Many people dream of owning a waterfront home. The idea of waking up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore is an appealing one, and many buyers are willing to spend a lot of money to achieve this lifestyle. But is it really worth it?
This blog post will outline some pros and cons that come with buying waterfront properties to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of Owning Waterfront Homes
Be it on the beach or a lake, here are some good reasons why it is a great idea to own a waterfront home.
You Get to Live Near Water
As obvious as it may sound, living near water is a big plus for waterfront homeowners. Instead of having to drive hours to get to the beach or the lake, you will only be a few moments away from all the things you may want from the coast.
In addition, this type of property lets you have easy access to activities that may be difficult to do if you live in regular homes — like fishing, surfing, swimming, and boating.
Peaceful Surroundings
The biggest pro of living near the water for most people is that it generally provides a peaceful environment.
If you live on the beachfront or near the shore, you can wake up to a cool breeze and the soothing sound of the waves — and you always get to have a beautiful view.
An Appreciating Investment
Waterfront homes are generally desirable properties for the market. They can offer homeowners many appealing features, and there are fewer waterfront properties than regular dwellings, so they are more in demand. Therefore, waterfront homes can be expected to appreciate over time.
Cons of Owning Waterfront Homes
Now that you know what waterfront properties can provide, let's look at some things that might make you think twice before buying one.
Higher Costs
Because waterfront homes are so desirable to own, the listing price of these properties is much higher than traditional houses. So when buying a waterfront home, expect to pay tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars more than usual.
Furthermore, additional expenses are associated with waterfront homes, such as higher insurance fees, homeowner association fees, and maintenance costs. Flood insurance for waterfront homes is also more expensive.
Storms and Climate Change
Living in a waterfront house may be enjoyable until you get to experience the brunt of a hurricane or a storm. Being near water means you, as a resident, will have more encounters with extreme weather events than the usual homeowner.
There is also a high risk of damage from harsh winds and rains. And if things get bad enough, you may experience significant structural damage from the weather.
On top of that, climate change has become an additional concern since increasing water levels means more likelihood of flooding in general.
Tips For Purchasing A Waterfront Property
If possible, talk to local residents about their experience living in a waterfront home before making an offer or committing yourself long term. This will give you a better idea of the pros and cons that come along with living on waterfront property.
Additionally, look at historical hurricane data for your area to determine if floods are a real possibility where you wish to buy. If they are, consider getting flood insurance as part of your mortgage agreement and make sure that it is an adequate policy if any damage happens.
What the Experts Say
Matt Ward from The Matt Ward Group reiterates the benefits of living in a waterfront home. He says that living near the water can help bring calmness, relaxation, and privacy. Besides those, he also elaborates on the many things one can do when living on a beachfront.
However, despite the many perks waterfront properties bring, buyers must still be cautious when buying one. For instance, Mitchell G. David of Beach Life Ocean City advises people to first determine what type of waterfront property they want. After that, he says they should get to know the place better and find a suitable agent to help them out.
Get Multifamily’s Patrick O’ Sullivan likewise advises learning more about the dwelling, location, neighbourhood, and price before purchasing.
Conclusion
Waterfront properties have plenty of advantages for those who own them because these areas allow for easy relaxation and water-based recreational activities. These also have the potential as assets to accrue equity to the homeowner.
However, waterfront properties are more expensive to own, are at risk of flooding, and may suffer damage from storms or hurricanes. Therefore, buying one requires careful consideration, as well as thorough research conducted with a professional.
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