Purchasing Land At or Near the Beach: A Great Way to Start Investing in Beach Real Estate.

By Jeremy Szechenyi

To purchase land near the beach you will need to find an area that has not already been developed with a house on it. Beachfront land that borders the ocean or waterway is very expensive, and is hard to find. Land that is just off the beachfront is typically easier to find, less expensive, and a better choice for investment. Regardless of which you choose to search for, the land must have value. Consider the three points below.

1. Determine why the land is for sale.

2. Are utilities available for a house?

3. Evaluate potential development projects that might take place.

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, research the area to see if it has all the necessary utilities to support a house. If there are electrical lines, but no sewer access and rules against a septic tank, then the land won't be worth as much. Keep in mind that if the land doesn't have all the utilities it needs available, it might have them available in the future. Land development close by might mean that a sewer line is put in. Purchasing the land before those events happen would allow you to get it for less money, and ultimately have a larger profit.

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. - 23196

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.