When people consider moving to Sunset Beach, they often have questions about how purchasing a beachfront house compares to purchasing a house that is more inland. Purchasing a beachfront house with direct or very close oceanfront access is often located on the barrier island side of Sunset Beach. Inland homes are located in the mainland area communities like Sea Trail, Kingfish Bay, and other areas further inland from the water. These homes are not completely free from the waterfront. There is the Intracoastal Waterway and water features of golf courses.
Let’s take a look at how the two types of property ownership compare to one another to help you determine if you would like to search for a home closer to the ocean or towards the mainland area of Sunset Beach.
How Does Purchasing a Beachfront Home Compare to Inland Homes in Sunset Beach, NC?
Purchase price
Beachfront homes
Beachfront homes will have a significantly higher list price than mainland or inland homes in Sunset Beach. The price is due to the limited supply and the high demand for the grandeur of living near the ocean. Direct oceanfront or prime beach access often comes in around the high $700,000s, well into the multimillion-dollar range. Oceanfront properties can be anywhere from 20 to 50% more in the list price than inland properties.
Inland homes
Inland homes are obviously more affordable. The median home value for Sunset Beach inland homes is around the $500,000 mark. There are many inland homes in some of the most popular communities that are not beachfront neighborhoods, starting in the mid $400,000s, and you may even find lower list prices. Some condo properties in inland Sunset Beach can be as low as $80,000, which is incredibly affordable for a low-maintenance lifestyle.
Insurance and homeownership costs
Beachfront homes
Beachfront homes in Sunset Beach often require extra insurance, such as flood insurance coverage. The homes of Sunset Beach are within FEMA’s risk rating of 2.0. This can be an additional cost of anywhere from $800-$3000 a year. Additionally, maintenance demands could be a little bit more demanding with the exposure from the direct salt air coming off the ocean and the wind, etc.
Inland homes
Many of the inland areas of Sunset Beach are considered a moderate or low risk when it comes to flood insurance. Flood insurance often adds $300-$600 a year, as it still needs to be carried by homeowners in Sunset Beach in the inland areas.
Appreciation and investment potential
Beachfront homes
Beachfront homes, because they are in impressive and breathtaking locations, will have a stronger long-term appreciation than other types of properties. The market value of beachfront homes is often higher, as properties are in prime locations that are our dream spots for people to settle into. Additionally, beachfront properties can become investment properties and grab more attention from those looking for vacation properties.
Inland properties
The inland homes of Sunset Beach do have a strong value and do grab the general annual market value and increase of 2 to 3% annually. It is still a solid investment, and all of the real estate in Brunswick County is fairly strong and desirable.
When you are ready to buy a Sunset Beach home, whether an oceanfront home or an inland home, the team at Sunset Beach and Beyond is here to help you find the best home that fits you and your needs. You want an experienced Sunset Beach real estate agent at your side who knows the details of searching for homes in the right places in Sunset Beach to help you find exactly what you are looking for.
“Amy and I have bought and sold four properties in the past twelve years. Both of you are the best realtors we have ever dealt with. Amy and I both felt we could trust you to look out for our interest. The level of service you provided was outstanding, from taking the trash out, helping the buyer with inspecting the irrigation system, dealing with our tenants, always being there if we needed to ask a question, providing constant updates on the market and always keeping us informed on the sale of our house. I think your next venture should be training other realtors, because both of you have mastered the art of providing excellent service. I will be sure to recommend the Frank and Karen team to anybody looking for a trust worthy, knowledgeable and top performing realtor. It was a pleasure working with both of you.” Sunset Beach and Beyond testimonial