By Jim Carchidi
September 9, 2026
Construction has begun on a 96-unit affordable housing development in Orlando’s Pine Hills community. The Village of Pine Hills will offer three apartment floor plans as part of the Orlando Unlocked housing initiative.
Unlocking solutions
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings joined city and county officials and project stakeholders for the Village of Pine Hills groundbreaking on Sept. 3. Images courtesy of Ability Housing
According to City of Orlando housing statistics, the city’s population increased nearly 14% between 2020 and 2024. Housing inventory growth of 11% during the same period resulted in a shortage of approximately 9,400 units. A report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition states the greater Orlando area has just 13 affordable rental units for every 100 low-income households.
Orlando Unlocked launched in 2025 with the goal of providing quality housing options for residents at every income level through flexible zoning and construction incentives. There are currently 9,200 housing units under construction, 18,000 units approved or in permit review, and zoning in place for 44,000 units within the city limits.
More than housing
Orlando Unlocked secured expedited permitting and more than $1.1 million in impact fee waivers to construct the Village of Pine Hills in cooperation with nonprofit affordable housing developer, Ability Housing. Village of Pine Hills will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments across three, three-story buildings on nine acres at 5121 N. Pine Hills Rd. A clubhouse, playground, and community spaces will also be offered. And a community center will house a computer lab, a library, and flexible classroom and event spaces. But services will go beyond amenities with resident access to primary and behavioral health care, and employment training. On-site case management services will assist families in need of additional resources and support.
Affordability
All units will be affordable to households earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Four units will be set aside for those earning at or below 40%, 16 units will be reserved for households earning up to 30%, and four will be earmarked for households earning 22% AMI. Rents will be determined by data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and based on the size and income of individual households.
"Not only are we building a new community that will provide safe stable housing for nearly 100 families, we are also investing into the future of Pine Hills,” said Ability Housing CEO Reggie Fullwood in a prepared statement.
What’s next
Village of Pine Hills is expected to take about two years to complete and leasing is expected to begin next year.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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