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No matter if you’re interested in living next to the sea, a large lake or river, living by an open expanse of water can be quite refreshing and exciting. As there are a limited number of homes that can be in proximity to these considerations, it’s quite clear to see that these homes are often quite valuable, and they retain their value over time, too.

Of course, if you hope to purchase a home near the water, odds are you’re not only in it for the view. Many people enjoy retiring near a large lake where they can enjoy fishing over time, or perhaps wish to build their dream home next to a large and winding river. It could also be that a seafront property can help us get the freshest of air, and for us to take in a radiant tourist scene.

Yet like any large decision in life, there are a few considerations to make when purchasing a house or owning property near water, and that can help you come to a more informed decision when looking for somewhere to set up. Otherwise, it can be easy to get swept away in fairytale narratives without actually considering just what your experience may be in the long term.

With that in mind, we hope to explore some of the following advice with you, helping you get the benefit of enjoying a wonderful time near the water:

Licenses

It’s important to consider just what licenses you may need in order to spend time near the water or on the water. It might be that you have to pay a yearly fee to register as a fisherman on private waters, and that may come with certain restrictions such as from what time of year you are allowed to enjoy that kind of activity.

Registering, insurance and licensing a boat is also quite important, making sure that you’re following the law and advice of the coast or water guard to the utmost letter. In some cases, you may be limited to what kind of renovative work you may be able to have next to the water, as often these areas are protected except for special developments. In this respect, asking your local housing authority just what options are on the table for you can be a very good and worthwhile idea.

Water Safety

It’s very important to consider water safety and how you’ll keep your family and friends secure. This might mean implementing a fence and ensuring that your children are closely watched, to make sure they cannot fall into the water themselves if your property backs up onto a lake.

It also means investing in the right equipment when placing boats on the water. For instance, Excellent boatlift platforms provide the means for a secure transmission from the water even in rough and stormy conditions – that in itself can add an extra layer of safety to your boat retrieval and storage.

Life rings, bouys, arm bands and other equipment are worth investing in as standard, in order to ensure you keep on top of water safety and are able to follow the thorough rules of the local authority. In this sense, you can make sure that you take living next to the water as responsibly as you can – as there is always a danger and risk posed by this effort.

Lifestyle

Of course, it might be that there are several perks that come with living next to the water. You may be able to fish as previously discussed, but it could be that implementing engine-led boats or rowboats can serve as a great method of transport to another part of the town.

As such, it’s important to inquire as to where the public waterways are, what activities take place on that stretch of water, and just what your right of passage may be. It could be that everything is more than appropriate and paying a fee to your local rowing club helps you store your boat when there.

This is just one example that pertains to a larger truth – it’s essential to consider just what lifestyle you’re aiming for when purchasing land near the water, and training yourself or becoming properly qualified to live that lifestyle.

Alternative Living Conditions

Of course, so far we have discussed some of the ramifications and options open to you when thinking of life next to the water – but what about life on the water? In the UK alone, it is estimated that over 15,000 people live in boats on the water, including canal boats, barges and other residential ships. 

While this style of living is not for everyone, it might be for you! For that reason, doing some research on the upkeep of barges, how much they cost to purchase, where they can be found, and what canal-living communities there are can help you look to alternate arrangements, particularly if you’re looking for an adventure and need to ‘settle’ somewhere still guaranteed to give you freedom. In that capacity, you’re much more likely to consider all angles, and to do so effectively.

Security & Safety

So far we have discussed keeping your family safe and secure when living near water, but it’s also important to consider your home security and what that means.

One risk involved with living close to the water is that you’re often open to potential flooding if the water levels rise and become difficult to deal with. In the United Kingdom especially, heavy rainfalls led many riverside towns to flood dramatically, even overcoming the flood defenses. This isn’t intended to frighten you, only to help you understand what the risks may be, and why it’s worth looking into the past to consider what trends there are, and how to protect against them.

There is also the potential for land subsidence, or for the need to implement better runoff solutions which can lead to a bigger and more intensive renovative project if you hope to extend your property.

In terms of securing your home – it’s important to consider what measures you are happy with. When your home opens out onto a lake bed, it might mean that a public footpath is integrated between your home and the water, or that people have more access to your property than they may do in a more residential area. Putting up fences, security cameras, or simple motion detected floodlights (not pun intended) can help you stay safe and protect or secure your property against even the most unlikely security threats. In this way – you get the peace of mind you deserve.

With this advice, we hope you can live on the waterfront with confidence.