Two new mortgage schemes have been launched by US estate agent, Coldwell Banker Feltrim, to make it easier for Britons to enter the Florida property market.

The firm has just completed a deal with one of its Florida mortgage partners to provide mortgages for foreign nationals, including Brits and other EU citizens, on single family residences, and under both schemes buyers can borrow up to 65% LTV.

“We see this as a big step forward to working with international buyers who are interested in purchasing Florida property but did not have access to financing in the past”, said Garrett Kenny, owner of CB Feltrim.

He added: “In the Orlando area of Florida you are now able to buy beautiful family homes with swimming pools for the kind of money people were paying for two bedroom off-plan apartments in some developing European countries a few years ago. We are currently selling a luxury five bedroom villa with pool at Holborn Loop for $195,000 (£120,000).”

The company is also selling condos at one development starting at $89,000 (£55,000) that were originally priced at $360,000 (£222,000). Buyers who opt for the five year in-house finance scheme pay just 1.9% interest over the first two years on a 65% LTV loan, (or 0% interest on a 50% LTV loan), plus there is already rental income in place for 2011.

The condos, at the Tuscana development, are minutes from the Disney theme parks and close to the Champions Gate Golf Resort, and are being sold fully furnished.

Property sales in Florida increased by 5% in 2010 compared to 2009 and Kenny concluded: “Although I wouldn’t recommend people buying with the intention of selling in six months time and making a fast buck, as a five year investment Florida is looking like an increasingly safe place to put your money.”