5 Things to Consider Before You Buy a Waterfront Property in Tampa Bay

Published On: September 3, 2023|Categories: Blog, Buyers|Tags: Buying a Waterfront Property, Waterfront Property|

As Tampa Bay is renowned for its spectacular views and inviting waters, purchasing a waterfront property here can seem like a dream come true. However, this type of real estate comes with unique considerations. This guide aims to provide potential buyers with key factors to think about before diving into the waterfront market.

5 Things to Consider Before You Buy a Waterfront Property in Tampa Bay

Whether it’s the allure of panoramic views, the possibility of having a private dock, or the potential for rental income, buying waterfront property offers many perks. However, before you embark on this exciting journey, consider these five points:

Understanding the local real estate market
Evaluating the property’s vulnerability to natural elements
Assessing the cost of insurance
Considering access and privacy
Factoring in additional maintenance needs

Here’s a closer look at each.

Understanding the Local Real Estate Market

Waterfront properties in Tampa Bay are highly sought after, making the local market competitive. You’ll want to work with a real estate agent who’s familiar with the area, understands waterfront properties’ unique dynamics, and can guide you in making a well-informed decision.

Evaluating the Property’s Vulnerability to Natural Elements

Living by the water means exposure to natural elements like storms and hurricanes. An important part of the buying process involves understanding how these could impact the property and what preventive measures are in place to protect it.

Assessing the Cost of Insurance

Waterfront properties often require more insurance due to their exposure to weather-related risks. It’s essential to factor this into your budget and check what’s covered under the policy.

Considering Access and Privacy

Accessibility to the water and privacy from neighbors and the public are other factors to consider. Ensure that the property provides the kind of access (like a private dock) and privacy you desire.

Factoring in Additional Maintenance Needs

Owning a waterfront property often comes with additional maintenance needs, given the impact of the water and weather on the property. This includes everything from rust prevention to more frequent painting.

FAQ About Buying a Waterfront Property in Tampa Bay

Check out these commonly asked questions about buying a waterfront property in Tampa Bay. If you don’t see the answers you’re looking for here, please call our office and we’ll get you the information you need.

Does owning a waterfront property increase in value more than a non-waterfront property?

While it’s not guaranteed, waterfront properties often do appreciate faster than their landlocked counterparts due to limited supply and high demand.

Are there restrictions on what I can do with the waterfront area?

There may be restrictions on construction, docking, or even the types of watercraft you can use. It’s crucial to research these before buying.

How can I protect my property from the natural elements?

Preventive measures can include storm shutters, reinforced windows, and seawalls. Additionally, regular maintenance will help preserve the property’s integrity.

There’s no denying the appeal of owning a waterfront property in Tampa Bay. However, potential buyers should consider these factors to ensure their dream home doesn’t turn into a nightmare. With the right due diligence and the help of an experienced real estate agent, you’ll be well-prepared to make an informed decision and enjoy the waterfront lifestyle you’ve always wanted.

Under contract-accepting backup offers. This 3 bedroom 2 bath home plus loft is located in the sought after Forest Hills area. The home is in a quiet neighborhood and offers an easy walk to Lake Magdalene Elementary School and thriving Roy Haynes county park. Being sold by the original owner, this home has been very well-maintained with many updates throughout. You will enjoy natural light and plenty of windows and a large yard featuring mature landscaping. Relax on the ample pavered patio. The downstairs is all tile and the fireplace is the centerpiece of the cozy living room, also downstairs is the master bedroom with a large walk-in closet are easily accessible. The open loft offers excellent flex space. This is a superb location minutes from neighborhood hub Babe Zaharias Golf Course. Also minutes from Carrollwood dining and shops, Dale Mabry, I-275 and much more. No HOA and no CDD!

$379,900 Pending

12410 N Oakleaf Avenue Tampa, Florida

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,319 SqFt 0.22 Acres

Under contract-accepting backup offers. This 3 bed, 2 full bath home is located on a large 72x118 homesite with a 1 car garage, covered & screened lanai, and a large fenced back yard with a pool. Some of the many updates include: Roof 2021, Impact resistant windows 2021, A/C 2019, Water heater 2018, Dishwasher 2022, Microwave 2024, Washer/Dryer 2023, Exterior paint 2022, updated kitchen, renovated bathrooms, and more. The spacious living room has a vaulted ceiling and sliding glass doors leading to the covered and screened lanai. The living room leads to the kitchen and formal dining room with a faux fireplace. The kitchen has lots of cabinets and countertop space, backsplash, island with breakfast bar, pantry, and a window that lets in lots of natural light. The primary suite has room for a king size bed, a walk-in closet, and an attached bath that has been nicely updated. The secondary bedrooms are spacious and the 2nd bedroom has a bay window and French doors. There is a coat closet in the foyer for additional storage and the washer & dryer is located in the garage with additional shelving above. Relax after a long day or enjoy grilling on your deck that overlooks the outdoor oasis with solar lights attached to the fence, a large 24’ round above ground pool, fenced yard, and 3 sheds that will stay. The driveway is wide enough to fit 2 rows of cars & there is a pet fence for when the garage door is open. NO CDD fee & the VOLUNTARY HOA is only $25/year which includes a playground, tennis, basketball, and more. Conveniently located near restaurants, grocery stores, gyms, shops, malls, airport, theaters, the Veterans Expressway, and so much more!

$409,900 Pending

4928 Hi Vista Circle Tampa, Florida

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,328 SqFt 0.2 Acres

Under contract-accepting backup offers. Well-maintained 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath END-UNIT townhome w/ detached 1 CAR GARAGE & almost 1,700 square feet of living space available now in Lake Ellen Walk. This home is MOVE-IN READY featuring Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring throughout the main level, gently used carpet upstairs & several UPDATES including WINDOW BLINDS, CEILING FANS, LIGHT FIXTURES & more! The living room/ dining room combo space is open and spacious, great for entertaining. The kitchen is complete w/ ALL STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, GRANITE counters, GLASS TILE BACK SPLASH, a 9" DEEP SINK, breakfast bar, CLOSET PANTRY & the LAUNDRY CLOSET. The PRIMARY SUITE is located on the 1st LEVEL featuring a massive WALK-IN CLOSET, DOUBLE SINK vanity w/ GRANITE counters, updated sinks/mirrors/light and access to the SCREENED PATIO. The OVER-SIZED secondary BEDROOMS are located on the 2nd level, both with vaulted ceilings. Bedroom 2 has a WALK-IN CLOSET
& additional space that is perfect for an office or sitting area. The 3rd bedroom has a spacious closet & sliders leading out to the PRIVATE BALCONY. The 2nd full bathroom is located on the second level as well, boasting a DOUBLE SINK vanity w/ GRANITE counters and updated sinks, mirrors & toilet. A half bathroom is conveniently located on the first level also w/ updated sink, mirror & light. Take a short stroll to the COMMUNITY POOL area to cool off, relax in the HOT TUB, grill your favorite foods on the provided GAS GRILLS or release some stress in the community FITNESS CENTER. This PRIME LOCATION keeps you in the heart of the city with easy access to I-275, the Veterans Expressway, Tampa airport, plenty of shopping, restaurants & great schools.

$315,000 Pending

3416 Waterbridge Drive Tampa, Florida

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,690 SqFt 0.04 Acres

NEW LOW PRICE! Great Carrollwood location! Tastefully updated 1 bedroom 1 bath condo with a spacious covered/screened patio, ideally located in the highly sought after Carrollwood area & Gated Condominium Community "The Landings". This Freshly Painted First Floor End/Corner condo features **JUNE 2024 A/C **MAY 2024 STAINLESS STEEL REFRIGERATOR, RANGE, and MICROWAVE*** & also has a SS dishwasher, ceiling fans in the bedroom & living room, a modern vanity light, recessed lighting in kitchen, breakfast bar, white cabinets nicely complimented with black & white backsplash, & beautiful wood plank tile flooring thru-out including the spacious Walk-In Closet, along with Washer/Dryer connections. Come Enjoy the many community Amenities included in the low monthly condo fee - Waterfront Community Pool off the Clubhouse, Fitness Center, Beach Volleyball, Tennis Courts, Community Lake with Up lit Water fountains, 2 Fenced Pet Parks, Valet Trash Service, Sidewalks & Picnic Tables, Nature Watching, & Tropical Landscaping with Mature Canopy Tree Lined Streets. Conveniently located to Dale Mabry, Veteran's/Suncoast Expressway, Publix, Shopping, tons of Restaurants, Breweries, Hospitals, Movie Theatre, Busch Gardens, Citrus Park Mall, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Intl Airport and so much more!! NOT in a flood zone. Great for Seasonal owners & Investors ok!

$155,000 Active

4211 Chatham Oak Court 104 Tampa, Florida

1 Beds 1 Baths 593 SqFt 0.01 Acres

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