What to Know When Buying a Beachfront Property
Living on beachfront property in Hawaii – can it get any better? Still, even this part of paradise has its downsides, and it’s crucial to know about certain limitations when purchasing a home on the beach. Beachfront properties are subject to far more restrictions than other parcels. As long as you’re knowledgeable about these requirements, you won’t experience any unpleasant surprises.
Public Access
Beaches aren’t private in Hawaii. You’re probably well aware of that, but take into consideration that “beachfront” includes cliff frontage in terms of public access. Block an existing right-of-way to the shoreline and face substantial penalties. Just keep in mind that beachfront property is not synonymous with “private.”
Special Zoning
Virtually all oceanfront property in Hawaii falls under conservation zoning and “special management areas” or “shoreline setback areas.” Any type of construction, no matter how minor, requires permitting. An environmental impact statement is also a common requirement for relatively simple procedures, including landscaping.
Beach Erosion and Setbacks
Hawaii takes beach erosion seriously, and has strong policies in place to combat it. That includes strictly limiting any type of structure within a shoreline setback. Currently, the shoreline setback area in most areas is 40 feet from the shore, although some setback boundaries are further inland. Fines for shoreline setback violations can run up to $100,000 – along with a $10,000 fine per day as long as the violation persists. Receiving a variance for construction within the setback is possible, but it’s not a simple process.
Violations
Older homes may not meet current setback requirements. They are known as “legally nonconforming.” That’s fine if you love the house and don’t want to make any changes. If you extend the footprint of the home, you can run into serious problems. Even minor enlargement triggers the need to meet current setback requirements – which may prove extremely expensive or impractical.
Storm Damage
A house on the beach is more susceptible to storm damage and similar natural disasters. Because there’s a higher risk, you’ll pay more for insurance.
Extra Maintenance
Beachfront houses are subject to constant sea spray. Over time, the incessant salt exposure damages the home. This means higher maintenance requirements than an inland home. In many ways, the type of maintenance required for a beachfront house is similar to that of a boat – they are both exposed to similar elements.
An Experienced Agent
While an experienced real estate agent is always valuable, never is that more true than when buying beachfront property. We realize that a buyer must fully understand all of the sometimes confusing issues surrounding beachfront property, and we make sure our client knows of any restraints on a parcel before making an offer.
Contact Us
If you’re looking for beachfront property or any other type of home, call Island Realty Group, LLC today at (808) 689-7407. We’ll find you the house of your dreams.
