So, you’ve finally decided to buy your dream home? That’s great.
For most people, living in a coastal home by the ocean side is a dream come true. It’s like being on vacation all year round. The sound of the ocean waves, the cool ocean breeze, and the “chirping” of seagulls—It’s all magical.
It sounds great, right? Well, don’t let your excitement get the better of you. You still have a lot to learn if you are new to buying coastal homes—These are not your ordinary homes.
We’ve seen so many people rush into buying “sandy” homes only for them to get stuck in the sand.
Don’t worry. We’re here to help. Continue reading to find out what you need to look out for when buying a coastal home.
1. The less popular upcoming locations
Most first-time buyers are quick to rush into popular locations. Sure, most of the already established and popular coastal towns are fun to live in—They have the best facilities and are always buzzing with exciting activities. However, the housing in such locations tends to be costlier. In addition to that, you should also expect to pay higher property premiums.
It’s all good if you can afford the homes in popular locations. Nevertheless, we’d advise you to be on the lookout for coastal homes in less popular beach towns. Why?
First, the cost of real estate and premiums are usually relatively cheaper.
Second, buying a coastal home in a less popular location is a good long-term investment. Over time, the property will appreciate. You stand to make a lot of profit if you decide to sell the property in the future.
Many cities in Ontario rank among the most underrated coastal regions in North America. Visit this website to learn about coastal homes for sale in Innisfil.
2. The availability and quality of social amenities and utilities
We advise you to try and buy a coastal home in a location you have experienced in the past. Maybe it’s a place you visited on vacation with your family or friends. That way, you will have firsthand experience of how it is to live in such a location.
How is the water? How is the transport? Are there schools nearby?—Remember, the location should cater to all your lifestyle needs. How are the people around there? Do you see yourself getting along with them and their culture?
Coastal towns (especially those in hotspot locations) tend to experience a massive influx of people during the summers. Are you okay with that?
3. Sea proximity
Do you want to live exactly on the beachfront?
Beachfront houses are significantly more expensive than houses that are inland or a few streets back. In addition to that, their premiums are higher—We’re talking 50% higher than inland houses.
Besides price, you should also consider the amount of space available to you. Usually, beachfront homes occupy very little space. Why? Because the land next to the sea is quite expensive.
Are you looking to build a family in a coastal home? We advise you to go for an in-land home that isn’t too far from the beach. That way, you’ll be able to get larger houses at better prices. The houses will also come with plenty of space for expansion, a garage, and a garden.
4. Safety from elements
Living in a coastal town is fun and all, but it also comes with its fair share of issues. You need to be aware of the special maintenance required for coastal homes.
For example, the air in coastal towns is salty. In case you didn’t know, salt is a catalyst for corrosion. When inspecting the home, look for signs of rust.
We also advise buyers to hire a home inspector when buying a home. In this case, you need a home inspector who is experienced with coastal homes.
Besides rust, there are more serious issues you should address when buying a home. For example, is the area prone to flooding? If the answer is “yes,” then we advise you to politely walk away. Flooding is a dire problem that can cost you a lot of money and headache in the future.
5. Income potential
A coastal home can earn you a lot of money if you play your cards right. Renting part of your home (Airbnb) is also something you should consider when buying a coastal home.
Do you like the idea? Then maybe you should invest in a coastal area that is of “medium” popularity. Also, get a house that is large enough for you to rent out without disrupting your home-life.
Most importantly, we advise you to go through the area’s housing laws and regulations to find out if Airbnb is legal.
If it is legal, do some undercover investigation on some of your future competition—Know the rates and confirm beforehand if the venture is indeed profitable.
Note: Blindly depending on your rental income to pay your mortgage—That’s one of the worst mistakes you can make with your coastal home. If that’s your plan, then you need to be at least 97% sure it will work. In addition to that, you also need a backup plan if “Plan A” fails.
Most coastal homeowners tend to forget that the income they get will be slashed by maintenance costs and other necessary expenses. Have that in mind as you try to predict your “expected” Airbnb income.
6. Insurance rates
We’re not trying to discourage you, but coastal homes are in every way, more expensive than regular homes. Therefore, be prepared for the high insurance rates that come with coastal homes.
Why the high insurance rates? As mentioned earlier, living in a coastal town means you are more prone to flooding. Also, the saline atmospheric conditions wear the houses a lot faster.
Coastal home insurance is even more important for those planning to rent out their homes. We get nightmares every time we think about the homeowners who rent out their coastal homes without proper insurance.
We know it’s costly. Nevertheless, we strongly advise you to take insurance for your coastal home. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Also, when disaster happens, you’ll be glad you made the right decision.
Don’t rush it. Take your time and shop for the best insurance rates. Remember, it’s their job to win you over with the best insurance rates and terms.