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.

SINGLE FAMILY POOL HOMES

These figures are based on a 3 or 4 bedroom single family detached home on a resort-style community like Windsor Palms and Windsor Hills. They will also be applicable to larger (5, 6, 7 bed homes) as noted.

PROPERTY TAXES $3500 to $6500 per year (actual figure on MLS listing).

HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION FEES $250 to $300 per month (lower on some communities - see MLS listing).

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE $1200 to $1500 per year.

UTILITIES (electric, water, phone, cable, trash) average $300 to $400 per month year-round.

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

CLEANING CHARGES $90 to $140 after each rental.

POOL CLEANING $80 to $120 per month.

LAWN CARE $80 to $120 per month (often included in HOA fees).

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 $2000 to $3000 per year may be appropriate, but actual expenditure will be very variable.