It’s officially summer: the season of sunscreen, piña coladas, and a sudden desire to text that friend who owns a beach house.
But maybe instead of trying to finagle a surf-side invite, it’s time to consider splurging on your own waterfront property—as either a full-time dream home or an occasional vacation getaway.
Of course, you don’t want to go “under water” or overextend yourself with a luxury vacation property purchase. However, a second home can be a great short- and long-term investment. It can save you money on hotels if you like to vacation in the same spot every year, provide tax benefits, and earn passive income as a short-term rental. Most importantly, if property values keep going up, it can also earn you a pretty penny when you finally sell.
So, are you thinking about taking the plunge on a beach house? Here are five luxurious properties priced below $1 million that might be the perfect summertime splurge.
407 E First St, Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Price: $999,000
Cozy cottage: Built in 1979, this home offers million-dollar views without the million-dollar price tag.
With a long staircase leading right to the sand, beach lovers can go from the living room to the water in a matter of seconds. There’s also a big deck, perfect for entertaining or just kicking back and enjoying the view.
Inside, there’s a cozy kitchen with peninsula seating and four bedrooms, each decorated with a colorful accent wall: green, yellow, blue, and teal.
For anyone looking for an ASAP beach getaway, this home comes fully furnished.
(Realtor.com)
(Realtor.com)
790 Bald Point Rd, Bald Point, FL
Price: $989,000
Rustic and ready for guests: This home offers both beach views and woodsy charm.
The exterior looks like the quintessential beach house, with a big deck leading to the sand and a fire pit next to the water. The screened porch on the ground floor is ideal for lounging by the beach during mosquito hour.
Meanwhile, the interior of this 1984-era home has a modern ambiance, with hardwood floors and pine-paneled walls. There are three bedrooms, but everyone is sure to fight over the cool loft room over the kitchen.
(Realtor.com)
(Realtor.com)
353 Salishan Dr, Gleneden Beach, OR
Price: $995,000
A midcentury marvel: The main attraction of this home might be the unparalleled “views of the Pacific Ocean and Siletz Bay.” However, midcentury design lovers might be more excited by the interior.
Built in 1970, this three-bedroom home is filled with period style, including a grand stone fireplace and lots of wood paneling.
If the sights and the midcentury style aren’t enough, the community offers access to a tennis court, a pool, and a golf course.
(Realtor.com)
(Realtor.com)
13022 Jolly Roger Dr, Freeport, TX
Price: $799,000
Coastal charm: This three-bedroom home, like the other properties on this list, has a waterfront view. But this remodeled retreat stands out as having the most beach-inspired interior design.
With oars and fish decor on the walls, blue walls, waterlike tile, plus beach-themed bed sheets, you’ll never forget where you are.
The home features multilevel decks and sits on two semiprivate beaches.
The listing says this home has a “great” rental history, but a new owner might not want to share.
(Realtor.com)
(Realtor.com)
3 W Cook, Cook Island Key, FL
Price: $799,000
Off-the-grid getaway: This two-bedroom pad is located on an offshore island and is accessible only by boat or seaplane.
The house is admittedly a fixer-upper. It has a makeshift kitchen with a sink, small fridge, and microwave. There are also wall units instead of central AC.
Still, this home serves as a great reminder that real estate is often all about location.
(Realtor.com)
(Realtor.com)
