Owning a vacation home near the beach is a dream come true for those who enjoy seaside getaways. If you’re thinking about buying a beachside home or condominium, you must do your research before purchasing so you know what to expect. This guide discusses several factors to keep in mind before buying a beach property, as well as different types to consider. 

What Should You Consider When Shopping for a Beach House?

Once you begin thinking seriously about buying a vacation home, you’ll want to do your due diligence by doing some research. Start by settling on a location for the house hunt, along with the property type you’ll be looking for. In a beachy environment, you’ll likely be choosing between homes or condominiums. Some choices are located directly on the beach, while others are in coastal towns that have beach access. 

You’ll also want to think about affordability. Owning a vacation house involves additional costs, such as utilities, homeowners association (HOA) fees, a mortgage, and maintenance charges. In many cases, you can offset these extra expenses by renting the house or condo when you aren’t using it. However, you should consider buying something that fits comfortably in your budget, whether or not you rent it out. 

Once you have a budget in mind, start thinking about details like amenities, layout, and style. Figure out how many bedrooms and bathrooms you’ll need to accommodate your family or friends. Discuss whether you want certain features like a large yard, a deck, or a garage. Once you have a wish list in mind, it will make it easier to locate the perfect property. 

Should You Choose a Condo or a Home? 

Condos and homes both have distinct advantages. Condos are smaller, so there’s less upkeep to fret about. It’s typical for condos to be involved with HOAs, so you may have monthly or yearly fees. However, these often encompass maintenance and amenities that you wouldn’t otherwise have access to. Since condos tend to have less square footage, they’re ideal for close-knit groups or small families. 

You’ll find many styles, sizes, and layout options while shopping for a vacation home. While some houses are part of HOAs, just as many are not. Homes may also provide additional flexibility when it comes to renting out the space. These properties are also spacious enough to accommodate large groups of travelers. 

If you want to buy a beach vacation home, turn to Coastal Properties in Orange Beach, AL. This real estate company helps with sales, rentals, and property management across Alabama’s Gulf Coast region, and they’ve been in business for more than 15 years. They are dedicated to helping clients discover their dream beach getaways. Call (251) 981-4951 to speak with a friendly representative, or reach out to their sales team online.