Owning a home with direct access to the ocean is a dream for many people. The idea of waking up to the sound of waves crashing on the beach and the smell of fresh ocean water conjures images of a perfect, carefree life full of relaxation and beauty.
Owning a beachfront home may seem like a dream, but there are a few things to consider when searching for that perfect ocean view property. Check out these seven things to know before buying an ocean access home, so you are prepared for the realities of living in a house by the sea.
What You Need to Know
When considering a beachfront property with ocean access, there are several elements to think about. While there are several benefits to owning a home next to the water, there are also a few challenges you need to be aware of. Here are seven points of consideration when thinking about buying or owning a home on the beach.
- Beautiful View
-Whether you live in a luxurious oceanfront condo or a quaint beach house, you have a beautiful view of the water. This is one of the best aspects of owning a property with ocean access and is usually one of the main reasons people buy a home near the water. The ability to spend time on your porch, deck, or balcony staring out at the peaceful waves at your leisure provides a tranquil escape in your own backyard. This setting positively affects your life and is a great reason to look into owning a home on the water.
- Great Investment
- Beach access property is generally a smart investment. Whether you plan to live in the home year-round, sell it in a few years, or use it as a rental for vacationers, ocean access homes can offer you a real estate investment that brings in a good ROI. As long as you do your research and choose a property in an established or budding location, you can bring in quite a profit from renting your property in the high-tourist seasons. A gorgeous waterfront home in Fort Lauderdale is a fantastic investment option due to its popularity among tourists and desirability as a living destination for young people and retirees. - Water Accessibility
-Another benefit of owning a beach home is direct access to the water. This means you can partake in all types of water sports without having to make plans weeks ahead of time or haul your equipment from another location. If you want to take a swim in the ocean, you can simply walk down to the water and hop in. If you’re going to take out your boat, water skis, or water jet, you can take it out of your storage area and get to the beach in minutes. Nothing beats the ease of access to the ocean when you live in close proximity.
- Privacy
-Privacy is a complicated subject for beach house owners, and there are pros and cons you need to be aware of. Some oceanfront homes are located on isolated beaches that don’t get much public visitation. If you prefer privacy, a house situated near a less busy beach is a great idea. These homes are often located away from big cities and popular tourist destinations, which means you get the benefit of living in a small-town environment and enjoying untouched natural scenery.
It is important to note that in Florida, there is an ongoing legal debate about beach rights. This can be a con for owning an oceanfront home, especially if you want to live in a big city like Miami or Fort Lauderdale. If you plan on owning a house with ocean access, it is essential to learn about beach rights and how they might affect you.
Florida designates that private owners’ rights to the beach extend to the Mean High Tide Line, but everything beyond is public access. This creates complications when people visiting the beach cross your property to get to the public area. Several complex legal doctrines affect this issue. If you decide to buy an ocean access property, it is something to keep in mind and ask your real estate agent about.
- Extra Costs
-There are additional costs that come into play when you own an oceanfront home. Home insurance covering flooding and other ocean-specific issues is necessary, as are potential Homeowners’ Association Fees or property management fees if you plan to rent out the property. There may be costs associated with access to boating docks and water equipment storage as well. The average costs of owning a home still generally apply to buying an oceanfront property, but you should prepare for monthly expenses to be higher than owning an inland house.
- Environmental Factors
-Homes on the beach are subject to environmental factors affecting the property. Wind, rain, moving water lines, shifting sand, and heat and humidity all play a part in the amount of work that goes into maintaining your beachfront home. You’ll want to make sure your house has a sturdy foundation and is made of suitable materials for the location and specific environmental challenges so it stays in good shape and appreciates in value.
- Natural Disasters
-Of course, one factor to consider when owning a home near the ocean is natural disasters. Florida is in the direct path of powerful tropical storms and hurricanes. Therefore your home may be hit at some point, though there’s no telling what degree of damage may occur. Be realistic about this threat, and follow recommendations on protecting your home during a natural disaster, so you don’t lose everything if one hits.
Find Your Perfect Ocean Front Property
If your dream is to own an ocean-adjacent home, Bryan Gold can help you make it a reality. With over ten years of experience buying and selling homes in South Florida, Bryan knows how to find the perfect ocean-front property for you. Let Bryan know exactly what you are looking for, and he’ll work on finding a beachfront property that fits into your plans.
Contact Bryan at (954) 464-3459 or bryan.gold@compass.com to start your journey toward the perfect ocean access home today.
