Better Homes & Gardens Modern Farmouse Platform

Buying a Waterfront Home

CC0/ skeeze/Pixabay

Could there be a property more inviting than a waterfront home? The place could be a money pit that needs everything replaced but most of us would ignore that if the view is idyllic. That's the problem with buying a property in a naturally beautiful location? you can easily miss the issues with the place when you're sold on the view. You'll need to check out everything you would normally look for when buying any property in any location but what else should you watch out for when buying a waterfront home?

Water Damage

Water's great to gaze out at but it's not so kind to a property. Water damage is sometimes difficult to spot but the damage it can do could leave you with a massive bill. Careful and comprehensive checks will need to be carried out before you commit your money. Has water intruded into the basement because of the high water table? Are there signs of corrosion from the salt water? Check for mold or mildew caused by the high level of moisture in the air.

Surveys

You'll need to have surveys, water quality tests, elevation certificates, and any other land or water-based inspections you feel are appropriate before committing to buy. These will reveal any hidden problems that could make owning the property more expensive than you expected. You should also check for expenses you wouldn't expect with other properties such as well and septic tank lift fees. Water and sewer rates are also known to be more expensive for waterfront properties, so check that you will be able to afford them.

Insurance

You've probably considered the increase in insurance premiums you'll face when you live on the waterfront due to the increased risk of flooding, but beachfront properties are also more prone to hurricane and earthquake damage, so your insurance premium might be higher than you're expecting. Get estimates on those costs from several insurers before you fall in love with the property and commit your money to it.

History

Know your history and you'll have a good idea of how things will go with the property in the future. You can easily research the shoreline history online or in local libraries. This will give you an understanding of what might happen in the future. When water and dirt mix the shore moves and the earth under a beachfront property will provide less of a foundation. If that happens, the property could be lost to the sea. A less severe problem could occur when the shoreline moves and your waterfront home ends up a quarter of a mile from the sea.

Vacation Home or Only Home?

If this is going to be your vacation home, you'll need to consider everything written above but you'll also be interested in the area around the property. Is there great nightlife? Are there great restaurants within walking distance? How easily can you get to major tourist attractions? These things won't be as important as the crime rates in the area, the quality of the schools and hospitals in the area if you're thinking of living there so be careful not to look over the place as a tourist if this will be your home. That's not so easily done when the view is to die for.