Buyers who are interested in waterfront living should certainly be asking this question. The emphasis here is not so much on the actual cost of the home itself (here in the Carlsbad and Encinitas area you can expect to pay $2 million - $8 million for the privilege of owning a 2000 - 3000 SF home on the water, and even more in Solana Beach, Del Mar and La Jolla) but more in terms of the costs of ownership.

Those who have owned oceanfront property are well aware of the added costs, apart from the purchase price. But for those for whom this would be a new experience, there are some additional costs and issues to be aware of:

Homeowner's insurance - premiums will be higher, perhaps significantly so, due to being on the water with its inherent risks. And some insurance companies will not even insure waterfront property

Erosion - a major problem for ocean front property, whether on a bluff or not. General maintenance, plantings, and erosion measures such as seawalls may be necessary. Seawalls are VERY expensive and it may be quite difficult to obtain permits for them, even in the face of erosion problems, sometimes taking several years due to governmental agency and local town regulations. I am aware of estimates of $150K - $180K for a 25 foot long seawall that is 20 feet high at the base of the bluff. And in at least one community the town is levying an additional fee for homeowners who install seawalls ($1000 per linear foot of wall) because it impacts the public use of the beach.

Exterior maintenance costs - these can also become quite costly due to the impact of salt, wind, sun and moisture which can damage the walls, roof and windows. The sun can also damage the interior fabrics on furniture and floors (carpet, hardwood) over time. Storms present even more issues in term of exterior damage and erosion. And moisture/humidity can cause increased mold and mildew on both the exterior and interior of an oceanfront home.

You may be limited as to what you can do in terms of exterior improvements to your home in a waterfront area due to conservation and environmental issues, or zoning codes. You might not be allowed to build stairs, or put up a deck, or special approvals and permits may be required, which cost money.

Other additional costs- There might be additional costs for outdoor furniture to withstand the weather, such as teak, specialized window coverings or sunblinds, and for some homes, exterior storm shutters (common in hurricane-prone areas). Some homeowners elect to install special windows which can provide protection from the sun's harmful rays.

Living on the ocean can be a wonderful experience, with fabulous views and the ability to enjoy the beach and sunsets. Be sure to do your due diligence when buying beachfront property so you understand the issues you may need to content with, and the additional costs of homeownership.

***************************

Start YOUR CARLSBAD HOMES SEARCH HERE (and other area communities

Visit CARLSBAD COMMUNITY REPORTS for profiles on communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods

Request FREE BUYER AND SELLER REPORTS HERE

MORE REAL ESTATE INFORMATION:

Fans of Coastal San Diego - a fun blog about living in the San Diego area, including Carlsbad. I would love to have you stop by and add your own thoughts and recommendations.

Relocation A to Z - everything buyers and sellers need to know about relocation to Carlsbad, or anywhere else.

First Time Buyer Central - for new AND experienced buyers

JEFF DOWLER, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, SRES, Ph.D., REALTOR

RE/MAX Associates - Encinitas  (760) 840-1360 direct or text

Email:  Jdowler@remax.net

Website:  http://www.jeffdowler.com/