Owning a beach house has its perks and disadvantages. It can be a significant investment, a peaceful place to work, or a relaxing retreat for the entire family. In addition to its many obvious perks, beach houses come with their challenges. If you are considering buying one, here are some of the things to consider:
Costs
Owning a beach house entails a range of costs. Mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and management fees are the basic expenses of owning a rental property. In addition, extra permits and utilities may be required, and you may also need to pay travel costs.
Compared to inland houses, beach houses in North Carolina typically increase in value more quickly than inland houses. In October 2020, the median sales price for single-family homes was 15{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} higher than for condos. The long-term value of your beach house depends on location, condition, and rental income. However, you should pay significantly more for your beach house than a comparable home. In popular beach towns, prices can be considerably higher.
Maintenance
While owning a beach house is rewarding, you will spend significant time caring for it. In addition, it can be challenging to maintain a beach house while you are away from it. Therefore, it is essential to find someone who can assist you.
For example, the paint will peel a year or two after it’s been in place for a few years. Wood and natural siding need periodic refinishing. Regardless of the type of wood, paying attention to the exterior is essential. Compared to painted surfaces, wood will require a lot less maintenance. Also, remember that foot traffic will bring mud, sand, and other debris into the house. Hardwood floors are best; you can also consider placing area rugs outside.
Flood risk
Owning a beach house carries some risks. If you live in a low-lying area, you need to research your neighborhood’s flood risk and get in touch with neighbors to determine whether you can safely build your beach house. Flood-prone areas are designated as blue and red zones. These flood zones contain a water body and the surrounding floodplain. While blue zones are less likely to experience significant flooding, they still pose a considerable risk. If you live in a blue zone, you should take extensive precautions to protect your property.
A separate flood insurance policy can protect your property and increase your property value in case of a flood. Homeowners’ insurance does not cover flooding, so it’s worth having a separate flood policy. When you purchase your new beach house, check your insurance agent about how much coverage you need. The flood insurance coverage will vary based on the risk zone in which your beach house is located.
Outside living space
If you’ve always wanted to live by the beach, you may want to consider purchasing a beach house. While it’s true that many beach houses are oceanfront, not all of them have great outdoor living spaces. Consider whether or not you’ll want to spend a lot of time outdoors, as well as whether or not you’ll have plenty of privacy.