Tampa is the center of the Tampa Bay metro — Florida's third largest city (after Miami and Orlando) and one of the fastest-growing large cities in the United States over the past decade. Hillsborough County's diverse real estate market spans from $250,000 Carrollwood and Brandon starter homes to $1M+ Davis Islands waterfront estates, South Tampa craftsman homes, and Hyde Park Victorian renovations. MacDill Air Force Base anchors a substantial military and veteran community on the southern peninsula. The University of South Florida (50,000+ students) and the University of Tampa drive rental demand from student and faculty buyers. Hillsborough County's 2026 conforming limit is $832,750. Median prices in Tampa proper run $380,000–$500,000. Tayton Capital serves Tampa and Hillsborough County. NMLS #2106875.
MacDill AFB and the Tampa VA Market
MacDill Air Force Base is home to US Central Command (CENTCOM) and US Special Operations Command (SOCSOUTH) — two of the most significant military commands in the country, generating a large and stable active duty and veteran population in Hillsborough County. VA zero-down financing at Tampa's $380,000–$500,000 median creates accessible monthly payments for service members and veterans buying in one of Florida's strongest job markets. Tampa's VA buyer market is one of the most active in the state.
Tampa Investment and Multi-Unit Market
Tampa's population growth and rental demand — driven by migration from higher-cost Florida markets (Miami, Fort Lauderdale) and from out-of-state relocation — have created strong conditions for investment property buyers. DSCR financing on Tampa single-family rentals, duplexes, and small multi-unit properties qualifies on documented rental income. The Ybor City and Seminole Heights neighborhoods, with strong long-term rental demand and active short-term rental markets (Ybor City specifically), are popular DSCR targets.
Loan programs we run
- Conventional — Primary product for Tampa's primary buyer market.
- VA — 0% down — MacDill AFB makes Tampa one of Florida's most active VA markets.
- FHA — 3.5% down for first-time buyers.
- DSCR — Investment and rental property — Ybor City, Seminole Heights, South Tampa.
- Jumbo — Davis Islands, Harbour Island, and premium South Tampa above $832,750.
Areas we serve
- South Tampa (Hyde Park, Palma Ceia, Bayshore)
- Davis Islands / Harbour Island (waterfront, premium)
- Seminole Heights (bungalow neighborhood, primary + rental)
- Ybor City (historic district, STR + primary)
- Brandon / Valrico (east — most affordable Hillsborough)
- Carrollwood / Northdale (north — family suburban)
- MacDill AFB corridor (VA-active, South Tampa)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tampa still growing in 2026?
Yes — Hillsborough County has been one of the fastest-growing large counties in the US for the past five years. The combination of net migration from Northeast states, corporate relocations (Goldman Sachs campus, Citigroup, JPMorgan), and University of South Florida growth continues to support strong demand.
What are the best Tampa neighborhoods for first-time buyers?
Carrollwood, Northdale, and Brandon offer the most first-time buyer inventory in the $280,000–$420,000 range. Seminole Heights has lower price points than South Tampa with a strong community identity — bungalow renovation buyers frequently target it. New Tampa (north) has newer construction at slightly higher price points.
How does MacDill AFB affect the local housing market?
Significantly — the base's population stabilizes demand in South Tampa and the surrounding area. VA loans are a major share of South Tampa and MacDill-adjacent purchases. The base's command structure means higher-ranking officers with significant buying power are frequent customers.
Can I use DSCR for a Ybor City Airbnb property?
Yes, if Ybor City STR permits are available and the property qualifies. Hillsborough County and Tampa have STR registration requirements. We verify current regulatory status for any specific property before structuring DSCR financing — operating without proper permits creates both legal risk and lender compliance issues.