Build-to-Rent Homes in Cape Coral: Lot, Build, Finance, Manage

Priceless Realty and its affiliated companies can take an investor from an empty Cape Coral lot to a new home with a tenant in it. We have done it ourselves. Lauren Homes has built homes that are now rentals, and we own and manage rental property in Cape Coral and Fort Myers.

How it works

1. Find or evaluate the lot. We help you find a lot, or you bring one you already own. Lauren Homes evaluates it before you buy: utilities, fill, flood zone and what it will take to build. See Cape Coral lots and land.
2. Build. Lauren Homes (license CRC1331621) builds on your lot at a fixed price. Its published ranges start around $200 per square foot under air for production-level finishes, about $240 for mid-range and $350 and up for higher-end homes. See the cost to build a home.
3. Finance. Fairview Lending (NMLS #230610) arranges construction financing and can review a pre-approval you already have.
4. Rent and manage. Priceless Realty places a tenant and manages the home: screening, a written lease, rent collection, repairs through licensed and insured contractors, and inspections.

What management costs

• Annual rentals: first month's rent to place a tenant, then 10% of the rent collected.
• Renewals: 2% of the year's rent to keep a tenant you already have.
• Seasonal rentals (monthly minimum, six months or less): 20% of the rent collected.

Full details are on our Cape Coral property management page.

Why build new for a rental

• Fewer early repairs. A new roof, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical mean fewer calls in the first years.
• Current building code. A home built to today's Florida Building Code can help with insurance. Get quotes before you commit.
• A plan chosen for renting. You pick the bedroom count, pool or no pool, and finishes that hold up to tenants.
• One team. The people who evaluate the lot, build the house and manage the rental talk to each other.

What to know before you start

• City registration. Cape Coral requires residential rentals to be registered with the city every year. The fee is higher for rentals of six months or less than for long-term leases.
• Tourist tax. Rentals of six months or less owe Lee County's tourist development tax.
• Deed and HOA rules. Some neighborhoods limit rentals. Check before you buy the lot.

This page is general information, not tax, legal or investment advice.

Common questions

What does build-to-rent mean?

Building a new home specifically to rent out, instead of buying an existing house and renting that.

Can I build a rental on a lot I already own in Cape Coral?

Yes. Lauren Homes builds on lots owners already have, and Priceless Realty can manage the finished home as a rental.

How long does it take to build?

Lauren Homes' published timeline for Cape Coral is about 7 to 12 months after permit approval for a home with a pool, and 10 to 16 months for a custom home.

Do I have to use all three companies?

No. You can use any one of them without the others.

Talk to us about a build-to-rent home

Send your name and the lot address, or the area you are considering, and we will call you. No cost and no obligation.

Priceless Realty Inc., Lauren Homes Inc. and Fairview Lending Inc. (NMLS #230610) are affiliated companies. You are not required to use any of them as a condition of working with the others.