American homes are generally bigger (particularly in rural areas), more luxurious and more lavishly equipped than homes in most other western countries. Homes are built in a wide range of architectural styles including colonial, English Tudor, French manor and Spanish mission. Most Florida builders offer single- or two-story villas that are built in one of these styles, with the design adapted to Florida's climate.
It isn't advisable to build a new home in a style that doesn't suit Florida's climate, as it won't be so popular for resale and may not keep its value. Florida has a vast and flourishing property market and there's a huge range and quantity of homes from which to choose, from city and beach apartment blocks and town-house developments (sometimes called group or cluster housing), to town and country single family (detached house) communities.
American homes are usually built to a high standard of design and construction, and have good quality fixtures and fittings. Most Florida properties have a concrete block construction on steel-reinforced concrete foundations, and are designed to withstand hurricanes and earthquakes.
Typical Florida properties are single or two story buildings with interior air conditioning, high ceilings, three bedrooms - the main one often huge with en suite and massive walk in wardrobes - and two bathrooms, usually with a large living / dining area called a great room and a den, larger houses will have a further family room.
A detached house built on its own lot (garden) is called a single family house. This is sold freehold - sometimes the property is part of a community development - possibly gated - and may include a range of facilities such as a community swimming pool and tennis courts. These communities have varying degrees of rules varying from keeping the lawn trimmed to some very restrictive regulations - such as emptying the shopping from your car behind closed garage doors!
Single family homes have paved or covered outdoor areas which may include patios, lanai (A screened area where you can relax outside without unwelcome bugs).
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Andrew Bartlett established and headed specialist British groups for two of Florida’s largest real estate Companies, which have advised thousands of Britons relocating and/or buying property in Florida.
He writes articles on Florida lifestyles, property trends for ‘Emigrate America’, ‘Place in the Sun’, ‘Red guide to buying a property in Florida’, ‘Florida Magazine’ and ‘The Sunday Times’, and a specialist advice column on problems that have occurred when Brits are misled into buying in the wrong locations or badly advised in their property choice.
For information on how to obtain specialist advice on relocating or buying property in Florida, the advantages and disadvantages of different properties - locations, and importantly how to obtain details of specialised fully licensed Real Estate Agents, experienced in explaining options from a British perspective. Click here
