value when it is time to sell. Fourteen-plus years in one market teaches that kind of detail. With the eligibility question settled early, the rest of the purchase gets far simpler, and the next step is just a conversation.


Verify Eligibility With Florida Realty Marketplace


Checking whether a community allows short-term rentals is experience-driven work. It takes corridor-level knowledge instead of national averages, from which subdivisions are zoned for it to how the seasons swing occupancy and where the fine print hides. That read comes from working this market every day, not from a database.


Florida Realty Marketplace works only with seasoned Central Florida real estate professionals, not the inexperienced agents the industry is full of. If you are buying near Davenport, Kissimmee, or anywhere in the Disney corridor, contact us to confirm a community's short-term rental status, or call (863) 877-1915. You can also explore Davenport Vacation Homes to find the right fit.




 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:45:00 -0400</pubDate>
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