An oceanfront property is more than just a beautiful place to call home. It’s actually a good investment too. Whether you’re looking to buy a second home along the coastline or you’re interested in a property with a lot of investment potential, an oceanfront house is a great choice. 

However, there are a few things you should consider before purchasing oceanfront real estate. Though there are a lot of benefits to owning oceanfront real estate, there are also things you should watch out for when evaluating potential properties. You’ll need to be prepared for the risks associated with these types of places so that you can properly prepare yourself and find the perfect house to fit your needs. 

We’ll explain the basics of oceanfront real estate so that you can feel confident about evaluating properties on the market. We’ll also go over helpful tips to guide you through the process of purchasing your new oceanfront property.

What Does Oceanfront Real Estate Mean?

There are a few similar terms that real estate agents and home listings often include in descriptions that may be confusing. Some of these terms seem very similar to each other, but they mean different things in the real estate world. 

  • Oceanfront property: This kind of property sits directly next to the ocean, so you’re likely to have killer views of the water from your home.

  • Beachfront property: For this type of property, the house is located directly on or adjacent to the beach.

  • Second-row home: Properties that are coined second-row homes are located behind oceanfront homes. They often have views of the water but are a few minutes walk away from the water.

  • Oceanview property: Real estate listings will often use the term oceanview generally. So any property that has a view of the ocean, no matter its proximity to the water, may be called oceanview.

Why Should You Consider Buying Oceanfront Real Estate?

If you aren’t yet convinced that oceanfront properties are a good idea, there are a few advantages of these types of homes that you should consider. Two of the most important factors that almost all home buyers think about are money and location.

Though oceanfront real estate usually is priced high, the value of these properties is likely to stay the same or even increase. The reason for this stability is the fact that oceanfront real estate is always in demand. People love to wake up to a view of the water and the smell of saltwater. Since the supply of oceanfront homes is limited, there will always be demand for this type of property. So you won’t have to worry as much about depreciation, unlike other types of real estate. Because of this stability, oceanfront properties make a great real estate investment.

You should also consider the potential profit from renting out desirable properties that face the ocean. Especially in vacation beach towns like Topsail Island, vacation rentals become super in demand during the peak summer months. If you are looking to buy properties as an investment, an oceanfront property in a popular beach town will likely be an excellent way to make a profit. 

In addition to the money aspect of buying oceanfront properties, you will also enjoy the benefits of living in a unique and beautiful location if you choose to use the property as a second home. The stunning views, local wildlife, and proximity to beaches are priceless. You aren’t only buying a home, but you’re also buying a coastal way of life. The laid-back attitude of places like Topsail Island invokes a sense of rest and relaxation that isn’t found in the city or landlocked suburbs. If you’re looking for second homes, this type of property is the perfect location for vacations and family getaways.

Are There Any Risks of Buying Oceanfront Properties That You Should Be Aware of?

There are some risks when buying oceanfront homes that you should consider. One of the biggest concerns that homeowners face along the coast is disastrous weather. North Carolina sees a lot of storms, and oceanfront homes often bear the brunt of the bad weather. You’ll need to look into insurance for flooding, storms, hurricanes, and high winds. 

Damage from storms and hurricanes can be costly, so you’ll need to be sure that you can afford repairs if necessary. However, oceanfront properties tend to have high maintenance costs in general. So, it’s important that you have enough money to adequately take care of your home.

What Should You Look for When Evaluating Oceanfront Properties?

There are a few considerations you should take into account when viewing oceanfront property listings. By looking out for these potential risks, you’ll be able to find the perfect home that won’t cause you financial stress. Some of the features of oceanfront properties that you should always take into consideration when shopping around for real estate investment properties or second homes include

  • Water levels

  • Zoning regulations

  • Erosion and flooding

  • Hurricanes

It’s important for you to research as well as talk with your real estate team to determine what kind of property is most suitable for your situation. If you aren’t that familiar with the local area, then you’ll need to figure out the risks of coastal erosion and flooding possibilities for particular properties. These can cause serious damage, so it’s important to plan and prepare for this risk. Additionally, there are certain zoning regulations that may prohibit specific types of development. For example, you may not be allowed to build beyond a certain height. 

How Do You Know When You’ve Found the Right Property to Purchase?

In order to find the right property, you should have a solid understanding of your needs, constraints, and your financial situation. If you’re looking for second homes, you may not be that interested in a large home. An oceanfront condo or a small cottage might work best for your needs. 

However, if you’re looking for a real estate investment, then you might want to consider homes that you can rent for a high price. Multiple-bedroom houses close to the beach are perfect for tourists looking to spend the summer in an idyllic coastal town. Though they might cost a lot of money initially, they can fetch a high price as vacation rentals during the peak tourist season. Plus, the value of the property is unlikely to decrease. Years later, if you are looking to sell the property, it will likely remain close to the price you bought it.

Buying an oceanfront property can be a smart financial move as well as a beautiful place to live. However, even though there are a lot of benefits to purchasing an oceanfront house, you should carefully consider all of the risks associated with this type of property. Because of weather and flooding concerns, damage to the structure and exterior of the house may be costly. You should always work with a local real estate team that can answer any concerns or questions you may have regarding oceanfront risks. If you’re looking for an experienced team of real estate professionals in the Topsail Island area, get in touch with us today, so we can get started looking at properties together.