Maybe you're a huge Disney fan, maybe a rollercoaster adrenalin junkie or just maybe a second home in sunny Florida is something you've always dreamed of for you and your family. Maybe, when you reach retirement age, the thought of spending 6 months per year enjoying a warmer climate is your goal or a complete change of lifestyle is your aim...but whatever attracts you to Florida, ownership is still a solid investment. Read on and you'll find out why... As a start, Florida is deemed a safe location for investment due to its global popularity which it mostly owes to huge ongoing investment from the likes of The Walt Disney Company (Parks Division), NBC Universal (Destinations & Experiences Division) and SeaWorld Entertainment inc. (SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment). A healthy dose of sub-tropical year-round sunshine is also a major benefitting factor. Also, historically, when property prices have taken a hit due to financial uncertainty or recession, recovery has been nothing short of miraculous with impressive, consistently strong increases in prices of land and homes throughout most of the state. It has been noted over the last few decades that after any financial depression event, the value of property in the ‘Sunshine State’ sustains a healthy initial recovery of around 12-14% (p.a.) and it is predicted that we will continue to see this kind of stability and growth over years to come. If you're contemplating buying a holiday or investment home in Florida, there is probably no better time to do so. Whilst currency exchange rates are known to fluctuate, spikes between the US dollar, UK Sterling and European Euros are relatively few and far between so it is unlikely that the exchange rates will vastly alter the final cost of the property you have your eye on (Talk to us about currency exchange). In general, inventory of cherished homes is good and new developments are abundant with homes available to purchase off-plan. This means that there is still plenty of choice plus, as Florida is the number one tourist destination in the USA, with a good rental management team, you could be seeing organic returns on your investment of around 6% net. So how do we know that buying a property/home in Florida is still a solid future investment? Don't assume this is guesswork, mystic messages nor sales hype from estate agents - it all boils down to location and numbers. Florida continues to see a tourist influx like no other. 137.6 million people visited Florida in 2022 (partly thanks to the famous mouse and partly thanks to the lifestyle). People still want to go to Florida and always will. Creating around $78 billion in turnover last year, the tourist trade is strong (really strong), and all those people need somewhere to stay and stuff to do. Disney™ and Universal have spent millions of dollars installing brand new attractions - Hollywood Studios 'Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge' is a huge favourite and the latest exciting news is that Universal Orlando Resort will be opening its 4th park 'Epic Universe' in 2025. Large corporations such as Elon Musk's Space X and hypermarket giant Walmart are thriving in Florida and investing more money and manpower throughout the state year after year. Railway corporation 'Brightline' opened their latest rail project this year connecting Orlando to Miami. It's a journey which takes around 3 hours only which now makes day tripping and long weekenders a possibility from both ends of the line. Ultimately, the governing body of the State of Florida continues to inject millions of US Dollars into the tourist sector and (albeit sometimes controversially) strives to maintain the State open to tourism at all times. ​

Firstly, and importantly, there are no fees or charges payable by you to us for any consultation or service we offer. Our services are compensated by developers and Realtors with whom we work. That's great news for you because only the standard property purchase costs are applicable. If you want to know more about how much it costs to buy or sell a piece of real estate in Florida, please get in touch with us. Property purchase in general can present a minefield of issues (some small, some not so small) but when the property is in another country, you need to feel assured and be as well informed as possible before you arrive. You may think that because you have the English language in common with most Americans then your property search in Florida will be just as easy as in the UK. Well, communication in your own language is helpful but terminology and procedure isn't always easy to comprehend. Firstly, the selection of property types and areas (or sub-divisions) is quite vast - then, the agents, fees, contracts, taxation, etc... you get the picture. Talking with LPS FLORIDA is a great first move because: We provide property choice - you have the MLS (see next faq) at your disposition. We are at your side - providing a service tailored for you based on your requirements. We are a 'cross borders agency' so we are always here for you during normal hours whether you're at home or in Florida. We provide the assurances of top, reputable, fully licensed Developers and Realtors in the USA. We are 100% impartial - whilst you start your search from the comfort of your UK home, we listen to your requirements or dream property scenario and offer impartial advice, assess alternative options and discuss the 'Pros and Cons' free from obligation thus helping you to keep a clear head....no pressure. If we believe that something doesn't quite fit, then we'll let you know before its too late. When you are ready to take the next step, you will have someone you can trust at your side. We can sometimes save you money from the very start - offering accompanied inspection visits* and discounted accommodation* and even arrange flights and car hire for you. We are committed - we will find the right path and guide you through the whole process from start to finish and beyond.​ *subject to dates & availability - Please enquire. ​

The MLS, or Multiple Listing Service, is a database used by U.S. real estate agents and brokers to share information about properties for sale. It is a comprehensive listing of homes, buildings and land that are currently on the market and includes information such as the property’s location, price, and features. The MLS allows real estate agents to provide their clients with a wider selection of properties to choose from regardless of who listed the property initially, and it also makes it easier for agents to find potential buyers for their listings. At LPS FLORIDA, we use the MLS extensively to help our clients find their dream home in the Sunshine State.

Often, what you believe that you want can overshadow the practical side of home ownership in another country. The bonus of having us around at the start of your search is that you can ask us questions or run ideas past us. This will help you get a better idea of locations, property types and overall expenses before moving onto the next step. Remember, in the USA, one big difference when house shopping is that a buyer doesn't need to go from one agent to another in search of the perfect home because, unlike in the UK, all homes on sale are listed on the MLS which every agent has access to. However, the sale and purchase of a home normally involves several agents or realtors. Even if you have found the agent of your choice, it is likely that you will hear the terms 'Buyers realtor' or 'Listing agent' or 'Sellers agent' as these are property professionals who will also be involved in the sale and purchase of a property. Your representative (or agent) will deal with all communications between you and third parties regarding the sale and is loyal to you. Agency commissions or fees are generally set at a fixed percentage which is already included in the property sale price and this figure will not vary regardless of the number of agents involved. ​

This is where is becomes imperative that you know what's going on. To submit an offer, you must work with a licensed real estate agent who can assist you in making an offer on a property. You can contact LPS FLORIDA to connect with one of our experienced agents who can guide you through the process. Once you have found a property that you wish to make an offer on, your agent will submit the offer on your behalf to the seller's agent or developer. The seller will then have the option to accept, reject, or counter your offer. Your agent will work with you to negotiate the terms of the offer and ensure that your interests are protected throughout the transaction. From the moment you decide to commit, contracts will be drawn up, payments will made and timescales must be kept, otherwise you run the risk of losing not only the house of your dreams but also any deposits you may have paid down already. Providing you are prepared with your finances and timings, you could be the proud owner of property in Florida within just a few weeks. ​

You are unlikely to find 'hidden costs'. You will, however, need to pay standard sales or purchase costs which are not normally stated in the sale descriptions. For a buyer, these inevitable costs associated with property purchase in Florida are variable depending on the way you purchase the property but the average is 2% on top of the purchase price agreed. You should therefore allow for the following expenses in your budget on top of the purchase price: - Closing costs, are the fees associated with the actual purchase of the property. On a resale, these are generally paid for by the seller so are of no direct importance to the buyer but a cash buyer may be interested in getting a valuation (appraisal) so the fees included in the sales price must be taken into account. Buyers would most likely want to get a property inspection and survey too although if you are taking out a mortgage then these costs are compulsory along with the addition of lenders fees, etc. With new build homes, there will also be closing costs applicable on top of the sale price but these can occasionally vary at the discretion of the developer who may offer to subsidise some or even 100% of the closing costs. - During your ownership and outside of the regular utilities and annual property taxes comes the Home Owners Association Fees (HOAs) or Condo Fees. These are fees which cover maintenance of the area in which you live. HOA fees may not be applicable in some residentially zoned areas but if they are they can cost as little as $20 month (which maybe covers admin fees or mowing the front lawn) or for homes with better services you may need to pay up to $800 per month. This allows for the maintenance of the communal amenities such as Clubhouses, gardens, pools, playgrounds, etc. In gated communities these fees also pay for security at the gates. You should enquire what exactly your fees cover as some Condo fees include insurances, water bills and other services. ​

Banks and lenders are a careful bunch when it comes to lending out their money and mortgage eligibility is always assessed on a case by case basis. We are currently able to offer mortgages with pre-approval of up-to 70%* on homes in the U.S. It may be advantageous for you to speak to your bank in the UK first to see if they are able to offer you anything before you head over to Florida - and remember that, just like in the UK, any offer of finance from a U.S. lender will always be subject to you providing accurate and adequate proof of income from your home country and/or U.S. property management company. (*eligibility criteria apply) ​

This is an important question. It may be your home but your presence in the United States has restrictions. US immigration laws are pretty rigid but this allows for relatively simple rules: Currently, to visit the USA, a UK/European citizen can apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) which is a 'visa waiver' that allows a single visit or multiple visits totalling a maximum of 90 days per year to holiday in (or tour as a visitor) any part of the US subject to a satisfactory result from the online application. Although the system allows for group application, each traveller must be approved individually to travel. Once approved, the ESTA is valid for up-to two years from the date of issue and requires no renewal or modification providing you do not renew your passport within the validity period. This is the most common option considered for one or more short holidays, an extended holiday or a business trip (subject to certain factors). If the ESTA application is rejected the individual concerned would need to arrange an appointment with the US Embassy to apply for a visitors visa. Some companies/consultants offer ESTA application services but this is not normally necessary and has been known to cause problems so we recommend that you yourself apply using the correct website link for ESTA application as follows: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ If you are retired or intend to stay in the US as a visitor for an extended period, then you would need to apply for a B2 non-immigrant visa at the US Embassy. You will need to demonstrate your ties with your 'home' country and show proof that you will be returning there. Once granted, this visa would then allow you to stay for up-to 6 months on a continual basis and, providing there are no substantial changes in situation, subsequent renewals will be a familiar process for you. You are not entitled to work / obtain employment of any kind in the US with this type of visa. Various versions of student, business and immigrant visas are available which permit longer stays or residence in the US but these are normally subject to quite extensive and costly applications, financial self-sustainability checks and documented proof of circumstances. Also, if you were to apply for the wrong visa, outstay your visa expiry date or attempt to acquire a visa by misleading the immigration services, it is likely that you will be denied another chance to apply until the Department of Homeland Security permit you to do so (and that could be a VERY long time). We therefore recommend that you speak to our immigration lawyers about any intended stay of longer than 6 months or other visa options. ​

Yes, of course. In fact it may be one of your requirements. Some companies will offer you a guaranteed annual return on your investment. Others may offer a proposal whereby they can maximise the earning potential by renting it out on an Ad-Hoc basis. Some owners choose to handle bookings themselves and use the services of a local management team. Any of these scenarios can work very well and depending on your view-point can make ownership very profitable or, at the very least, provide an income to help cover the expenses of ownership in your absence. Remember, although no different to any other country, before you rent out your property you will need to consider appropriate insurance, health and safety requirements in the home, state licence application for rental homes and any taxation implications.

​There may come a point when you want to upgrade or you may decide that you need to release some equity from your Florida home. All you need to do is let us know and we will take care of it for you. Apart from us advertising it in Europe and the UK, your property will be listed on the MLS where it will be seen by any and all US agents who are in the position of finding a property for a client. The beauty of this being that your audience are from all over the world, not just the UK.