The amount of second home purchases has increased dramatically. Whether it is because more homebuyers are discovering the benefits of investing in real estate or the trend towards creating unique guest homes on Airbnb has increased, the market for second homes has never been better.
For those that are looking for a second home where they can enjoy vacation time with their family and friends, the most popular location is along a sandy beach. If you are lucky enough to live in an area that has proximity to a stunning shoreline, you may be interested in purchasing a beach house for your family.
Whether you prefer a cottage in the Hamptons or a cabin on the Great Lakes, finding the perfect beach home may take some time and consideration. You can learn more on TimdavisHamptons.com about available properties in the Hamptons. If you dream of summers at the beach, there is more to consider than bringing your sunscreen. Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors to consider before buying a beach house.
Secure Structure
While living at the beach may include sunshine and waves and the ultimate playground for your family, it can also mean severe weather, including hurricanes and nor’easter coastal storms. Before you sign on the dotted line for the beach house of your dreams, it’s important to ensure that your house has the right structural protection.
Beach homes take a lot of abuse from the changing weather. Before you buy, you need to make sure that your house is constructed with suitable materials. Hurricane-resistant windows, waterproofing in the basement, and flood-prevention techniques should be must-have features. Making safety and structural improvements to your beach house will help you to save money on your insurance premiums.
HOA and Property Management Fees
If you are considering purchasing a beach house as a vacation home, you will need to consider its care when you aren’t there. If you belong to an HOA, they may be responsible for some exterior maintenance and security. If you are buying a private property, you could need the services of a property management company to maintain the home while you are not using it. Both an HOA and property management services will have fees that should be considered as part of your overall costs.
Outdoor Space
When buying a home at the beach, you will want to enjoy all the benefits of an outdoor lifestyle. You will have to determine if the outdoor space available at a home will be sufficient for your needs. You should also decide whether you want a home that is directly on the beach or something a bit further back with a view of the water. Keep in mind that the closer the house is situated to the water, the higher the sale price.
Rental Income
If you are only planning on using your beach house for a few weeks or months out of the year, you may have the potential to create some rental income. You could rent out your home to vacationers and bring in enough money to help you make your mortgage payment. It’s essential to disclose your rental plans with your HOA, as they may have strict regulations regarding renting your home to non-residents.
Flood Risk
Before buying a property at the beach, you need to find out if you are in a flood zone. The changing tides and water levels along the shoreline can vary greatly, leaving your home prone to a flooding disaster. Many homes located directly on the beach are constructed using stilts to reduce the impact of rising waters. It’s important to determine if the home you are interested in has been made with flood-resistant materials and is at low risk for damage.
Insurance Costs
Due to unpredictable weather, you should expect to pay higher than average home insurance costs on a beach house. With the more significant risks of damage from flooding and storms, you will need to shop around for the best prices. Depending on your location, you may need to add an extra flood coverage rider to your policy.
Neighbors
You may be looking for a beach house so that you can enjoy the quiet and isolation, or you may be interested in more of a festive community filled with family and neighborhood fun. Before you decide on your beach house property, it’s essential to consider the neighbors. Are they living there full-time? How close together are the properties? Will you have the privacy that you want?
Buying a beach house is a dream for many homeowners. If you are looking for a second home along the shore, consider these factors before buying to get the right house that will be perfect for your family.
