Condos or Houses in Orlando: Which is a Better Investment?

If you are thinking about investing in real estate in Orlando, one of the first questions that probably crossed your mind was:

❓ “Should I buy a condo or a single-family home?”

This is a very common question — and the right answer depends a lot on your investor profile and your goals.

I have worked with clients who have had excellent results investing in condos and others who made fortunes with housesEach type of property has its pros and cons — and today I'm going to help you figure out which is the best choice for you!

Condos vs. Houses in Orlando: Which is Best for You? 🤔

The answer depends on what you're looking for. To help you decide, I'll outline the main strengths and challenges of each option.

1. Condos in Orlando: Advantages and Disadvantages 🏢

You condos (or condominiums) are apartments or individual units located within a residential building or complex. These properties typically offer common areas such as a swimming pool, gym, and security.

✅ Advantages of Investing in Condos
✔️ More Affordable Initial Cost: On average, condos are cheaper than houses. The average price of a condo in Orlando is around US$320,000.
✔️ Simple Maintenance: The HOA (Homeowners Association) takes care of the outdoor areas, security and infrastructure — you don't need to worry about the garden, exterior painting or pool.
✔️ Great for Vacation Rentals: Many condos in Orlando and Kissimmee are designed to attract tourists, especially those near Disney.
✔️ Greater Negotiating Power: Condo inventory is higher, creating more opportunities to negotiate discounts.

❗️ Disadvantages of Investing in Condos
❌ High HOA Fees: Condominium fees can vary greatly, ranging from US$150 to US$500/month, impacting its profitability.
❌ Restrictive Rules: Not all condos allow short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO), so it's important to check the rules before purchasing.
❌ Longer Selling Time: In 2024, condos took on average 96 days to be sold — longer than houses.

🔎 Jen's Tip: “If you're looking for an investment with low maintenance headaches and want to focus on vacation rentals, a condo near Disney might be perfect for you.”

2. Single-Family Homes in Orlando: Advantages and Disadvantages 🏠

To the single-family homes Single-family homes are independent properties, usually with a yard and garage. They are ideal for families looking for more space or investors looking to profit from long-term rentals.

✅ Advantages of Investing in Homes
✔️ Greater Appreciation: Houses tend to appreciate in value faster than condos. In 2024, the median home price in Florida reached US$420,000, with appreciation of +2,4% compared to the previous year.
✔️ Strong Demand for Long-Term Rentals: Families and professionals moving to Orlando often prefer houses because they offer more space and privacy.
✔️ Minor Rental Restrictions: In many areas of Orlando, houses don't have as many short-term rental restrictions as condos.
✔️ Lower Fixed Rates: Without the HOA fee, you have greater control over fixed costs.

❗️ Disadvantages of Investing in Homes
❌ Maintenance Costs: As a homeowner, you will be responsible for all exterior maintenance, such as landscaping, painting, and roofing.
❌ Highest Starting Price: The average cost of houses is about 30% larger than that of condos.
❌ More Work to Manage: For those living in Brazil, managing maintenance remotely can be challenging—although this can be resolved with specialized companies.

🔎 Jen's Tip: “If you’re looking for long-term value and want to attract families to relocate to Orlando, a house may be your best choice.”

3. What Type of Property Generates the Most Passive Income? 💰

Both types of properties can generate a good passive income, but with important differences:

💰 Condos for Vacation Rentals
✔️ Average profitability of 7.5% per year.
✔️ Best option in tourist regions, such as Kissimmee and Lake Buena Vista.
✔️ Great for attracting families on vacation and small groups.

💰 Houses for Long Term Rental
✔️ Average profitability of 7.1% per year.
✔️ More stable and secure, especially for investors seeking predictability.
✔️ Ideal for families who want to live in the same house for years.

🔎 Jen's Tip: "If you want high profitability with Airbnb, condos near Disney are an excellent choice. If you prefer security and predictability, long-term rentals are better."

4. Which Property is Best for Resale and Appreciation? 📈

When it comes to real estate appreciation, houses typically have a slight advantage. However, this depends largely on location and market trends.

📈 Houses in expanding regions (such as Davenport and Winter Garden) tend to appreciate more quickly.
📈 Condos in tourist areas they have less potential for appreciation, but guarantee an excellent return on seasonal rentals.

🔎 Jen's Tip: "If you're thinking about selling your property in the future, prioritize homes in residential areas or condos near theme parks."

5. How to Choose Between a Condo or House in Orlando? 🤔

The final decision depends on your investor profile and your goals. To help you out, I've put together a quick summary:

✅ Looking for ease of management and high tourist demand? → Choose one condo.
✅ Do you prefer value and security in long-term rentals? → Choose one home.
✅ Want to negotiate a good price now that stock is high? → condos have greater room for negotiation in 2025.
✅ Do you prefer a property with fewer fixed fees? → houses They usually have lower external maintenance costs.

Conclusion: The Best Choice is the One that Meets Your Goals 🚀

The Orlando real estate market is full of opportunities—and so much so. condos as houses can generate significant profits if you know how to choose strategically.

💬 Need help finding the ideal property for you? Call me and let's talk! I'll show you the best options based on your plans and goals. 😉

Read also:

➡️ How to Generate Passive Income in Florida
➡️ Investing in a Vacation Home in Orlando
➡️ Dollarization of Assets with Real Estate in Orlando