Learning to Invest in Real Estate at the Beach: A Brief Guide

By Jeremy Szechenyi

Purchasing land is simply buying undeveloped land near or on the beach. Finding beachfront land is a serious challenge and typically high priced. You can find land that isn't exactly beachfront, but is close to the beach, and holds some good value. Whether you decide to search for land on the beach or just back from the beachfront, the land needs to have potential value. The follow three points are things to consider.

1. Why is the land for sale?

2. Figure out if the area has utilities available for a home.

3. Are development projects forecasted or expected in the area?

First off, determine why the land is for sale. Frequently zoning restrictions prevent landowners from building or doing what they want, and they will try to sell it. If you are not aware of these restrictions and rules, you might be in for a big, and bad, surprise. The ground and surrounding area might not be supportive to buildings. For example, sinkholes might seem sturdy for many years, but can begin to falter over time, causing unstable ground. Know what you are buying before you buy.

Second, figure out if the area has utilities available for a home. Houses need utilities, like electricity, water, and sewage. Some areas, especially if reasonably remote, might not have all utilities available. Septic systems allow you to not need a sewer access, but there will probably be restrictions for their use in land near a beach. Keep in mind that if the area nearby is being developed, then there might be a chance for the utilities to become available. This situation could give you a chance to purchase the land for a low price, and have the value rise substantially when a house is built and utilities become available.

Are development projects forecasted or expected in the area? This is the last thing you want to consider. Development projects can add and take away from a investment property. Commercial developments, as long as they are not too close, can bring convenience to local areas. If too close, though, they can cause crowding and take away from the feeling of the beach area. Residential developments close by tend to cause a crowding feeling, and the increase in house supply can lower prices. Being aware of potential, planned and expected development projects is important in buying land at the beach. - 23204

About the Author:

Buying land at the beach is a great way starting point for an investment property. For more information, check out Jeremy Szechenyi's awesome Blog on beach property investments.