Investment guide · Orlando
Vacation home near Disney: how much it costs and how much it earns
Updated on 2026-07-14
A vacation home near Disney typically costs between $500K and $900K, with a 25%–40% down payment for foreign buyers. Well managed, it generates $45K–$80K in gross annual revenue at 60%–75% occupancy. After all costs (financing, HOA, management, taxes and maintenance), the net return is usually 4%–7% per year — plus property appreciation.
Quick summary
- Typical ticket: $500K to $900K for 4–8 bedroom homes with a pool.
- Foreign-buyer down payment: 25%–40% + 3%–5% closing costs.
- Realistic occupancy of 60%–75% with professional management.
- Net return of 4%–7% per year, before appreciation.
The figures on this page are 2026 market references and vary by community, home size and season. Confirm the current numbers for your specific case with Daniel Dourado before deciding.
What a vacation home in Orlando is
A vacation home (short-term rental) is a residence licensed for short stays — from a few days to a few weeks — to tourists visiting Orlando. Unlike an ordinary residential home, it sits in communities with specific zoning that allows this type of rental, almost always with a private pool, full furnishings and professional booking management.
Minutes from Disney, these homes benefit from a flow of more than 70 million annual visitors to the Orlando area. It is this constant tourism that sustains occupancy and revenue throughout the year, peaking during school breaks, holidays and the American high season.
How the return works in practice
Gross revenue comes from the nightly rate multiplied by occupancy. A well-located 5-bedroom home rents for $250 to $500 per night depending on the season. Operating costs apply on top of gross revenue: management (18%–25%), platform fees, cleaning, electricity, water, internet, pool, landscaping, insurance and the community HOA.
What remains is the net operating income. If there is financing, subtract the installments to reach real cash flow. That is why two buyers of the same home can have very different returns: paying more in cash yields higher cash flow, while more leverage amplifies return on capital but carries more risk.
Typical monthly costs of a vacation home
| Item | Monthly cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| HOA (community) | $450 – $750 |
| Management (18–25% of revenue) | $900 – $1,400 |
| Electricity + water + internet | $450 – $700 |
| Pool + landscaping + cleaning | $350 – $600 |
| Insurance | $200 – $350 |
| Property tax | $550 – $900 |
| Estimated monthly total | $3,350 – $5,100 |
Reference for a 5–6 bedroom home with pool. Average monthly figures, subject to variation.
$600K home, 40% down
- Price
- $600,000
- Down payment (40%)
- $240,000
- Gross revenue/yr
- $58,000
- Costs + financing
- -$42,000
A ~6.7% return on invested capital, before appreciation.
$750K home, all cash
- Price
- $750,000
- Gross revenue/yr
- $72,000
- Operating costs
- -$30,000
- No financing installment
- $0
~5.6% net yearly return, cash-flow positive from month one.
Where the main vacation-rental areas are
- Kissimmee / Hwy 19210–15 min from Disney, largest resort supply
- ChampionsGate / DavenportNewer golf communities, strong demand
- Reunion / Four CornersLarger, higher-end homes
- Clermont / WindsorResorts with lazy rivers and solid appreciation
Distance to the parks directly influences occupancy and average nightly rate.
Vacation home vs. other investments
| Criterion | Vacation home | Condo to live in | Annual rental |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income in USD | High | None | Medium |
| Personal use | Yes | Yes | No |
| Management needed | High | Low | Medium |
| Typical net return | 4–7% | — | 3–5% |
Available vacation-rental communities
Availability and prices change often — talk to Daniel for active units.
Client cases
Family from São Paulo, $640K home
They bought to use on vacation and rent the rest of the year. In year one they hit 68% occupancy and covered all costs with room to spare.
68% occupancy in year 1
Investor from Rio, 2-home portfolio
Started with one home in Magic Village and, on the strength of the results, bought a second 14 months later.
2nd purchase in 14 months
Risks you need to know
Occupancy seasonality
Occupancy fluctuates through the year. Plan cash flow around weaker months, not the annual average.
Zoning and short-term rental license
Not every community allows short-term rentals. Buying in the wrong area can make the operation unviable — which is why community choice is decisive.
Exchange rate and maintenance costs
Revenue is in dollars, but one-off repairs (A/C, roof, appliances) can be heavy. Keep a reserve for surprises.
Watch: inside a vacation home
Replace with the official video from Daniel Dourado’s channel.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to live in the US to buy?
No. Foreigners can buy US property without a visa or residency. The process uses your passport, an ITIN and a US bank account.
Can I finance as a Brazilian?
Yes. Some banks finance foreigners with 25%–40% down and non-resident rates, without requiring US credit history.
Who manages the home and bookings?
Management companies handle bookings, cleaning, maintenance and payouts. The fee is 18%–25% of revenue, and you track everything through reports.
Want the real numbers for your case?
Daniel Dourado builds a cost and return projection for your budget and sends you the available units.