Baxton.me
26 January 2018
There’s no denying the allure of a seafront home. Just a short stroll and you’re on the beach, and as for the views, they’re the stuff of dreams. As Hobart property managers, we’re inundated with requests for coastal properties to rent.
If you’re lucky enough to own a seafront investment property in Hobart, chances are its money-earning potential will be greater than a property a little further from the beach. People want to “live the dream,” and they’re willing to pay more to do so. But for both property owners and tenants, there are advantages and disadvantages to a seafront property.
For tenants living in investment properties in Hobart, thinking of seafront living advantages is as easy as letting the imagination run wild. Easy access to the coast means wonderful walks along the coastline, magnificent views across the ocean, and leisurely summer days with the sea only a stone’s throw away.
When the weather is stormy, you can be cosy in your home while watching the wild weather and the white horses on the wavetops. Dreamy? You bet!
For property owners, the potential return on investment they can realize through buying, renting, and later selling seafront properties is a temptation too. But although we agree that seafront living can be superb, and the property value growth excellent, it’s worth considering a few of the disadvantages of coastal living and property ownership before taking the plunge.
For property owners, the first concern must be the stability of the house itself. Before you invest in any property, seafront or otherwise, the building should be inspected. Seafront properties are subject to the forces of erosion, and you want to be sure that the building is safe.
Aside from this, corrosion from salt-laden sea air will mean higher maintenance costs. Although coated and galvanized metals are more resistant to corrosion, they’ll never last as long as they do in drier, inland conditions. Moist air will also tend to have its effect on other building materials, and mould and damp can easily become a problem.
You will get more rent for a seafront property, but your maintenance costs and insurance costs will be higher because your house is more exposed to the forces of nature.
Even if the property owner you’re renting from works through a good property management company that will attend to maintenance issues, there are a few inconveniences to consider.
When the weather is bad outdoors, you will be exposed to the brunt of it. The sea sometimes whispers pleasantly, but it can also roar. Your sea-facing windows will need to be washed frequently because sticky salt spray quickly gathers on them. The high humidity means that your washing will take longer to dry properly, and if your rented home is very near the beach, you may have privacy issues on the seafront side of your home.
Despite all the pitfalls of coastal living, we understand why people are wiling to pay so much more for it. Yes, there are practical drawbacks, but if you’re going in with your eyes open and still prefer seafront, we understand your point of view. A seaside home is almost everyone’s dream, and we have some magnificent coastal properties to rent in Hobart under our management. Would we like to live in them? Baxton Property Management staff agree: we certainly would!
We hope you enjoyed this article
The information contained in this article is based on the authors opinion only and is of a general nature which is not indicative of future results or events and does not consider your personal situation or particular needs. Professional advice should always be sought relevant to your circumstances.
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