So, you’ve decided to make the big move to California and live by the beach—exciting, right? Well, before you dive in, here are seven essential things you need to know about owning a home by the beach in California. Let’s jump right into it!
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably always dreamt of living by the beach. While I haven’t had the chance to live right on the sand yet, I’ve picked up a few things over my 19 years in California about what it’s really like to be a beachside homeowner.
1. Maintenance Costs Are No Joke
Living by the water means you’re going to be dealing with all the elements—saltwater, salty air, the works. These can really take a toll on your home. You’ll need to invest in premium paints and expect to repaint your house more frequently, maybe every other year. The sea salt can mess up your railings, deck boards, and more, meaning you’ll need to refinish those often. Even if you’re not directly on the beach, the salt air can still cause some serious wear and tear on your property, so be prepared for higher maintenance costs overall.
2. The California Coastal Commission—Your New Best Frenemy
This might actually be the most important thing on the list. The California Coastal Commission is here to ensure everyone has access to the beach, even if you own beachfront property. They are super strict about what you can and can’t do with your home. Want to plant a tree, add a gate, or change your balcony? You’ll need permission and permits from the Coastal Commission. They’re known to be very picky, and violating their rules can result in hefty fines—like millions of dollars hefty. So, if you’re planning to buy a fixer-upper by the beach, know that you’ll be dealing with the Coastal Commission every step of the way.
3. Insurance Is a Must—And It’s Expensive
Living along the coast means you’ll need to worry about flood insurance. While California doesn’t really get hurricanes or tropical storms, the insurance costs can still add up, especially with the risk of natural disasters like earthquakes that could lead to tsunamis. Earthquakes are a part of life here, and even though tsunamis are rare, they’re not impossible. So, if you’re buying a home near the beach, factor in the cost of insurance—it’s pricey and only getting more expensive.
4. Natural Disasters Are Real
Speaking of natural disasters, beach erosion and climate change are serious concerns. Experts predict that by 2100, we could lose three-quarters of our beaches in Southern California. That’s a huge deal! If you’re thinking about buying a beachfront property, consider that the beach might be slowly disappearing over time. Maybe an ocean view from a little further back is a better option to avoid this risk.
5. Airbnb and Short-Term Rentals—Check the Rules
A lot of people buy beach houses with the idea of renting them out when they’re not using them. But here’s the thing: cities like San Diego have put restrictions on short-term rentals. You’ll need to check local regulations to make sure you’re allowed to rent out your property, and if so, how often. San Diego, for instance, has a cap on the number of short-term rental licenses they issue, so if that’s part of your plan, make sure you can get a permit before you buy.
6. Privacy? Not So Much
If you’re a private person, living right on the beach might not be for you. With public access to most beaches in California, you’ll likely have people walking right by your home. The Coastal Commission won’t let you build big fences to block the view either, so if privacy is a priority, you might want to consider a property that’s a bit more secluded or set back from the beach.
7. The Bottom Line
Owning a home by the beach in California is a dream for many, but it comes with its own set of challenges. From high maintenance costs to strict regulations and privacy concerns, there’s a lot to think about before you take the plunge. But if you’re ready to tackle these challenges, living by the beach can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
So, there you have it—the seven things you need to know about buying a home by the beach in California. If you’re ever in the market for a beachfront property, I’d love to help you out. Thanks for reading, and catch you next time!
