What to Buy
Southwest Florida has an abundance of home and house types with communities that cater to specific lifestyles, whether you have an equestrian, golf, waterfront, boating or other interest. Home buyers and visitors enjoy an endless outdoor lifestyle, world famous attractions and theme parks, plus an incredible variety of culture and fine arts – all vital ingredients that enrich their experience. Local communities are home to world-class health and medical facilities, art shows and festivals, many within a short distance of nearby residences.
Home & House Types
Condominium
This form of homeownership offers individual units for sale within a larger building or complex. Contrary to popular belief, the term condominium does not apply to the type of unit itself, but the legal ownership arrangement. Those who purchase units in a condominium technically own everything from their walls inward. All individual homeowners have shared rights to most common areas, such as the elevators, hallways, pools and club houses. Maintenance of these areas becomes the responsibility of a condominium association. Every owner owns a share of interest in the condominium association, plus an obligation to pay monthly or quarterly dues or special assessment fees for larger maintenance problems.
Single-Family Home
A detached residence usually has a front and backyard, plus a driveway and attached carport or garage. This type of property offers greater privacy and has no common walls with other residences. Single-family homes can be located in communities that have a homeowner’s association and may also be maintenance-free, meaning the yard and sometimes other amenities are maintained by a third party.
Villa
Typically a single-story residence, this home may or may not be attached to another villa by a common wall. This type of property is typically in a maintenance-free community, in which the lawn/landscaping and sometimes other amenities are maintained by a third party, which is included in a community fee.
Townhome
This residence shares a building with other units. Typically more than one story, there are no other units above or below. These tend to be less expensive than single-family homes, may have a small fenced yard or garage and are part of a community association that typically covers all exterior maintenance.
Commercial
This type of property is for business or investment purposes and includes office, retail, industrial and multi-family buildings (apartment complexes), marinas and land zoned for single-family homes.