Finding the perfect property to buy in Orlando is an exciting endeavor! The short-term rental market here features home types ranging from quaint one-bedroom condos and delightful townhomes to extravagant 15+ bedroom estates. With so many options, the process can quickly become intimidating and confusing, especially when the goal is to produce income to offset the costs of ownership.
If you’re considering investing in a vacation rental in our area, you may wonder which type of home is the best option and will produce the most return on your investment (ROI).
The Quick Answer [Home vs. Townhome vs. Condo]
The answer depends on a variety of factors, such as your target audience, budget, and goals for the rental. Most investors find that single-family pool homes in gated communities with resort amenities are the best option for long-term rental success in Orlando. This is due to the high demand from families and larger groups who want a resort experience, along with more space and privacy than what a hotel offers. Single-family homes also provide more flexibility when it comes to customization options and amenities. Orlando is a year-round market, but these properties rent especially well in the peak travel seasons for families when children are out of school; think summer and holidays.
For those who are looking for a short-term investment option with fewer upkeep costs, investing in a townhome or condo could be a great choice. Townhomes and condos tend to attract smaller families and couples due to their smaller size; however, they can still provide an excellent return if priced correctly.
Granted, a multitude of factors should be considered when looking at purchasing your next property — such as location, proximity to attractions, condition of the property, and amenities available. Ultimately, the best option for investing in a vacation rental in Orlando is to consult with a local expert like us, who can guide you through analyzing potential investment opportunities based on your individual needs and preferences.
Let’s take a look at a few of the factors we evaluate when assessing how successful a property will be:
The Various Factors
At VillaKey, we understand how overwhelming this process can be — which is why our team takes the time to assess each property based on its individual merits and your own needs and preferences. Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors that go into evaluating how successful a vacation rental property will be:
Resort Community
Is the property located in a popular resort community? Is it private and gated? What amenities will guests have access to within the community? If you don’t already have a specific community in mind, you may want to explore our article on the top 4 Orlando resort communities to purchase an investment property.
Location & Proximity
Is the property close to the theme parks, other major attractions, or nightlife? As a general rule, the closer a rental is to popular tourist spots like Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando, the higher demand it will receive. The location of the property within the community itself can make a difference; think about a property that’s steps from the clubhouse vs. one where guests will need to walk a longer distance or drive.
Property Type & Size
As we touched on above, single-family homes, townhomes, and condos all have individual benefits. Larger single-family homes typically generate a higher nightly rate but tend to be more seasonal. While nightly rates for townhomes and condos are lower but tend to rent more consistently throughout the year.
Overall Property Condition
Does the property require significant repairs or updates before being rentable? Does it have or will it have upgraded appliances or furniture? Even minor upgrades such as new bedding or high-end appliances can increase occupancy. Additionally, consider how the property is decorated — neutral colors and modern furniture can help attract more potential guests.
Popular Amenities & Theming
Are there any unique amenities that make the property more attractive to potential guests? Luxuries like private pools, game rooms, and character/movie-themed rooms are some of the top considerations in this category. As an example, you can learn all about how having a dedicated game room impacts rental rates and occupancy here.
Market Data & Comparable Properties
How much do similar properties of this size and caliber rent during peak travel seasons? What are occupancy rates like in this specific area of Orlando? Does or will your rental stand out from competitors by offering exceptional amenities? Between our intimate knowledge of the area and utilizing top industry data software, we are able to compile a comprehensive understanding of how the property may perform.
How VillaKey Can Help
VillaKey manages over 100 vacation rentals in the Orlando market that range from luxurious 9-bedroom pool homes to modern two-bedroom condos. With over 25 years of combined experience, we have the data and knowledge to help you decide which property type is best for your goals. Whether you are at the very beginning of your search or already have a property picked out, our team can help you make the most informed decision possible — at no obligation to use our services.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you. We look forward to hearing from you and helping make your vacation rental investment a success!
You can also reach Alice directly by email at alice@MyVillaKey.com or schedule a time to chat on the phone via her calendar.