When investing in Central Florida rental properties, choosing a high-growth area is key to maximizing your return. This is why it’s important to take the time to understand the current market trends across Volusia County, so you can limit risk and grow your business.
As one of the area’s top small cities, DeLand presents an excellent investment opportunity for first-time landlords and seasoned property owners alike. With a walkable downtown, historic charm, and proximity to Florida’s top beaches and cities, DeLand is a highly desirable place to live. That means its rental properties are well-positioned to drive sustainable rental income for years to come.
Before purchasing real estate in DeLand, we’ll help you gain a better understanding of current rental market pricing trends, high-demand property types, and how “The Athens of Florida” generates rental income that Volusia County residents can depend on to grow their business.
Current DeLand Rental Market Trends
The DeLand real estate market has enjoyed several consecutive years of growth, and 2025 is no exception. Rental demand outpaces supply in many areas of town. Currently, the average rental price in DeLand is around $1,900 per month, according to Zillow in October 2025, though it varies depending on property type, size, age, and location. However, there are many newer units on the market that rent for well over $2,000. We expect rental prices to continue to grow due to several economic factors, including:
- Population Growth: DeLand’s population continues to grow every year as people move here from all over the United States. The city attracts young professionals, families, snowbirds, and retirees.
- Job Opportunities: DeLand is an easy commute from Orlando, where there are plenty of employers across entertainment and hospitality, healthcare, and financial service industries.
- Solid Education: DeLand is home to Stetson University, a nationally ranked school. In addition to several private schools, DeLand also has a strong public school system. It’s an ideal location for starting a family.
- Gorgeous Weather: Florida’s climate offers an escape from harsh winters as well as ample opportunity for year-round outdoor activities.
- Lifestyle Appeal: Those who value history and a walkable downtown will love life in DeLand. The city is close to Orlando and Florida’s top beaches, but it still maintains a small-town vibe.
When you consider Central Florida as a whole, DeLand stands out as one of Volusia County’s most stable markets. While Florida’s beach towns see seasonal spikes in population and rental prices, DeLand offers a balance of long-term residents (low turnover) and year-round renters, which gives property owners less volatility and more predictable income.
High-Demand Rental Properties In the DeLand Real Estate Market
Once you’ve decided to invest in DeLand real estate, the next step is to determine the most profitable property types to add to your portfolio. Here is a summary of the most popular investment property types you’ll find in DeLand:
- Single-Family Homes: Two- and three-bedroom single-family homes are among the most sought-after rentals in DeLand. Families and young professionals value the privacy, yards, and quiet residential settings DeLand’s neighborhoods have to offer. Homes within walking distance of downtown or close to US-17 are in the highest demand.
- Modern Apartments and Townhomes: There is also a high demand for modern amenities and new apartments and townhomes, especially from young professionals or college students looking for accommodations near Stetson University. These tenants are willing to pay higher rent in exchange for convenience and luxury.
- Smaller Multi-Unit Buildings: Duplexes and triplexes are appealing for landlords who want to maximize their income and spread out maintenance costs over multiple units. DeLand has many smaller multi-unit buildings across the community that are perfect investment opportunities.
Tips For Maximizing Your Rental Income In DeLand
Managing properties can be challenging, especially for landlords who oversee a large portfolio of units. High turnover, maintenance costs, tenant disputes, and other issues can eat into time and profitability. Here are some landlord tips DeLand property owners can rely on to drive reliable rental income:
1. Keep Your Pricing Competitive
It’s always a good idea to stay up to date on the latest rental market pricing changes, so you can ensure your pricing is competitive in the market. Make sure to review comparable listings throughout the year. Slightly underpricing your property can help reduce vacancies, while strategic increases can help you generate long-term high returns.
2. Prioritize Tenant Screening
Good tenants are essential for generating reliable income. You want tenants who will stick around, pay their rent, and take care of your properties. However, finding the right tenants can be the most difficult part of the process. Prioritizing tenant screening or trusting a good property management company to handle it for you is a good way to limit risk.
3. Maintain Properties Proactively
Reactive maintenance is expensive and time-consuming. Plus, it can create a negative experience for your tenants who expect appliances to be in working order. Proactive maintenance helps prevent costly problems. Establishing seasonal maintenance routines can keep your property in good shape and limit urgent maintenance requests.
4. Make Payment Easy
Tenants want an easy way to pay their rent and sign their contracts, so using a convenient online payment processor can simplify the process for both sides. Tenants can pay their rent with a couple of clicks, and you won’t have to waste time chasing down checks.
5. Build Good Relationships With Your Tenants
Your tenants are your customers, and treating them well can help establish long-term relationships that limit turnover. Having a friendly attitude, being quick to resolve maintenance issues, or being flexible with renewals can all motivate patients to stay longer or recommend your units to others.
How DeLand Property Management Services Can Help You Scale Your Rental Portfolio
Maintaining a rental property is a lot of work. While a DIY approach might seem cost-effective at first, managing several rental properties is often more than a single person can handle. Many landlords reach the point where hiring a property management company becomes necessary to successfully manage a portfolio of units. For property management DeLand landlords can depend on, trust Bee Realty Corp. Here are some of the ways our property management services can help you streamline your Central Florida rental units. Some benefits to working with us include:
- Reduced Vacancies: We don’t want your properties sitting empty, which is why we plan ahead and leverage several marketing tools to keep your units visible and in high demand in the rental market.
- Streamlined Maintenance: You won’t have to worry about those late-night maintenance calls. Our team handles proactive maintenance throughout the year and also provides 24/7 support for urgent issues.
- Compliance: We know Florida rental laws, so we can make sure your contracts protect you while also handling tenant disputes.
- More Time: Owning rental properties is a business. Working with a property management company gives you more time to focus on managing your investments.
Outsourcing property management frees you from those non-strategic tasks so you can spend your time on activities that generate revenue. With a wide network of renters and contractors, a strong reputation in Central Florida, and landlord tips DeLand property owners trust, it’s easy to see why Bee Realty Corp is a top choice for property management services.
The future of DeLand’s rental market looks strong. The city’s central location and livability are expected to drive high demand for quite some time. If you’re looking for stable income and strong appreciation, DeLand is a fantastic market, and Bee Realty Corp is available to help you manage your newly acquired units. Our property management services help you navigate the complexities of rental properties, so you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re ready to learn more about how Bee Realty Corp can help you generate reliable rental income in the DeLand rental market, give us a call today.