disadvantages of living near the sea Arsip

The Pros and Cons of Beachfront Living

The Pros and Cons of Beachfront Living – For a lot of people, living near the ocean is nothing less than a dream. After all, who wouldn’t want to wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore or go for a walk on the beach just as the sun begins to rise? Beachfront living has always had a certain charm, which is one of the main reasons why seaside locales are usually considered the most popular neighbourhoods to buy property in any city.

In fact, a lot of people invest in seafront properties solely because they want to enjoy a stellar view of the ocean and the tranquillity that comes with it. However, getting used to living by the sea is not as easy as one might think. In fact, just like everything else in life, beachfront living has quite a few downsides of its own as well.

So, if you’re planning on buying property near the beach, here a few advantages and disadvantages you need to know before investing in your dream home.

PROS AND CONS OF BEACHFRONT LIVING

Here are a few pros and cons of living by the ocean that you should know about.

PROS	CONS
Stunning View	Sand in the House
Fresher Air	Too Many Tourists
Healthier Lifestyle	High Maintenance Cost
Higher Resale Value	Unpredictable Weather

Let’s first discuss the most notable advantages of living near the sea.

STUNNING VIEW

One of the biggest benefits of living near the beach is definitely the view. Just imagine opening your windows to the stunning sight of the ocean every single morning. Sounds refreshing, right? Not to mention, the desirability factor of beachfront properties usually varies with the view. The homes with a better view are usually more expensive than the ones with an obstructed view.

Whether it’s sunrise or sunset (or the hours in between), the sight of the water from seafront properties never gets old.

BETTER AIR QUALITY

Apart from a picturesque view, beachfront living also allows you to enjoy the fresh ocean breeze from the comfort of your home.

Since the air quality improves the closer you get to the ocean, those living near the beach can simply open their windows and allow the sea breeze to cool down their home, especially during the summers.

While people travel from all across the city to spend some time at the beach during the warmer months, beachfront property owners can simply sit on their terrace with a cup of tea to enjoy the view and fresh air.

HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE

Living near the sea also encourages an improved lifestyle.

While fresh air is instrumental for a healthier mind and body, beachfront living also offers residents an opportunity to plant their toes in the sand without having to travel too far.

One of the biggest advantages of living near the sea is that you can simply walk to the beach and for an evening stroll, play with your kids and get some exercise. Those living next to the beach can participate in so many outdoor activities that many others may only dream of. Even if you aren’t a huge fan of jogging or working out, you can simply build sandcastles with your children or simply sit on the sand and take in the view.

After all, there’s nothing more relaxing than spending a day on the beach.

HIGHER RESALE VALUE

This is perhaps the most important benefit of beachfront living. Houses located in seaside locales are generally more expensive than those in other parts of the city. Although this may vary with each city, neighbourhoods near the beach are considered a prime spot for real estate investment.

For instance, when it comes to buying real estate in Karachi, living in the upscale residential societies of Defence Housing Authority (DHA) and Clifton have always been the top choice among the residents of the city owing to their proximity to the beach among other facilities.

This means there is a good chance you can flip your waterfront property for a high profit whenever you want to. On the other hand, if you want to generate extra income, you can also consider renting out a portion of your house.

Now that we know about the pros of waterfront homes, let’s take a look at some of the most common beachfront living issues.

SAND IN THE HOUSE

No matter how many times you sweep the floors, vacuum your carpets and wipe your furniture, there’s always going to be sand in your home. While it may not seem like one of the biggest problems of living near the beach, having to clean your home multiple times each day can get annoying pretty quickly, especially on windy days.

Needless to say, if you plan on buying property near the beach, you also need to get used to a certain amount of sand in your living space.

TOO MANY TOURISTS

Beaches can get pretty crowded during the summer months. Depending on where you live, you might have to deal with a lot of traffic, crowded streets, random cars blocking your main gate and driveway and a lot of people hanging out around your house. Since you’ll be living in a tourist hotspot, you will also have to deal with the lack of privacy that comes as a part of oceanside living.

HIGH MAINTENANCE COST

The high cost of maintenance is arguably one of the biggest disadvantages of living near the sea.

Humidity combined with salty sea breeze can cause corrosion, affecting both exterior and interior of beachfront properties.

Therefore, homes located near the ocean need a lot more upkeep than those situated at a greater distance. If you are planning to buy a property near the beach, you will probably have to spend a substantial bit of your household budget on home maintenance and repairs. This includes sprucing up the exterior walls of your home every few months with a fresh coat of paint, regularly cleaning your electronic appliances and polishing your furniture to avoid erosion.

UNPREDICTABLE WEATHER

Last but not least, those living near the sea may have to deal with unpredictable and harsh weather conditions in the form of heavy rains, hurricanes, storms and floods. Although most waterfront residential areas are located at a certain distance from the beach, those living close to the ocean may have to relocate to safer areas if the authorities issue a hurricane or a flood warning.

Not to mention, dealing with the excessive amount of sand during windstorms can also be rather stressful.

Given the fact that such natural disasters can strike anywhere, weather conditions are usually not considered to be a deal-breaker. However, it’s always important to follow precautionary measures to avoid any major damage or losses.

Depending on your personal preferences, it’s up to you to decide if the pros of beachfront living outweigh the cons or vice versa.

Meanwhile, if you are interested in purchasing seafront property in Karachi, you may want to take a look at Emaar Crescent Bay in DHA Phase VIII – a luxury project in one of the poshest and most upscale neighbourhoods of the city.

Headed by renowned UAE-based real estate company Emaar Properties, this grand multi-purpose project in Karachi includes luxury apartment complexes, penthouses, retail units, recreational spots, mosques, clubhouses and much more. You can check out our detailed analysis of Emaar Crescent Bay for more information.

On a side note, if you’re looking to buy property in Karachi, don’t forget to take a look at the H1 2019 Real Estate Market Report for the City of Lights to see which area drew investors’ attention during the first half of the year.

Meanwhile, to learn more about the pros and cons of different types of properties, stay connected to Zameen Blog – Pakistan’s leading property and lifestyle blog. In case you have any questions regarding beachfront living or want to share your suggestions, send us an email at [email protected]. Moreover, you can subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest updates about developments in the real estate sector of Pakistan.

PROBLEMS WITH BEACH HOUSES: THE ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS THAT CAN AFFECT A HOME BY THE SEA

Are you prepared for the environmental implications of owning a seafront home?

PROBLEMS WITH BEACH HOUSES – There are numerous reasons why you might be thinking about purchasing a property on the coast; from the year-round vacation experience to the views, buying a house beside the sea is often seen as the ultimate aspiration for American property owners.

And what’s not to love? A seaside property will offer unrivalled views of the ocean, easy access to some of your favorite hobbies and pastime, and more than a few envious visits from city and country-dwelling friends. However, owning a home beside the sea isn’t without its issues.

Issues Affecting Seaside Properties

We adore beachfront homes and waterfront properties, but it’s essential that anyone thinking of purchasing such real estate is realistic when it comes to the issues they’re likely to face. Have you considered how the environment, and surrounding landscape, could adversely affect your home?

Sun, Sea, And Sand

Properties located in hotter climes are subject to the effects of long periods of bright sunlight, which can cause external finishes to age prematurely. Sand blowing in from the beach, and salty sea air are likely to cause rusting metalwork, chipping and scratching to paintwork, and damage to mechanisms such as window latches. The damage caused by sand and salt is unavoidable. Finally, consider sudden tidal surges and waves whipped up by the wind. High waves and rising water levels can mean that gardens and home exteriors, and even interiors, can be damaged by floodwater.

Weathering And Erosion

Waterfront properties are less sheltered than those further inland, so rain and driving winds off the ocean will do more damage than you might expect, battering homes and creating a need for frequent maintenance. Coastal erosion is also a great fear of many homeowners living close to the beach, as the shoreline gradually recedes towards properties. Such environmental action can greatly devalue a property – not to mention the concern and upset it will cause. The threat of rising sea levels due to global warming is a real one; during extreme tides seawater can flood land and homes, make access difficult, and affect electrical appliances. Water damage is a real issue for seafront homes, and must be taken into consideration if you’re thinking of buying a property in a particular neighborhood.

Issues Affecting The Interiors

Environmental damages don’t just occur outside; the frequent dragging in of sand and saltwater can scratch hard floors, sully carpets, and affect soft furnishings, meaning that items wear out far faster than normal. There’s also a real potential for damp in homes that aren’t well ventilated. Lastly, think about the humidity prevalent in seafront homes. Sea air is warm and wet, which is highly corrosive to fixtures, fittings, and even electronics. There is a real potential for problems inside and out.

Protecting Your Property From Environmental Damages

There are steps you can take to protect your property from harm that will safeguard your investment should the unthinkable happen. While we certainly wouldn’t want to discourage you from following your dreams it pays to be pragmatic, addressing issues as soon as they occur will prevent future heartache.

Protect Your Interests

At this stage it really does pay to do your research regarding the home you’re buying and the area it’s located in. Have there been any previous issues with erosion? Has the current homeowner had to do any extensive work in recent years? Are nearby properties affected by environmental damage? You must check building regulations, and ensure that they’ve been adhered to. It’s also a good idea to have a full survey carried out, in order to determine whether any work is likely to be required in the immediate future. Finally, you must get the appropriate insurance; Such a warranty will make repairs and renovations cheaper as and when they’re required.

Treat Fixtures And Fittings

The cost of keeping a seafront home is always going to be higher than that of maintaining an urban dwelling; there are certain environmental factors you’d simply not need to consider further inland. For this reason it’s a good idea to prepare your home for every eventuality. Be sure to use weatherproof paints and finishes on the property’s exterior, treat fixtures and fittings appropriately depending upon their material, and put covers in place on furniture so that the effects of environmental damage will be minimized as far as possible. You may also wish to purchase insurance and extended warranties for electrical items – just in case.

Prepare For Regular Maintenance

Above all, you should be prepared to maintain your property, and to address issues as they arise. Frequent weathering is something that will never cease, and issues such as damaged paintwork, rusting fixtures, and tired furnishings will only get worse the longer they are left. As far as you’re able, carry out regular routine inspections of all fixtures and fittings, repaint external and internal surfaces with protective paint and finishes, and address issues with flooring, and damp, as soon as you notice them. Some jobs may only take mere minutes, but they’ll lengthen the life of your home exponentially.

Owning a seafront property is the ultimate dream for many Americans, but there’s a lot to consider before taking the metaphorical and literal plunge; buyers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental issues that could cause them problems further down the line, while town and city developers are having to factor rising sea levels into regeneration and building plans. The truth is that there’s a lot to be done to protect properties from environmental damages, but it certainly does pay to be prepared for all eventualities.

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