Before You Buy Beachfront Property, Read This
Beachfront property sounds luxurious and like a dream come true: you get to wake up to the sounds of the ocean, watch the waves crash against the shore, and enjoy the cool breeze. But there can be some downsides as well. Here are a few things you’ll want to consider before purchasing a beachfront property.
The weather can damage your property.
The beach and sea produce some of the most consistently damaging weather patterns. The salty air will corrode the paint on your car and home, and the sand-filled wind acts as an abrasive and will further strip the paint off everything exposed to the elements. Windows are also damaged and scratched by the sand, and the constant humidity can easily rust metal.
Upkeep can be a hassle and frequently replacing damaged pieces is costly.
Buying insurance is expensive.
Insurance for property located near the beach is nothing short of exorbitant. After purchasing a beachfront property for what is likely a higher-than-average price, insurance will cost you even more money. In addition to regular insurance, you’ll need to purchase extra coverage to insure against damages like hurricanes, storms, and floods.
People can be a nuisance.
Living by the ocean means you have a great view, but this also means other people will want to catch a glimpse. You can expect visitors at all hours of the day. People will be parking on the street and in front of your house, sometimes blocking your driveway. It will also be noisy; foot and car traffic will be frequent.
Unwanted visitors might even go on to your property to access the beach if you live between a busy street and the beach. You’ll need to be careful regardless: if a visitor gets hurt on your property it could be your responsibility.
Climate change is a threat.
Unfortunately, you’ll need to seriously consider climate change as a real concern if you are thinking about purchasing a property by a large body of water.
Rising sea levels due to melting ice and thermal expansion due to warming of the ocean can threaten to overtake your property if it’s close enough to the beach. Regardless, it will encourage the degradation of the land through erosion of the cliff sides or through the gradual washing away of the sand.
According to the National Ocean Service, a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration branch of the U.S. Department of Commerce, rising sea levels mean more flooding. This flooding will cause millions of dollars of damage to surrounding areas. Depending on how close your property is located to the ocean, this could mean it’s in a prime location for flooding.
Final Thoughts
The beach is a beautiful, peaceful place with a serene environment that can provide a great source of pleasure for those who live near it. But having your home near a constant source of change can have serious downsides. Aside from expensive insurance and potential trespassers, climate change is a serious threat that can lead to damage or a total loss of property.
