The Data-Driven Case
The materials available in this article are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your own advisors with questions regarding the Central Florida housing market content herein. The opinions expressed in this article are the opinions of the individual authors and may not reflect the opinions of MeridianLink, Inc.
Central Florida Housing Market Holds Significant Promise for Lenders
The Sunshine State’s vibrant real estate market offers lenders strong potential to expand originations and capture new business. The region—encompassing Orlando, Tampa, and surrounding metros—is brimming with affordable, rising inventory and strong rental demand. These trends open the door to more loan volume, broader borrower reach, and long-term market gains.
Let’s explore the data and what this momentum means for lenders and today’s motivated homebuyers.
Housing Inventory Growth Creates Opportunity
The Central Florida housing market has experienced a significant surge in inventory, creating more opportunities for mortgage lending. From March 2022 to April 2025, the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford housing inventory skyrocketed by 448%. Meanwhile, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater saw a 528% increase. This inventory growth offers lenders a wider customer base, as increased supply can ease price pressures and encourage homebuying.
Monthly Savings Favor Homeownership
For potential buyers comparing the costs of homeownership and renting, the numbers lean in favor of purchasing. Tampa buyers can save an average of $191 per month on mortgage payments compared to rent, while Orlando buyers can save $81 per month. These savings make mortgages an attractive alternative, creating prime conditions for financial institutions to boost lending activity.
Affordability Meets Strong Residential Investment Potential
In 2024, Orlando and Tampa ranked among the best places to buy rental properties, with Orlando securing the 10th spot nationally. Tampa followed closely at 14th. Fast forward to 2025, and these Central Florida metros continue to dominate. With projected growth forecasts ranging from 20.9% to 27.3%, investors and homebuyers are drawn to the region’s combination of relatively low home prices and consistent rental demand.
“The Ocala housing market has been growing in recent years, due in part to its affordability and its proximity to major cities like Orlando and Tampa.”—Marco Santarelli, Founder, Norada Real Estate Investments
Another key indicator favoring homeownership over renting is the price-to-rent ratio. Tampa ranks 14th nationwide for lowest price-to-rent ratio, while Orlando lands at 22nd among the 50 most populous metros. This signals strong value for homebuyers, particularly when compared to rising rental costs.
Florida: A Premier Market for Homeownership
Last year, Florida ranked as the #1 best state for buying and selling a home. A trend that is projected to continue throughout 2025. The combination of strong housing market dynamics and continued population growth keeps the mortgage industry thriving in the region.
“Real estate moves ever so fast, especially in Orlando. We have a unique market when you compare it to the rest of the nation because Orlando is a highly sought-out place for real estate investment.”—Rose Kemp, President, Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association
What This Means for Mortgage Lenders
The Central Florida housing market presents a strategic opportunity for financial institutions looking to expand mortgage lending. The combination of affordability, inventory growth, mortgage savings, and investment appeal makes it an attractive environment for all homebuyers and investors. Lenders that capitalize on these trends can position themselves at the forefront of Florida’s thriving real estate market, helping more buyers secure homes while driving business growth.
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