Hey there, fellow beach Lover!
Remember those days when we’d pack a picnic, wrangle up the kids, and head to the beach, only to find that parking was a nightmare? Once, after a particularly tough hunt for a parking spot, I jokingly said to my friend, “You know what, maybe I should just buy a place here.” Fast forward a few years, and with more real estate experience under my sunhat, here we are…Living Emerald Coast Florida and Discussing the idea of owning a beachfront condo with fans of Low Maintenance Living!
Let’s jump into the fun and sometimes “sandy” waters of pros and cons of Beachfront Condos. Oh, and don’t worry, I’ve kept it simple. To explore what is available now on the Emerald Coast, check out the COASTAL Search page for all your options today. Return frequently and sign up for a Search Save account – the SEARCH PARTY feature will have the whole family involved in finding the Right Place for your needs.
The Sunny Side: Pros of Beachfront Condominium Ownership
1. Prime Location
Imagine waking up, pulling aside the curtains, and BOOM! There’s the ocean, right at your doorstep. No more packing up the car or forgetting the sunscreen at home (Yep, did that last summer). With a beachfront condo, every day feels like you’re on holiday, even if you’re just sipping your morning coffee in your PJs.
2. Investment Potential
The first thing my realtor mentor ever told me was, “Waterfront is gold in real estate.” Over the years, I’ve noticed that beachfront properties often get more value over time. Plus, if you ever feel like you’re out at sea a little too much, you can always rent out your place. Think of it like sharing a bit of sunshine with others and getting paid for it!
3. Amenities Galore
Have you ever stayed in one of those fancy resorts with the fancy pools and gyms? Many beachfront condos feel just like that, but it’s all yours, all year round. Plus, they usually have extra security. I remember a time when my niece left her favorite stuffed bunny at the pool. Thanks to the tight security and close community, Mr. Bun-Bun was safely returned the next day. Many Emerald Coast area condominiums include EVERY utility, which is handy. Water/Sewer, Cable TV AND Electricity keep the Short Term Rental accounting simple.
4. Tight-knit Community Vibe
Living in a beachfront condo often feels like joining a club of fellow beach enthusiasts. My neighbor, Mrs. Patterson, holds the best beach barbeques. And then there’s Jake, a retiree, who gives surfing lessons. It’s not just about the beach; it’s about the people you share it with.
5. Investment Income
Short Term Rentals are easy to find on Coastal Condo Developments. Many include the option for On-Site Management, in addition to the Vacation Rental marketing companies serving individual Property Owners. Adding enough STR income to cover the Annual Maintenance Costs can be pretty helpful – allowing you to enjoy the free utilities when you come to visit. Make sure the math adds up before jumping. in, but the water could be fine along the Emerald Coast where investment is concerned.
The Stormy Side: Cons of Beachfront Condominium Ownership
1. The Cost Factor
The truth is, owning a piece of paradise isn’t always cheap. I once checked out a condo for a client and, wow, the price tag made my eyes pop! Plus, just like you’d pay to keep your garden looking sharp, there are monthly fees for the condo’s upkeep.
2. Maintenance and Storage
Speaking of upkeep, the beach can throw a few curveballs. Salty air, surprise storms… they’re all part and parcel of living by the shore. STORAGE capacity will be a concern for most humans planning a full-time residence in a coastal condo. Particularly, where Garage Space for your prized Transportation fleet (Automobiles) are parked. Most parking is outdoors, maybe possible to find some shade, but indoor parking at the beach is not really indoors. Many units will have an ‘owners closet’, for secure storage of things the owner does not need to schlepp around for a visit. This may be no larger than a hall coat closet at your place away from the Beach – so pack light!
3. Limited Privacy
Imagine sunbathing and suddenly feeling like the star of a tourist’s photo album. Yup, beaches can get crowded. Plus, condos, by nature, are close to each other. Remember Mrs. Patterson and her barbeques? Well, she also loves opera and sometimes forgets how thin the walls are.
4. Changing Shorelines – and Assessments
The beach is a fickle friend. Sometimes it’s right there, and other times, due to erosion, it seems a bit farther away. I used to have a favorite beach spot as a kid, but over the years, it’s changed quite a bit. If you’re thinking long-term, this is something to keep in mind. An example is the Sundestin International building of 250 units – right on the Beach with Indoor and Outdoor pools. The Engineers have given a THUMBS UP on the safety, but the 1980’s condo stack is needing some maintenance – of about $30,000,000 :0. The assessments ARE coming on this Building and my cocktail napkin math tells me to expect between $101,000 and $149,000 assessments for ONE to THREE bedroom units in the building.
Wrapping it Up with a Seashell Bow
Life’s a beach, and owning a beachfront condo can be a dream. But like that time I tried to build a sandcastle at high tide (spoiler: didn’t work out), there are challenges too. The maintenance free lifestyle is a place that every human eventually gets to, so why not enjoy some at the Beach. (I tell clients for years that I will only help you buy a CONDO – if it is On the Beach or a Ski Slope, or they need to sign a waiver. Pied-à-terre units in Urban scene’s almost always lose money when maintenance and taxes are factored.
If you’re considering diving into beachfront condo ownership, remember to think about what’s most important to you. Is it the view? The community? Being able to do the moonwalk on the beach at midnight? (Tried it, 10/10 would recommend.)
Owning a beachfront condo has its sunny and stormy sides, but isn’t that what makes the beach so magical in the first place?
Stay sandy, my friends! And if you ever want to chat more about beachfront life, you know where to find me – probably at the beach, trying to perfect my sandcastle game.