Determining whether to rent a condo or a house for an upcoming vacation is an important decision that involves weighing many factors. There are significant features of each including cost, size, and amenities that should be considered when making your decision. Before deciding which is best for your unique situation, it’s important to be clear on the differences, benefits, and possible pitfalls of both.
Should I rent a condo or a house for vacation in Florida? Choosing to rent a condo or house for a vacation will ultimately come down to your specific needs. In general, condos have lower rental costs and provide additional amenities for the price. Homes have a higher rental cost, but typically offer more space and privacy.
To truly understand which option is best for you, read through our guide below where we explain what to expect when renting a house and condo. When you’ve finished, you’ll be able to make an informed decision for your next vacation.
Can You Rent Vacation Homes in Florida?
Renting a vacation home for your next Florida vacation is a great idea. No matter whether you’re staying a week, a month, or the whole season, you’ll likely find that a Florida vacation home rental gives you all the amenities of your home with plenty of space to spread out.
You can rent all kinds of vacation homes in Florida. You can also find vacation homes across the Sunshine State. You’ll find many vacation rentals on the market in popular areas: Panama City, Fort Lauderdale, near Orlando-area theme parks, Miami Beach, Key West, and, of course, Sanibel Island.
Condos, luxury villas, single-family homes, and even mini-mansions are all available on Florida’s vacation rental market. This adds up to plenty of options for all kinds of travelers. From Florida beach rentals to kid-friendly homes, you could easily find that renting a Florida vacation home will help you save money over traditional hotel rooms.
No matter whether you’re traveling with the whole gang and need multiple bedrooms or it’s just the two of you, you’ll find the right vacation rental in Florida to meet your needs. Regardless of whether you choose to rent a condo, house or other option, you’ll likely find that your rental makes the perfect home base for exploring. You’ll also have room to relax and unwind, letting you truly enjoy your time on vacation.
Two of the most common kinds of Florida vacation rentals are condos and houses. Both types of rentals come with separate advantages. Should I rent a condo or a house for a vacation in Florida? Well, the answer isn’t as simple as it might sound. Let’s look at the differences between a condo and a house, as well as some of the advantages of each option.
What is the Difference Between a Condo and a House?
Knowing how to distinguish between a condo and a house is the first step. This will enable you to choose the correct one for your next vacation. Again, it’s worth noting that there isn’t a standard answer as to which one is the best choice. What you’re looking to get out of a vacation
Important differences between a condo and house are outlined below.
Condo
Short for condominiums, condos are independently owned living spaces that are housed along with other condos in a single building. Multiple buildings that contain condos are typically grouped together and share common amenities and facilities. In terms of available living space, condos typically offer more than apartments, but less than houses and townhomes. Renting a condo for a vacation does offer more opportunity for social interaction as visitors use the shared communal areas. This is often a plus for families with kids.
House
Typically offering more space and privacy than a condo, houses are a great family friendly option for vacationers that need more room and want more solitude. While condos typically offer more amenities than houses, great houses with similar features can often be found. The best part about these properties is that you won’t have to share the amenities with anyone else.
Cost of Renting a Condo or House for Vacation
While many factors come into play that determine the final cost of condo and house vacation rentals, condos are typically cheaper. The main reason for this is the general smaller size of condos. Square footage is often the first thing that comes into play when calculating a rate.
Factors that will affect the cost of vacation rentals includes:
- Square feet of the property
- Location
- Property availability
- Access to amenities
With that being said, location and amenities will play a significant role as well. For example, a smaller condo with high-end amenities, located directly on the beach will likely carry a higher price tag than a large home with simple features situated a few miles away from the beach. Regardless of the cost, be sure that the vacation rental you land on has the features you need. Settling for a property based primarily on price will lead to disappointment and frustration.
Condo vs House: Which Has More Privacy
Houses typically offer much more privacy than condos. For vacationers looking for an intimate getaway, this is a popular choice. Unlike a condo, houses will almost always be detached properties which means there is some separation between you and the houses next to you. This doesn’t offer complete privacy of course, but an extra layer not found in condos and some other types of rental properties.
With that being said, condos still offer a fair amount of privacy. You often won’t have a property in which you’re surrounded on all sides by other people. Some condo buildings are smaller in scope and rent out an entire floor. This removes the chance of having to deal with other visitors beside you. Also, as long as a building is constructed well, excessive sound shouldn’t be an issue.
For travelers that don’t mind socializing with others on their vacation, condos are a great choice. Families in particular often appreciate the opportunity for their kids to interact with other children in common areas.
Amenities of a Condo vs a House
A house will have all the usual amenities, and the more you pay, the more extra facilities you will have. A condo, however, depending on the area and how luxurious the type of association that runs the communal aspect are, you could benefit from things such as:
- Swimming pool
- Spa
- Fitness centers
- Party rooms
- Play areas
- Visitor parking
Available amenities can sometimes make or break a vacation experience. Before booking a vacation rental, confirm that the property you’re looking at has what you’re looking for.
Why Should I Rent a Condo or a House for Vacation in Florida?
Renting a condo or a house for vacation in Florida is a great idea for many travelers. Not only do condos and houses come with great amenities, extra privacy, room for everyone, and more, but they are also in some of the best locations in the state.
Royal Shell is ready to be your vacation rental partner for your next Sanibel Island vacation. Sanibel Island is located just off the Fort Myers coast, Sanibel Island is known for its breathtaking blue-green water, plentiful seashells, bike-friendly culture, delectable restaurant scene, and much more.
There are many benefits to renting a house or a condo on Sanibel Island through Royal Shell. A few of the advantages of choosing to a vacation rental over a traditional hotel stay include:
- More relaxed quality time with family
- Plenty of room for everyone to spread out
- Room to accommodate varied interests
- Private pools and other amenities
- Private entrances and other additional security features
From beach houses to townhomes close to shopping on Sanibel Island, you’ll find everything you want and need for your upcoming trip with a vacation rental through Royal Shell. In addition to finding the right property, Royal Shell can match you with the right traveler’s insurance policy, concierge services, Flexcation options, and much more. Where here to help no matter whether you need a short-term vacation rental, long-term rental, or even real estate services when you’re ready to buy a slice of Florida paradise.
Vacation Rentals With Royal Shell
Regardless of what type of vacation rental you’re looking for, Royal Shell can help you. We specialize in world-class rental properties across Southwest Florida, North Carolina, and Central Florida. Our vacation rentals on Sanibel Island are particularly stunning. Thanks to the incredible backdrop of the small island, you’ll immediately feel an unmatched sense of luxury and relaxation.
We have large, private rental homes on Sanibel Island for your family’s next vacation. Similarly, if you want a luxurious Sanibel Island condo rental filled with amazing amenities, we’ve got you covered there too.
Have you finally figured out why I should rent a condo or a house for a Florida vacation? Check our availability now or give us a call at (855) 842-8316. Our vacation rental experts will use their extensive knowledge and experience to match your vacation dreams to the perfect vacation rental.
