Owning a beachfront property on Topsail Island comes with a lot of benefits, particularly the beautiful location. A lot of people assume premium coastal homes are unattainable. However, on Topsail Island, there is a range of affordable luxury homes and condos. 

How do you find your dream beachfront property on the island? Finding the perfect property takes time and research. You'll need to scout out the right community, decide on the type of home, and consider other important factors before finally making an offer on your dream home.

The coast of North Carolina is an amazing place to live, though picking out the right property can feel challenging. We'll go through all the tips and insights you should know about before you dive into the high-end real estate market on Topsail Island.

Consider the Town

One of the first steps you should take when searching for a home is to consider the location. On the island, you'll have the choice of deciding between three towns–North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach. All three towns have laid-back island energy and public fishing piers. However, they all have distinct differences that make them unique. 

If you're looking for a small-town feel, you'll appreciate the family-friendly vibes of the south side of the island–Topsail Beach. In this town, you'll have access to gorgeous uncrowded sandy beaches that are perfect for spending long days with your family during summer vacation. There is also a small selection of local shops, restaurants, and businesses on this end of the island.

Surf City is located in the center of the island. As the hub of the island, there are many restaurants, bars, shops, and activities to keep you entertained. If you like being near the action, you'll appreciate the proximity to everything. Additionally, if you're looking for great real estate investment opportunities, Surf City properties are a good choice, as visitors like to stay in this area.

If you enjoy upscale living, you'll love the luxury homes for sale in North Topsail Beach. In this quiet and relaxed community, you'll be near great parks, trails, and beaches. If you love the outdoors and having plenty of space, you'll love the community at the north end of the island. There aren't many restaurants, shops, or businesses, so the town has a relaxing residential feel to it. Additionally, the high-end real estate on this side of the island features expansive beachfront estates as well as more modest condos. 

Consider the Property Type

Once you've settled on the town/community, you can continue your real estate search by considering what property type you're looking for. On the island, there are a few different options. Depending on your budget, preferences, and other needs, you may decide that a specific property type suits your desires more than others. 

For example, you'll need to choose whether you want to buy a beachfront property, a second-row home, a third-row home, or a condo. Each option has its own pros and cons. If you want the best views and direct access to the waterfront, you'll want to buy a beachfront property. However, these property types are the most expensive and won't work with every budget. 

In that case, you might consider buying a second-row or third-row home. These houses, though not located directly next to the water, often have amazing views. They typically are also a short walk to the beach. 

If you're looking for the most affordable option, you might consider a condo. You can even find condos with gorgeous views of the water right near the beach. Though you won't have the space a house provides, condos often have great community amenities. Plus, you won't have to worry about upkeep or maintenance as you would with a house. 

Decide What Features You Would Like 

Luxury homes often have great amenities and features throughout the property. However, unless you're working with an incredibly high budget, it's difficult to find a property with every feature you desire in it. You'll need to prioritize the features that matter most to you. Some of the popular features included in the most exclusive properties on the island include: 

  • Private dock

  • Hot tub

  • Community/private pool

  • Outdoor shower

  • Elevator

  • Garage

  • Balcony/porch

You should also figure out other important and necessary features, like size. If you have a large family, you'll need to think about how many bedrooms you'll need. You'll also need to consider any outdoor features you might need or want, such as a garage, shed, or private boat dock.

Some of these features may cause the price of the listing to be high, so you may not be able to find a property with all of your desired features. You should think about what features you absolutely need and what features would be nice to have but aren't deal breakers. 

Think About Whether You Would Like to Use the Property as an Investment

Finding the right property on Topsail Island will depend on what you intend to use it for. Many people choose to buy properties on Topsail Island for investment purposes. Since the island is a popular vacation destination, renting out your home can bring you a sizeable income, especially during the busy summer season. 

Many homeowners choose to live part-time on the island. This way, they'll still get rental income, and they are able to use the house for their own family vacations. If you're thinking about buying one of the premium coastal homes for sale on Topsail Island, you should consider whether you will be renting the property for all or part of the year. For investing in luxury homes, you'll also need to pay attention to features that can fetch you more rental money, like beach proximity, the number of bedrooms, and ocean views. 

Understand the Local Real Estate Market

For those people interested in buying beachfront estates, the real estate market will need to be taken into account. Though Topsail Island is more affordable compared to other popular vacation island destinations, the prices are still quite expensive. Coastal real estate is always in-demand, so you'll have to research and prepare yourself for the market. 

The best way to get your dream property is to find a trusted and local real estate team. At Lewis Realty Associates, Inc., we have been in business for years and understand the local Topsail market. Whether you're brand new to the area or you've been coming to the island for years, it helps to have a knowledgeable team of real estate professionals to answer your questions and help you find the perfect home.

If you're interested in upscale living, you'll want to check out some of the most exclusive properties on Topsail Island. These homes are located in quiet but friendly communities and are often located right near the beach. Finding the perfect home may seem challenging at first, but with proper research and planning, you can easily find the beach house of your dreams. To make things a lot easier, get in touch with our real estate team to help you on your home-buying journey.