There’s a lot to be said for owning a home on the water. Who wouldn’t want to wake up to the sights and sounds of a lovely beach each morning? However, buying an oceanfront home can be a high-stakes endeavor. Beachfront properties tend to come with greater risks – along with a substantially bigger price tag, of course. We’ve compiled our top five tips to keep in mind when shopping for your own luxury beach getaway.
1. Work with an Agent Who Specializes in Waterfront Homes
When purchasing a beachfront home, you’ll want to work with a broker who has ample experience with waterfront properties. Because these listings present their own challenges and risks, finding an agent who’s familiar with the luxury oceanfront market is important. These experts tend to have more in-depth knowledge of things like shoreline conditions, city or state regulations regarding the waterfront itself, and the culture of particular neighborhoods, among other considerations of value.
2. Consider the Home’s Proximity to the Water
Just how close to the water do you want – or need – to be? It sounds like a dream to wake up in the morning, step out onto the patio, and watch the waves crash ashore. However, this picturesque setting might turn into a nightmare if a hurricane were to threaten. Knowing your primary motivations for purchasing a waterfront property can help you evaluate the level of risk you’re willing to take on when it comes to your proximity to the ocean itself. You should also remember that property insurance and flood insurance will be far higher the closer your home is to the water.
3. Look for Quality Construction and Storm-Proof Features
Depending on the location of your home, you might be concerned about hurricanes, nor’easters, or even earthquakes. No matter what area you’re in, it’s critical to remain prepared for harsh, damaging weather or dangerous seismic activity. Concrete and steel-reinforced construction, impact-resistant windows, metal roofs, and other high-value building safeguards can be the difference between weathering the storm and filing an insurance claim for tens of thousands of dollars (or more) in damages. For high-end homes very close to the water, elevation on stilts is desirable, and having a generous budget for unforeseen repairs during storm season is crucial.
4. Shop for the Land as Much as the House
It’s easy to fall in love with the luxurious features of a beach house – and overlook the details of the property it sits on. If you want to boat, swim, surf, and partake in other activities on the water, it’s crucial to ensure you’re happy with the level of beach and ocean access you’re going to have.
Don’t just trust your eye; get input from neighbors and those knowledgeable about the area. Remember, you can always update the house itself after purchase to add the features and amenities you want. It’s the location and the lifestyle it affords that you’re really buying.
5. Look for Practical Outdoor Living Areas
For most would-be beachfront homeowners, being able to enjoy the outdoors is a huge motivation for purchasing a property on the water. So, when shopping for a home, we think it’s wise to consider the accessibility and practical use of outdoor spaces connected to the house. Can you access the outdoor dining areas from the kitchen? Are patios or lanais designed to facilitate easy circulation and practical, everyday use? If you want to build your own outdoor living space or add on to an existing one, consider what geographic features might help (or hinder) those updates.
Bonus: Consider a Luxury Home Auction
Finding the right beachfront property can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. That’s why it makes sense to have a knowledgeable team on your side. For many, purchasing an oceanfront home at auction provides the best buying experience – and the best possible deal on a luxurious oceanfront home.
Get in touch with our team to discover and learn about the many beachfront properties we’ve sold at auction today.
