There’s no doubt owning a beach house has its pros. From the stunning view of the ocean to the sound of waves crashing against the shore, who wouldn’t love waking up to all that every day? Nawy Estate looks at some of the pros and cons of owning a beach house and sees if it’s worth the investment. We’ll also explore the factors you need to consider before making your final decision.
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What are the Pros of Owning a Beach House?
Why wouldn’t you want to own a beach house? As we mentioned, there are plenty of pros. In addition to the mesmerizing views and calming sounds, here are some more reasons why people love owning beach houses:
1. Beach houses appreciate in value.
Let’s start with the most obvious pro – beach houses tend to increase in value over time. They’re a hot commodity, which means if you ever decide to sell, you’re likely to make a good profit. Let’s break the income down into two categories: short-term and long-term.
In the short term, you can generate income by renting out your beach house when you’re not using it. This is a great way to offset some of the costs of ownership, like mortgage payments, taxes, and maintenance fees.
And in the long-term, as we mentioned, you can expect your beach house to go up in value. This is especially true if you’re able to find a property in an up-and-coming area.
Unlike traditional investments, like stocks and bonds, beach houses are a physical asset. That means you can enjoy all the benefits of ownership while you wait for the value to increase.
You can get tax benefits
Owners of vacation rentals can deduct several expenses from their taxes. This includes everything from the mortgage interest to the cost of repairs and maintenance.
Additionally, if you rent out your beach house for 14 days or less per year, you don’t have to report the income on your taxes. That’s because it’s considered personal use.
2. They’re great for entertaining guests.
Of course, one of the best parts about owning a beach house is being able to entertain guests. Whether you’re hosting a family reunion or a friend’s birthday party, there’s plenty of room to accommodate everyone.
And what could be better than celebrating special occasions with your closest friends and family while surrounded by beautiful scenery? If you love to entertain, and host parties often, owning a beach house is definitely a pro.
3. You can rent them out when you’re not using them.
As mentioned earlier, one of the great things about beach houses is that you can rent them out when you’re not using them. This is a great way to offset some of the costs of ownership.
Because beach houses are in high demand, you can charge a premium price for rent. And if you live in a popular vacation spot, you can expect to make a decent profit most months of the year. Check out Nawy Estate Hacienda West for some gorgeous options!
4. They can be good for your health.
Did you know that living near the ocean can be good for your health? It’s true! Studies have shown that people who live by the sea have lower levels of stress and anxiety.
So, if you’re looking for a way to improve your mental health, owning a beach house might be the answer. In addition to reducing stress, being by the water can also help improve your sleep quality!
5. They provide a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
When you own a beach house, you have the opportunity to live a more relaxed lifestyle. If you’ve ever dreamed of quitting your job and living by the ocean, this could be your chance.
Of course, that doesn’t mean it will be easy. But it will be worth it! If you’re looking for a complete change of pace, owning a beach house can provide that.
6. Beach houses are great retirement homes.
We all know that retirement is something we should start planning for early. And if you’re looking for the perfect retirement home, a beach house might just be it.
Beach houses provide the perfect combination of relaxation and excitement. And, because they tend to appreciate in value, they’re a great investment in case you ever need to sell.
What are the Cons of Owning a Beach House?
Of course, beach houses come with their own set of challenges. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you make your decision:
They can be expensive.
Depending on where you live, beach houses can be quite expensive. In some cases, they can cost twice as much as a traditional home.
Additionally, beach houses are often located in remote areas. That means you’ll likely have to pay more for things like groceries and gas. Talk to a real estate agent to get an idea of what you can expect to pay for a beach house in your desired area.
They require a lot of maintenance.
Because bach houses are subject to the elements, they generally require more maintenance than a traditional home. You’ll need to repaint the exterior regularly, and sand and stain the deck or porch to keep it in good condition.
Additionally, you’ll need to be extra careful about things like mold and mildew. If not properly maintained, beach houses can quickly become rundown and uninviting. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Rust on metal fixtures
- Mildew on walls and ceilings
- Water damage
- Peeling paint
- Rotting wood
They can be difficult to insure.
Beach houses are often located in areas that are susceptible to hurricanes and other natural disasters. As a result, they can be difficult (and expensive) to insure.
Before you purchase a beach house, be sure to speak with an insurance agent about your options. You may find that the cost of insurance is simply too high to justify the purchase.
You might need a property manager.
If you plan on renting out your beach house when you’re not using it, you’ll need to find a property manager. This is someone who will handle the day-to-day tasks of renting out the property, such as marketing the listing, screening tenants, and collecting rent.
Property managers typically charge a percentage of the monthly rent (usually around 30%), so be sure to factor that into your budget.
The Pros and Cons of Owning a Beach House: Additional factors to consider
Apart from the pros and cons above, there are a few other things you’ll need to keep in mind before purchasing a beach house. These include:
The cost of travel
If you plan on using your beach house as a vacation home, you’ll need to factor in the cost of travel. Depending on where the house is located, you may need to fly or drive several hours to get there.
The cost of furnishings
Beach houses are often sold unfurnished. That means you’ll need to buy (or rent) furniture for the property. This can be quite expensive, especially if you need to furnish multiple bedrooms and living spaces.
The cost of utilities
It’s best to prepare for the worst when it comes to utilities. In some cases, you may find yourself without power or water for days (or even weeks) after a storm.
Be sure to factor the cost of things like generators and portable toilets into your budget. You’ll also need to stock up on supplies like food, water, and batteries.
Final Thoughts
Owning a beach house can be one of the best investments you ever make. But it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making your decision.
If you can afford the upfront cost and are prepared for the challenges that come with owning a beach house, go for it! You’ll likely enjoy many years of fun in the sun, or years of income if you decide to rent it out. Happy house hunting!
