Beach Home Buying in Texas: Important Things You Should Know

If you dream of owning a beachfront property along one of America’s beautiful coastlines but are unsure which state you’d like to settle down in, take this as your sign to move the state of Texas to the top of your list. Texas offers more than 350 miles of open Gulf shoreline, allowing residents and vacationers to enjoy year-round swimming, boating, and surfing in the consistently warm Gulf of Mexico. 

While your typical beachside hotspots, such as California or Florida, are usually overrun with tourists and boast sky-high prices, Texas tends to be a much more cost-effective option due to its non-existent state income tax and comparatively lower cost of living. For those who enjoy a more social, touristy beachfront, South Padre Island is located at the southeasternmost point of the Lone Star State and is one of the most popular spring break destinations in the United States. 

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of constant visitors, there are plenty of beachside real estate options a bit more off the beaten path. Matagorda Bay sits right on the gulf, slightly southwest of Houston, and boasts a 1333-acre nature park and plenty of picturesque beachfront properties.

As with any home purchase, there are quite a few things to keep in mind prior to searching for your dream beach home and during the process. To make it easier, we’ve compiled a list of the most important things to know when buying a beach home in Texas.

1. Prior to Beginning the Search for Your New Beach Home

Before you start searching for the perfect piece of real estate, there are a handful of decisions to make that will not only assist in expediting the process but also doing this research beforehand will ensure that you don’t impulse buy a property that won’t suit your needs in the long run. From finances to the potential of renting out your new beach home for a portion of the season to finding the perfect location for your lifestyle, be sure to give some thought to the following before you set out on your search.

A. Set Your Budget 

While it may be tempting to start browsing potential beach homes without setting a firm budget, considering this beforehand will prevent you from falling in love with a property out of your price range. Be sure to look at your current finances and calculate the monthly money you can afford to put towards your new beach abode. 

Don’t forget to factor in the estimated cost of utilities into your budget, especially more costly monthly bills, such as internet. If this beach home is your full-time residence, budgeting will likely be easier, as you’ll essentially be trading one set of monthly bills for another. For those looking to purchase a property that will only be enjoyed at certain times of the year, setting a firm budget will ensure that you do not end up accidentally living above your means.

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B. Determine the Use of Beach Homes and Seasonality

As mentioned, while discussing the importance of setting a budget, consider how your new beach home will be used. Will you be living there year-round or only visiting during certain seasons? If you do not plan to use the home year-round, would you consider using your new beach home as a potential Airbnb or rental property? This can be a great option to assist in paying for your beach home. Giving thought to the possible use of your new beach home before beginning your search coincides with establishing your budget.

C. Find an Agent who Specializes in Waterfront Real Estate

Searching for a waterfront property is extremely different from shopping for a traditional home. As such, research and find a real estate agent specializing in waterfront real estate. So many nuances go into waterfront properties, such as countless legalities pertaining to construction and additions, weather patterns, environmental restrictions, and insurance rates. While we will touch very briefly on a few of these nuances, finding an agent with experience in waterfront real estate will ensure you have all the information on the property you need before making your purchase. 

D. Rental Markets 

If you are considering the potential of utilizing your beach home as a rental property, put some time into researching rental markets along the Texas coast. Note the average nightly or monthly rental rates and compare that with your budget, as that will help you determine whether renting your property is worth the effort it will take to either run the rental yourself or hire a rental management company.

E. Location

If you’ve given enough thought to your budget, the use of your new beach home, and whether you’d like to utilize it as a rental, this should help you narrow down the perfect location to start your search. Finding an experienced agent familiar with the Texas coastline will make it much easier to pinpoint the best beachfront properties to fit your lifestyle. While some areas of the coast are better suited to those who may want to utilize their beach home as a rental for part of the year, such as a location closer to tourist hotspots, there are plenty of choices for those with a slower pace of life in mind.

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2. Things to Keep in Mind While Shopping for a Beach Home in Texas

Once you’ve done the preliminary research, it’s time for the most exciting part: finding your dream beach home! By now, you’ve set your budget, imagined how your beach home will be used, narrowed it down to a few potential locations, and found the perfect waterfront real estate agent. The following tips will help you narrow your search even further and are especially important to be aware of while checking out potential properties.

A. Weather Patterns and Insurance Rates

The Gulf Coast is no stranger to hazardous weather and water conditions, from hurricanes and heavy tidal movement to coastal erosion and the potential for flooding. Purchasing any beachfront property comes with unique risks that, in turn, require multiple types of costly insurance, especially if you plan to finance the property. To protect your property from severe weather, be prepared to obtain various types of coverage on your new beach home, including flood, wind/hurricane, and general homeowners’ coverage.

B. Environmental Restrictions

While an experienced real estate agent should be aware of potential environmental restrictions surrounding the locations you’re interested in, it’s a good idea to obtain this information while narrowing down your choices, as many of these restrictions are extremely location-dependent. Some coastal areas are protected to preserve biodiversity and sensitive habitats, which can directly affect you and your new beach home, depending on what sort of additions or renovations you plan to make, such as adding a dock. If your new beach home is near a turtle nesting site, your beach activities could be restricted at certain times of the year.

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C. Zoning Regulations and Restrictions/HOA

With an uptick in the likelihood of severe weather events, especially on the coastline, safety codes governing roofing, windows, and siding types are becoming more and more stringent. While most new builds should be up to date, older beach homes can require quite a bit of remodeling to meet these codes and insurance necessities. Being aware of specific regulations and restrictions while choosing between two potential homes can save you time and money in the long run. 

Some of the properties you’re interested in buying may be located within a homeowner’s association (HOA), which will incur extra monthly fees and greatly influence the construction and remodeling you can do on your new beach home. Keep in mind that some HOA communities even restrict your ability to utilize your home as a short-term rental. If you’re planning to rent out your beach home for a portion of the year, it is imperative to ensure that the community you’re looking to buy into does not have strict rules on rental properties within the community.

Conclusion: 

While our country has plenty of beautiful living options along its expansive coastline, Texas offers the beauty of the Gulf Coast combined with no state income tax, low cost of living, extensive biodiversity, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Purchasing a beach home is no small decision, but with the proper planning and the above tips, you’ll be sure to find a beautiful Gulf Coast beach home in the Lone Star State that checks all your boxes.

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