Anyone who loves a holiday by the ocean also dreams of owning a beach home. This is perfectly understandable as living right next to the waters can be a relaxing, fun, and magical experience. It feels like being on holiday all year round! Nevertheless, owning a beachfront property comes with some challenges you must be aware of before you rush into purchasing one.
To help you make your decision, the team at Arlene and Keith Beckwith have weighed up the pros and cons of Oxnard beachfront homes. Read on to find out if beach living is for you!
Pros:
Pro: Improved Well-Being
Have you ever noticed how good you feel after returning home from a beach holiday? It's not just about recharging your batteries; it's a well-known fact that time spent near the ocean is good for your health. The beach water is a natural antidepressant with the blue tones of the water and sky evoke a sense of calm, just like the sound of the ocean. Moreover, ocean air contains salt and iodine, which benefit the respiratory system and the skin. When living in a beach home, you're also more likely to spend time outdoors basking in the sun and replenishing your vitamin D stores (a vitamin many Americans are otherwise deficient in).
Pro: High Property Value
Beach homes have always been popular and will remain so for many years to come. In particular, the Oxnard beach real estate market has been experiencing strong demand to buy over the last decade, and this trend is unlikely to change. This means that if you invest in an Oxnard beach home right now, its value will only increase over time—especially if you take good care of it! Now, you may never want to sell your home after experiencing the beach lifestyle, but knowing that you have a valuable property will make the initial investment easier.
Pro: Added Income
If you do not want to sell your home, you can still earn money by renting it out. Especially during the peak season, beachfront homes in Oxnard are easy to sublet to holidaymakers, bringing you extra income to cover your mortgage payments well into the fall months. In addition, if you decide to rent out your home, you may qualify for tax benefits as you can write off business-related expenses such as property management fees, insurance, repair costs, and more.
Pro: Things to Do
Living by the beach never gets boring. For adults and children alike, there is plenty to do, such as swimming, boating, or just taking a long walk in the sunset while collecting seashells. When living in Oxnard, you'll have access to lovely pristine beaches, as well as entertainment options like the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, Oxnard Beach Park and plenty of shops and restaurants. If that's still not enough to keep you busy, don't forget: Los Angeles is only an hour's drive away!
Cons:
Con: High Upfront Costs
There's no way around it. Oxnard real estate is a luxury investment, so expect to pay more than for a similar house away from the coast. If it's a vacation property, you'll have to pay higher mortgage rates than for a primary residence, and the down payment may be higher too. In addition, homeowner's insurance is expensive because the house needs to be insured against all the hazards that threaten beachfront properties.
Con: Increased Need for Maintenance
Your beach home will be constantly exposed to the elements, like salt, water, humidity, strong winds, and sand. Without proper maintenance, its value can quickly decrease, making it uncomfortable to live in and unattractive to buy.
However, an effective maintenance routine can go a long way in protecting your home. You will likely need to control corrosion and dampness, remove rust from metal surfaces, clean the exterior to prevent sand build-up, and repaint surfaces where the paint is chipping. Once you have your routine, these tasks will be easy to manage!
Also Read: Oxnard Beachfront Home Maintenance 101
Con: Changing Sea Levels
Sea levels are rising, and the time will come when coastal land becomes smaller and some homes uninhabitable. But that doesn't necessarily mean your beach home is doomed. To be on the safe side, consult a land surveyor who can help you determine where your property line ends and give you an insight into how stable your coastline is. You can also do a lot to prevent erosion by planting and maintaining trees on your land. But of course, it's more reasonable to invest in the Oxnard beachfront homes for sale which won't be affected by erosion.
Con: Lack of Privacy
If you are looking for a quiet and private space, consider buying a home that isn't too close to popular beaches. As you might expect, the beach attracts tourists, so the beach right by your home may get crowded in the high season. However, this problem can be easily solved by purchasing a beach home that's a little off the tourist radar. Besides, the beaches might not be an issue if you'd like having a vibrant life around your home.
The Bottom Line
Owning a beach home is a wonderful experience, even though it comes with unique challenges. The initial investment is high, and since your home will be vulnerable to the elements of nature, it will require intensive maintenance. On the other hand, the initial investment will quickly pay off as you get a luxury property that you can easily rent out in the summer, not to mention the health benefits that compensate for the expense. Ultimately, it is a dream that requires some sacrifice, but it's so worth it!
If you have weighed up the pros and cons of living by the sea and are looking to invest in a beachfront property, contact Oxnard real estate experts Arlene and Keith Beckwith. With decades of experience in Oxnard beach homes for sale, Arlene and Keith Beckwith know all the ins and outs of beachfront properties. Contact them at 805-338-4466 or fill out our online form, and let them help you with your next real estate investment in Oxnard.