What is a CDD and how is it different from an HOA?

An HOA collects dues to maintain a community and enforce its rules. A CDD (Community Development District) assessment repays infrastructure the district financed, such as roads and utilities, and is commonly billed with property taxes. A community can have both.

Is new construction cheaper than resale in Central Florida?

Not inherently. Builder incentives can reduce closing costs or interest rate, while resale homes may have lower CDD exposure or a lower price. The comparison should be made on total monthly cost and cash to close for the specific homes you're weighing.

Central Florida

Central Florida Real Estate & Mortgage Guidance

The short answer

Central Florida often offers more space per dollar than South Florida, but the monthly math still hinges on taxes, insurance, HOA dues, and — in many newer communities — CDD assessments. Build those in before you compare markets.

Affordability in Central Florida

Affordability is a monthly-payment question more than a price question. Two homes at the same price can carry very different monthly costs once dues, assessments, and insurance are included.

New construction vs. resale

New construction: builder incentives, newer systems, and possible rate buydowns — but longer timelines and upgrade decisions.
Resale: established neighborhoods, mature landscaping, and often faster closings — but potential deferred maintenance.
Insurance can differ meaningfully by roof age and construction year.

Property taxes, insurance, HOA, and CDD

Taxes are reassessed after your purchase; don't budget from the seller's current bill.
Insurance should be quoted per property, early.
HOA dues fund community amenities and maintenance.
CDD assessments, common in newer master-planned communities, fund infrastructure and appear on your tax bill or as a separate assessment — always confirm the amount in writing.

First-time buyers

Low-down-payment programs and down payment assistance may be available for eligible buyers. The right comparison is total cost over the time you expect to own the home, not just the smallest upfront number.

Relocating and selling a South Florida home first

If you're moving north, your South Florida sale is part of your Central Florida financing plan. Whether you sell first or buy first affects qualifying, cash to close, and how competitive your offer is.

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About the Author

Tanesha Tomlinson

Florida Mortgage Loan Advisor, Hometown Financial Group, LLC DBA Modus Mortgage

NMLS #1540854 · Company NMLS #1028232

Tanesha Tomlinson is a 24-year Florida mortgage industry expert who has originated over $100,000,000 in mortgages. She works with homebuyers, homeowners, and Realtor partners across South Florida, Broward County, Central Florida, and the Orlando area. Her focus is qualification, income calculation, loan programs, down payment assistance, and cash to close — explained plainly, with the numbers in front of you. As a licensed Florida Realtor® with United Realty Group, she also understands the property and contract side of the same purchase.

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Hometown Financial Group, LLC DBA Modus Mortgage · Company NMLS #1028232 · Tanesha Tomlinson NMLS #1540854 · Florida Real Estate License #SL3524613 (United Realty Group) · Equal Housing Lender. Licenses can be verified on NMLS Consumer Access and the Florida DBPR license portal. Content is educational only and is not a commitment to lend.

Last updated August 31, 2026

Tanesha Tomlinson · Mortgage Loan Advisor | Realtor® · Hometown Financial Group, LLC DBA Modus Mortgage · NMLS #1540854 · Company NMLS #1028232 · 140 S. Arthur St. #600, Spokane, WA 99202 · United Realty Group · FL Real Estate License SL3524613

Information and tools on this website are educational only and should not be considered individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. Estimates are not a pre-approval, loan approval, or commitment to lend. Mortgage approval, rates, APRs, payments, taxes, insurance, closing costs, and loan terms are subject to borrower qualifications, property information, applicable loan-program requirements, and underwriting. This website disclaimer does not replace Modus Mortgage's official disclosures.