Everything you need to know about buying a beach house

Digging your fingers into the sand just metres from your home...taking a dip in the ocean without having to drive to get there...feeling the sun on your face at the end of a stressful year...we all dream of these things. That's why owning a holiday home holds such great appeal. Jawitz Properties takes a look at the factors that you need to think about before buying your beach house.

Your beach house must make sense - financially and logistically

Make sure you're aware of every aspect of the financial commitment that you'll be making. Over and above the expenses of a home loan, you'll be liable for rates, taxes and insurance. You may also have levies or homeowners' association fees to think about. From a logistical point of view, make sure you don't buy a property that's inconvenient to get to. While a secluded spot may be a dream come true for you, you need to think about where the nearest airport is and how close the property is to shops, medical facilities and other amenities.

Spend some time in the area before you sign on the dotted line

You're about to invest a huge amount of money in your holiday property. Before you do so, invest some time in it by renting a property in the area and going there on as long a holiday as you can. Use this opportunity to get to know the lay of the land and talk to the neighbours. Suss out how easy it is to get the grocery shopping done and whether or not there are fun things to do in the area - especially if you have kids.

If the area or the specific road you're thinking of buying in seems particularly secluded, think twice. This can cause challenges from a security point of view. On the flip side of the coin, if you enjoy a quiet way of life, you'll want to spend time in the area during busy seasons like Christmas time to get an idea of whether there are bars or nightclubs nearby to disturb your peace.

Get to know a real estate agent in the area

When you're buying property in an area you don't know extremely well, a real estate agent in the know will be invaluable. He or she will know what the area is like both in and out of the busy season, and will have all kinds of other useful information about the history of the area, safety factors, weather patterns and the like. If you're planning on renting your holiday property out when you're not using it, a real estate agent will also be able to advise you on the best property types and locations - and they will also be able to help you get long-term or short-term tenants. You'll be able to find a Jawitz #RealPartner to guide you through the property purchase process in just about any part of South Africa.

Four questions to ask yourself before buying beachfront property

• If your property is right on the beach, it is likely to require more maintenance than other properties. Property insurance is also likely to cost you more. Do you have the financial resources and time needed to maintain your property?
• Are you considering buying a beachfront property that will later become your retirement home? If so, do you know people in the area, or will it be easy to make new friends?
• Is your beach house close to amenities like schools, medical facilities and shopping centres? Even if these factors are not important to you, they will make your property easier to sell if your priorities should change.
• Is your beachfront property in a sectional title scheme? If so, your unit will be more secure during periods when it stands empty. Also, the body corporate may take care of some aspects of maintaining the exterior of your property.

Buying your beach house is an item to tick off the bucket list for many people. A property on South Africa's stunning coastline can be a great investment, but it's very important to find the right property in the right area. The Jawitz Properties team - with their decades of experience in helping people buy and sell property all around South Africa - can help. Contact us today and let's find the holiday home that's right for you.