Many of us dream of living by the sea. What many people don’t realise is that a coastal home comes with a lot of other factors to consider. Here are just some of the overlooked aspects to consider when buying a coastal home.

Quiet or touristy location?

Quiet coastal locations can be cheaper and more peaceful. However, there’s often a reason that they’re quieter – poor transport links, limited amenities and remoteness tend to be the biggest reasons. For this reason, they tend to be more popular among the retired populations who may be looking for a slower life. Finding an available property could be challenging if you’ve got a specific village in mind, so be wary of this.

Touristy locations can be more expensive to buy in, but generally have more of a buzz and a lot more going on. If you don’t mind crowds and enjoy a more fast-paced lifestyle, you could thrive in such a location. When buying a property in a touristy area, it’s often best to use a local realtor such as this Ocean City realtor Berger Realty. Property availability may be better, however properties may come and go faster.

Is a sea view necessary?

The idea of waking up to the sea is alluring. However, a sea view will often add dollars to the price tag – sometimes increasing the property value by as much as 29% according to Mortgage Introducer. Sacrificing a sea view could reduce the price. You may even find an inland property without a view that’s still in walking distance to the seafront, allowing you to still see the sea whenever you want.

Do you need a beach?

Some coastal towns and villages don’t have beaches (or at least not accessible ones). Instead, they may have cliffs or a harbour. You should decide whether a beach is a dealbreaker, or whether you’re simply happy with the sea. If a beach is important, you may also want to consider whether a sandy or stony beach is necessary.

Is there a risk of flooding/erosion?

Coastal properties tend to have more natural threats including flooding, erosion, storm damage and possibly even damage from salt in the air. It’s worth hiring a property inspection to get an idea of any structural risks before you move in. By researching the area, you may also be able to work out the frequency of floods and storms, and determine how often you may need Storm Damage Repair services to fix up your property.  

What future plans are there for the area?

Coastal areas are constantly being developed. If you’re got plans to move to a relatively quiet seaside town, you may want to check that it’s not too up-and-coming – in ten years it could be the next tourist trap. Alternatively, this could be ideal if you’re looking for a cheap property in a potentially buzzing area. If you’re hoping to land a job, you may want to look into the local industries and get an idea of where they’re going. A dying fishing town may not have good future prospects, while an upcoming coastal city is likely to have plenty of potential for growth.