Known across the nation as the "Sunshine State," it is quite understandable that so many individuals want to live in Florida. This southernmost state of the continental United States enjoys the unique distinction of having a coastline that is washed by the waters of both the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico. Florida also has a very pleasant climate and provides many entertainment, recreational and sporting facilities for visitors and residents alike. The popular vacation destinations such as Orlando - home of the Walt Disney World suite of amusement parks - are known the world over. For investors looking to buy land, Florida is certainly a very attractive proposition.
While no one can guarantee the market, developed property provides an attractive investment opportunity in the state, for individuals that wish to buy a home. There are already more than 15 cities in the state with populations above 100,000, which means that at any given time hundreds of Florida homes will be on the market. However, before investing in Florida real estate all prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with these basic facts about Florida property ownership.
Florida property law and regulation
The state of Florida is organized into 67 counties and hundreds of centers of population, each of which can enact local laws and regulations affecting real estate. Florida, however, has enacted legislation known as the Burt Harris Act to protect a property owner's financial interest in Florida land. The Harris Act states that if a government agency has "inordinately burdened an existing use of real property or a vested right to a specific use of real property", the property owner is entitled to compensation for the "actual loss to the fair market value of the real property."
This protection, which has been in place since 1995, does not exist in every state. In Florida, the law has been beneficial to property owners in ways that go far beyond the promise of compensation. Because state and local officials understand that they can be held responsible for enacting legislation that damages property values, they have a vested interest in avoiding the kinds of excessive regulation that is sometimes found in other states. This means that for those who plan to buy property, Florida is an excellent choice.
Previous market trends in Florida
Florida has been attracting high levels of property investment for generations. In addition to laws that protect private property rights from governmental encroachment, the state is also popular for its year-round warm climate. Older Americans thinking about retirement will often consider Florida, since many entering their "golden years" long to escape the harsh winters that are common in the states further north. This on-going source of demand has helped Florida real estate values to yield excellent returns on investment.
Over the last 20 years home prices in Florida have appreciated by 81%. Indeed, from 1981 through 2010, Florida has had only five years in which average home prices had negative growth. Now, according to the national newspaper USA Today, portions of Florida are growing in population at a faster rate than the nation as a whole. This would indicate that the strong historical demand for Florida land is returning, despite the nation's current economic challenges.
An important thing to consider about Florida property values is the distinction between land and homes. The cost of constructing a home in the state is largely the same regardless of the building's location. This indicates that when a home in Miami sells at a much higher price than an equivalent one in Tallahassee, the differing price levels are caused mainly by a disparity in the land value.
Timeshares
An intriguing way to purchase Florida real estate is to buy an interest in a timeshare. This form of property ownership grants the purchaser the right to use a property for a certain amount of time each year. Because a typical timeshare property is distributed among dozens of different owners, the cost to each is dramatically lower than the full purchase price of the unit. A beach condominium in Fort Lauderdale, for example, may be out of the price range of the average individual, but a timeshare in the same unit may be eminently affordable.
Some timeshares are legally equivalent to partial ownership of a property, while others are structured only to grant a right of usage. Both forms can provide owners with a vacation getaway in a Florida destination resort town that may otherwise be priced well out of their reach. Like other forms of property, a timeshare can appreciate in value and the total or share ownership can be sold when desired.
The hurricane issue
Just as California is associated with earthquakes, Florida is reputed to be "hurricane territory." In both cases, the reputation of the natural disaster far exceeds its true impact on the majority of residents. Many Californians live their whole lives in the state and never feel more than a mild tremor. Likewise, the average Florida resident might never experience the kinds of high winds that make the national news when a hurricane does strike.
In any case, hurricane insurance can provide peace of mind for those who elect to purchase property; Florida has several companies that offer this type of coverage.
Short selling in Florida
A "short sale" occurs when a homeowner must sell a property for a price that is lower than the outstanding balance on the mortgage. In most cases, the bank holding the mortgage must agree to a short sale; in effect, the bank is agreeing to take a loss. A short sale is to be avoided if at all possible because it leaves a negative mark on the owner's credit history.
Short sales are often the result of a relatively short time span between the initial purchase and the necessary sale. It is always true that in the near term, prices may decline. One of the best ways to avoid a short sale is simply to hold the property longer.