What to keep in mind when buying coastal property

Normal Post, Property Sales

For some it’s an investment, for others it’s a lifelong dream, and others just get to live there and that’s all – whichever one you are, a coastal property comes with its own unique challenges and things you need to keep in mind. We can often forget how much the weather and climate can influence the materials used for building so if you are looking at buying a coastal property, or you have one, let’s talk about the things to keep in mind before you do.

 

What to expect

As is always the case with property, the exact stats will depend on the neighbourhood and suburb you purchase in. If you are looking for a beachfront property in a trendy area, though, expect to dish out a fair bit of cash for it.  It is not, however, true that all property is always more expensive in coastal towns than they are inland. What is true is that the property market in South Africa over the last two years has seen more growth in coastal provinces than inland provinces and that coastal properties have outperformed inland properties. This has often been explained by the amount of semigration that has happened since lockdown changed the way we work and live. With working from home becoming more popular and accepted in all types of business sectors, many have found it more appealing and possible to move down to the coastal regions.

 

You also have to consider why you are buying the coastal property. If it is to be your family home from the get-go, it won’t be all that different from any other home buying experience. If, however, you are looking for an investment, you have a few more things to think about. Many home or apartment owners have said that they can cover the expenses of their coastal property by renting it out in peak seasons and effectively have free accommodation when they want to have a holiday during the off-peak season. Now we have come to know that regulations and lockdowns can influence travel arrangements and holiday plans, but people are still going on holiday and still looking for places to stay at the coast. If you know that you will have a great ROI, you might be happy with investing more cash into a home or apartment in a more expensive area.

 

The maintenance

You have to remember that maintenance on coastal homes can be more expensive and more frequent than on inland homes. While sea, sun, and sand is great for beach days, it’s not so great for your property.

  • Rust happens much more readily at the coast with the moist and salty sea air. Be all metals in your home are stainless steel or coated for protection. You will still need to clean it regularly to remove any residue that could promote rust.
  • Windows become dirty with a milky residue much more quickly, especially if you live close to the beach.
  • Wood needs to be checked and treated regularly as it is very sensitive to water and salt erosion.
  • Storm off the sea can be quite severe, coupled with the constant moisture and rainy weather, waterproofing and water damage can be a big issue. It is something that needs to be checked regularly – prevention is better than repair.
  • The moisture can also wreak havoc on the paint of your property. Remember to always use high-quality paint and repaint regularly or as you see the paint starting to bubble and crack.
  • Mildew is possibly the biggest issue and health problem. A room left closed for too long can develop mildew on furniture, cupboards, walls, etc. You have to air out the home or apartment very regularly and be sure that all surfaces are wiped down with a cleaning agent that keeps mildew from developing.

 

Lots and lots of people

If you are buying a property at the coast for some rest and relaxation, remember that in peak season, that might be the last thing you get as the inland folk all flock down the coast. Sure, you get your more quiet suburbs and areas that tourists might not be all that interested in, but coastal towns are still busier and fuller as everyone enjoys their holidays, especially in desirable holiday areas. On the flip side, the holiday is just for a couple of weeks a year, if you get a beach property in a more secluded area and you stick it out for those couple of weeks, you can have all the peace and quiet you could ask for.

 

When you are ready to buy (or rent) your coastal property, get in touch with property experts you can count on. At Karis, our local experts are focused on building relationships with clients on the values of honesty, trust, and reliability.