Advice on Buying Waterfront Luxury Homes
Tips, Help and Things to Consider before Buying a House by the Water
Aug 24, 2009
Buying a luxury home by the water is many people's dream, but it could turn into a nightmare for anyone who doesn't take account of some of the problems of waterside or lakefront living. Before looking through those ads for luxury homes for sale, remember a few key factors.
Buying Luxury Homes by the Sea
Sea water is salty. Combine that with windy or stormy days, and there's a corrosive combination. Salty water is bad for houses and it's also bad for cars, so being right by the sea will requite home-owners to be extra-vigilant with a regular house-cleaning/car washing routine. Even without stormy weather, the sea air may have enough salt in it to cause corrosion on houses or cars.
Luxury Homes in Hurricane Zones
It hardly needs saying but a little salt water damage will be nothing compared to hurricane damage, if living on some parts of the coast. Check into the upkeep that will be needed, any extra precautions that need to be taken, and any impact this will all have on the cost of home insurance.
Safety for Luxury Homes by the Sea
A home right by the sea, or on a cliff, or with a track down to the beach, will need to be safe for children and animals. The water attracts pets and children, who may well wander off unseen if given a chance. Safety fences will be needed.
Clifftop Waterfront Luxury Properties
If a home is built on top of a cliff there may be breathtaking sea views but is the cliff safe? Is erosion a problem in the area? If it's not a problem now, might it be when it's time to sell? Buyers must always consider what happens when it's time to sell.
Learn to Swim
It goes without saying that anyone living in a home by the sea, by a lake or a river, needs to be able to swim. The whole family should be good swimmers, as accidents happen and it may one day be necessary to rescue guests, passers-by, or even the homeowner's family.
Flood Insurance for Luxury Homes
Any home near the water may be at risk of flooding, so investigate thoroughly. Buyers may feel the risk is minimal, but even so still ask two questions:
- Will it affect the home's resale value?
- Will it affect the cost of home insurance?
Flood Maps for Waterfront Luxury Homes in England and Wales
In England and Wales the Environment Agency compiles flood maps to enable home owners and potential home buyers to check if their area is in danger of flooding. In addition to imminent flood warnings, those considering buying a home by the water can also check the site for flood dangers in the area. The last thing anyone wants is to buy a luxury home right by the waterfront only to find it under six feet of water the next time there are heavy rains and a river bursts its banks.
To find out if any English or Welsh luxury homes that are for sale are in a flood area check the flood maps page of the Environment Agency website.
Luxury Waterfront Homes and Wildlife
Water attracts wildlife as well as people. Bears may poop in the woods but in some areas they come down to rivers and lakes to fish. This can obviously be a safety issue. Seagulls, ducks, geese and other birds may prefer to deposit guano on a deck or boat. As well as being unhygienic, it adds to the owner's workload. In some areas, like Florida, water also means alligators. They're quite common and not usually aggressive, but house buyers with small children or small pets must take account of it.
So there is much more to buying waterfront luxury homes than meets the eye. Consult the experts, engineers. surveyors, neighbors, local authorities, and insurance companies. Don't let the wonderful view and waterfront location over-ride common sense.
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