Pros and Cons of a Waterfront Home in Savannah

Situated along the coast and surrounded by rivers, Savannah has hundreds of acres of waterfront land. This means that home buyers have the option of choosing from all sorts of houses, ranging from grand estates to humble cottages, that are situated next to the water. A property right by the water can be a wonderful home, but it does come with a few downsides. Before you decide to buy a waterfront property, make sure you are aware of these pros and cons.

 

 

With one or more sides of your property bordered by the water, you have guaranteed privacy. Instead of having noisy neighbors right by you, you get to enjoy the peace and quiet of waves lapping against your land. Unlike living by empty land, there is never any chance of a big development being constructed along the waterfront sides. This provides you with a lot of peace of mind while you enjoy your private property.

 

 

One of the biggest things that keeps people away from waterfront properties is the overall heightened risk. Rising sea levels, erosion, storm surges, or wind gusts can more easily harm your property. During big storms, properties near the water are far more likely to end up damaged. This leads to significantly higher interest rates, and many banks require you to get pricey flood insurance before they will even approve a mortgage for the property. Before you get a waterfront property, be sure to budget for these additional costs.

 

 

Waterfront properties tend to be highly sought after, and there is a fairly limited number of them since it is impossible to generate new natural waterways. This means that waterfront properties have a higher increase in value over the years. They also tend to retain value better during market downturns, and even old or outdated homes can still be worth quite a lot. If you want to gain a property that will be an asset for years to come, waterfront property is an excellent choice.

 

Unfortunately, as every Savannah resident knows, property along the water tends to attract pests. There tend to be more mosquitoes and other insects outdoors, and you might deal with higher numbers of amphibians and reptiles appearing in your backyard. These can usually be dealt with fairly easily, but you should be aware of the issue before settling on a waterfront home.

 

Whenever you talk to someone who lives by the water, they will invariably mention that one of their favorite parts of their home is waterfront activities. You can fish for your dinner, go for a peaceful ride in a kayak at sunrise, or enjoy a thrill-seeking experience on a jet ski. People who love the outdoors and want plenty of opportunities to have fun on the water will greatly benefit from a property near the water. There are all sorts of great homes to pick from, including ones that come with docks and private beaches.

 

Though waterfront properties are generally private and quiet, there is always a chance that your property may attract more trespassers. Generally, the state of Georgia views waterways as private property, so people enjoying the river or beach may end up on your property accidentally. Posting signs or fences can keep some people off your property, but it may still be a hassle to deal with.

 

The big reason that people pay a premium and put up with the downsides of waterfront living is the views. Nothing beats the ability to relax in your own home and look at the natural wonder of Savannah's waterways. This can be a great way to relax in nature and enjoy a luxurious lifestyle. Whether you are right by downtown or far out on one of the nearby islands, you get to enjoy a peaceful view of calm water and glistening waves. 

 

For assistance with buying or selling your waterfront home, or to inquire further, contact Savannah’s expert real estate team, The Heather Murphy Real Estate Group, today!