For Brits, Florida is a dream destination in which to buy property. All year-round warmth, golden beaches that stretch for miles and miles, and an incredible array of activities for both adults and children attract thousands of British-born residents to acquire holiday homes and investment property in the Sunshine State each year. This year (2005) is no exception - and with the exchange rate being at its most favourable for many years there has never been a better time to buy into the American Dream!

Where's Hot? Jacksonville and Atlantic Beach in Northeast Florida are currently good areas in which to buy property. Prices in the Northeast are low compared to many other areas of Florida making it very attractive to cost conscious buyers.

In the South, areas along the Florida Keys and also in Naples are still strong favourites for those who want to enjoy the best of the Floridian weather. From an investment point of view though Orlando is still unbeatable, both in terms of price and rental potential. A newly constructed 4-bed villa in one of Orlando's many gated communities can be acquired for around $300,000 - that's around £160,000 by today's exchange rate.

Orlando Developments Unlike in the UK where a development is thought more of as an 'estate', Orlando developments are exclusive landscaped communities that are private and enclosed. The communities contain many features designed to enhance the living space including shops, restaurants, a clubhouse, communal pool, green spaces and lakes. The homes themselves are built to a much higher specification than standard builds back in the UK, most villas having private pools included in the price.

Several UK-based companies arrange inspection trips of these gated communities in Orlando every week, although it is possible to arrange viewings of the developments yourself. If you do make your own arrangements it is advisable to spend four or five days in the area and book viewings direct with the developers in advance. A list of homebuilders with developments in Orlando can be found at http://www.newhomesource.com/ . Car hire can be booked in advance at http://www.your-carhire.com for pick up at any of the airports close to Orlando.