Buying a beachfront property can be an exciting time, but there are some important things you need to know before you put your deposit down and finalize your purchase. When it comes to the beach, there is a lot more to consider than just sand and surf. If you’re not careful, you could end up shelling out more than you bargained for.
1. Some beachfront properties are not always “beachfront”
There are many different types of beachfront properties: Some have direct access to the water, others have views of the ocean from their back deck and some don’t even touch the sand at all. If you want easy access to the water, you may find yourself paying a premium for a small piece of land that sits between two homes that have direct access to the water. If you want an unobstructed view of the ocean, you might find yourself with limited privacy due to other homes surrounding yours. Therefore, it’s important to identify exactly what type of beachfront experience you want before purchasing any type of property in this area.
2. Do Some Research On Local Home Prices AND Local Rents
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying a beachfront home. But it’s important to research the local housing market first. You want to make sure that you’re not overpaying for your new home, which can easily happen if you don’t know what prices are like in your area. And if you’re buying a condo, you’ll want to make sure that the condo fees are affordable for you and your family.
You can do this by looking at listings online or checking with your local real estate agent or broker. Rents are also important to know in case you want to rent the house out in the future, either long-term or on a vacation rental platform like Airbnb. It’s important to have a backup plan!
3. Beach condos and houses are likely to take a beating from the elements
Beach condos and houses are likely to take a beating from the elements. If you live near a beach, you know there are times when high winds and heavy rains literally wash away the sand from the shoreline. The same can happen with your condo or house because it’s built on the sand.
Beachfront properties are also more vulnerable to hurricanes (and in some places, earthquakes) than other properties in town. That’s why insurance premiums for beach homes tend to be higher than those for other homes in the area.
4. Not all beaches are “swimmable”
Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are not swimmable. A beach is considered swimmable when the water quality is good enough that you can safely enter and exit the water without any health risks.
Some beaches are also owned by the city or state and some are privately owned. And some have regulations that limit development while others don’t. Find out the facts for the beach you’re buying next to!
5. Get an inspection!
Inspections are very important when buying beachfront property. A home inspector will be able to tell if there are any issues with the foundation or other major structural problems. The inspector can also determine if any renovations have been done improperly, which could cause future problems with your home.
You should also check with your insurance agent to make sure your homeowner’s insurance policy covers flooding and erosion. If not, look into getting flood and wind coverage through separate policies. Flood insurance can cost upwards of $1,000 per year depending on where you live and what kind of coverage you get from your lender or mortgage company.
6. Consider your lifestyle and your intended use
Are you looking for a vacation home for occasional use or something more permanent? If this is going to be your primary residence, then consider whether you’re willing to put up with the inconveniences that come with living on the beach.
Most beachfront condos and houses are not designed for year-round living. They are typically vacation homes that can be rented out during the off-season when it’s too cold to enjoy them full time. If you want a place to call home, look for something that has enough bedrooms and one bathroom per bedroom. That will allow you to stay put during the off-season without having to live like a hermit or a monk in your condo or house.
7. Be aware of any restrictions on the use of your land or building
If you are buying a condo, make sure that it is allowed to be used as a residence (and not just as a hotel room). If you are buying a lot, make sure that there is nothing on it (like an old shed) or around it (like construction equipment) that would prevent you from using it as a home.
Be aware of any special assessments or fees involved in owning your property, such as beach maintenance fees or homeowner’s association dues. These can add up quickly and may not be included in some sales agreements.
8. Consider The Neighbours And Location Of Your Beach Front Property
Research the area where you’re considering buying a beachfront condo or house. You want to know the local economy and whether it’s going to be a good place for you and your family.
The location also plays an important role in what kind of neighbours you get along with. If there are many vacation homes in the area that people rent out during certain times of year (such as Spring Break), then you may find yourself dealing with some noisy neighbours — especially during those peak seasons when they’re renting out their properties full time!
9. Is your beachfront condo or house energy-efficient?
The beach is the best place to enjoy a beautiful day, but it comes with some responsibilities. You need to ensure your home is properly insulated and has a good air conditioning system to keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It gets hot at the beach after all!
The energy efficiency of your condo or house depends on several factors such as the type of windows you have installed, how well insulated your walls are, and whether or not you have solar panels installed on your roof.
Hopefully, this guide has given you some useful information that will help you through the process of buying beachfront property, whether it be a condo or a house.
