These are estimates of typical costs of ownership of a vacation home in the Orlando area. Every home is different, so they can be no more than guidelines based on my own experience. I have tried to be realistic and to cover every major item, but I offer no guarantees. The figures given here are running costs, and they do not make any allowance for the cost of borrowing to purchase the property.

CONDOS AND TOWNHOMES

These figures are based on a 3 bedroom condo or townhome, without a pool, on a resort-style community like Windsor Palms and Windsor Hills. They will also be broadly applicable to 2 bed and 4 bed homes, and also to similar homes on other communities. If the home has a splash pool there will be higher electricity bills and additional property management costs.

PROPERTY TAXES $2500 to $3000 per year (actual figure on MLS listing).

HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION FEES $275 to $325 per month (see MLS listing).

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE $700 per year (assumes HOA fees cover building insurance).

UTILITIES (electric, water, phone, cable, trash) average $200 to $250 per month year-round.

MANAGEMENT COMPANY CHARGES, routine maintenance, licenses. $125 to $175 per month.

CLEANING CHARGES $80 to $120 after each rental. $80 a month for pool cleaning (townhomes).

Property management and cleaning charges vary from company to company, so you should get specific figures from the company you intend to use to look after your home for you.

The utilities cost assumes that basic cable and trash removal is included in the HOA fees. The bills will be higher if you provide long distance phone calls, internet access or enhanced cable services.

You should also allow a maintenance, repairs and replacement fund to cover interior decoration, furniture, furnishings, carpets, etc. Something like $1500 to $2000 per year may be appropriate, but actual expenditure will be very variable.