Coastal living is a dream for many property buyers. We take a look at what you need to take into consideration before making a move to live by the sea.
Whether you choose to live in a popular tourist destination or quiet coastal region, there are several points to look at when buying a coastal home.
Prices
You need to be sure that you are securing a property that is right for your needs. Coastal living can be expensive, and you may find that your money does not stretch as far if you opt for a popular area.
The upside to this is that your property may be more likely to hold its value or to increase to keep up with property prices elsewhere. You could also have the option of renting it out to holidaymakers if you choose to move out but keep owning it.
Land
Property by the coast may be on a smaller plot than property elsewhere. As well as a smaller garden, you may find that homes do not come with garages or off-street parking. If you are in a very busy area, this could be a problem during the summer and school holidays when tourists arrive.
You are strongly advised to visit the area and the property during peak season to make sure you know how busy it will be and to gauge whether you would be happy living there throughout the year.
Employment
Coastal areas sometimes have fewer quality job opportunities, particularly if they are remote or not near a major town or city. You will also need to take into account the length of time it might take to commute, particularly if you are thinking of moving somewhere that will be busy in the summer.
Amenities and transport links
Some coastal areas that rely on tourism may have less in the way of health facilities, schools and other services needed by residents. The shops may be geared towards tourism and you could find that there is little to do out of season. Again, you should try and find out what the area is like during different times of the year and what services and public transport links are available.
Flooding
It is worth having a flood report carried out if you are buying near the coast or a river so that you are aware of the level of risk. While some coastal properties might not be any more likely to flood than inland homes, in some areas coastal flooding is a very real problem.
Coastal erosion
You should also make enquiries into coastal erosion, which can be a problem in some areas. While a property might seem safe from harm now, if erosion is not checked then properties nearby will fall in value.
Property maintenance
If your property is very close to the sea or on an exposed area of land you could find that more property maintenance will be needed than on an inland property. Salty wind can be damaging and you may need to replace windows, mend the roof and repaint your home more often by the coast.
In summary
Living by the sea can offer a wonderful quality of life, with beach and clifftop walks, water sports, sailing and an outdoor lifestyle. It is important to take your time in choosing a coastal home however, to make sure you fully investigate the area before you buy.
Tourist areas can be problematic at times and living with crowds of people day after day can be wearing, particularly if you are in an area known for its nightlife. Do as much research as you can and try and stay in the area at different times of the year to ensure you know exactly what it will be like.
Once you have found somewhere to buy, ask your solicitor any questions you may have so that they can raise them with your seller’s solicitor.
Contact us
If you would like to speak to one of our expert property lawyers, ring us on 0333 305 5189 or email us at info@lpropertylawyers.co.uk
