If you’re thinking about moving to Florida or even if you’ve been in the area a long time, you may be surprised to hear that there are some key differences between Florida homes and homes in the rest of the country. Wondering what’s so unique about homes in the Sunshine State? Take a look.

 

1. Florida Homes Don’t Have Basements

If you’re from the Midwest, the West, or other parts of the country, you may be used to homes with basements. When looking at real estate in Florida, however, you should be aware that basements are extremely uncommon. Florida has the lowest elevation of any state in the United States, and in most areas, the water table is less than a meter underground. That, combined with the often wet and marshy land, doesn’t bode well for basements.

 

2. Florida Has a Very Temperate Climate

Florida’s temperate climate means that you don’t have to worry about heating and cooling as much as you do in other parts of the country. In fact, in Vero Beach, the average low in January is 51 degrees, and the average high in August is only 89 degrees. Temperatures tend to be between these two levels year round, which makes the area extremely comfortable.

Rather than putting in a traditional furnace, many people opt for a heat pump instead. A heat pump cools your home while also providing heating capabilities when the temperature dips in the winter.

 

3. Humidity, Salty Air, and Sunshine Can Affect Your Home

Although 89 degrees is not that hot, high temperatures in Florida often feel hotter than they are, and that boils down to the humidity in the area. When living in Florida homes, many homeowners use air conditioning to beat the heat. They also choose their exterior paint carefully to ensure that it can withstand the intense UV rays and salty air that make this state such a popular tourist destination.

 

4. Florida Has No State Income Tax

Florida is one of only seven states that does not have a state income tax.  Although this factoid doesn’t directly affect Florida homes, it directly affects Florida homeowners, and the absence of a state income tax may make it easier to afford a home that you might not be able to afford otherwise. When you’re saving anywhere from 5 to 10 percent of your income, that money can go directly toward your home.

 

5. Florida Homes Are Rising in Price

Over the last three years, Florida real estate has increased in value by an average of 25 percent. However, the numbers vary based on the exact area and the type of home. For instance, in South Florida, the median sales price of single family homes increased 8.2 percent in 2017, and the biggest increases were in areas like Vero Beach. Despite this, the total number of Florida homes available for sale in this area fell over that same time span.

 

If you are interested in buying Florida homes, let us create your next dream home. At Passage Island Construction, we have a wide range of designs available, or we can design a completely custom home for you. Contact us today to learn more.