FRONT LINE
Are there any pitfalls?
It is common knowledge that an ocean view is as much a status symbol as an expensive car, yacht and other attributes of dolce vita.
Mónica Tesouro
Expert at Uruguay Smart Estate
Buying a sea view apartment in Montevideo may be a dream come true, but this decision has its drawbacks. Here are some of them:
High cost
Sea view properties tend to cost more than similar homes located in other parts of the city. This applies to both the purchase price and the rent. On the other hand, your home will always be very liquid and you will easily sell it for a high price.
High maintenance costs
Houses by the sea are exposed to salty air, which can accelerate the corrosion of metals, deterioration of facades and other building materials. This can lead to frequent repairs and increased maintenance costs.
Noise and human activity
Montevideo beaches can be busy, especially during the summer months. This means that you may encounter increased noise levels and large numbers of people, especially if the home is located close to popular beaches. Street racers have also been a definite danger. Recently, the city authorities have been doing a lot to minimize these impacts — cameras catch violators; order and calm on Montevideo beaches are ensured by special police squads.
Hurricanes and storms
Montevideo is located in a region where severe storms and hurricanes are possible. Homes on the coastline can be more vulnerable to damage due to these natural events. Fortunately, more and more homes are equipped with double-glazed windows.
Limited privacy options
Depending on the location of your home, sea views can attract unwanted attention from tourists or locals who frequent the beaches near your home. This can limit your privacy. This is especially applicable to the 1st to 2nd floors.
Parking issues
If the house is located in a popular tourist area, there may be difficulties with parking, especially during the summer season when the influx of tourists is at its highest. But this is more of a problem for your guests, as houses of this class almost always have underground parking.
Lack of infrastructure diversity
Although Montevideo has a well-developed infrastructure, houses on the first line by the sea may be at some distance from large shopping centers, schools, medical facilities and other necessary objects. And that makes sense — after all, you don’t have other houses on the other side, you have the ocean!
Weather conditions
The weather near the sea can be windy and more humid, which is not suitable for everyone. These conditions can also affect your living comfort. In particular, respiratory complications can arise.
High cost
Sea view properties tend to cost more than similar homes located in other parts of the city. This applies to both the purchase price and the rent. On the other hand, your home will always be very liquid and you will easily sell it for a high price.
High maintenance costs
Houses by the sea are exposed to salty air, which can accelerate the corrosion of metals, deterioration of facades and other building materials. This can lead to frequent repairs and increased maintenance costs.
Noise and human activity
Montevideo beaches can be busy, especially during the summer months. This means that you may encounter increased noise levels and large numbers of people, especially if the home is located close to popular beaches. Street racers have also been a definite danger. Recently, the city authorities have been doing a lot to minimize these impacts — cameras catch violators; order and calm on Montevideo beaches are ensured by special police squads.
Hurricanes and storms
Montevideo is located in a region where severe storms and hurricanes are possible. Homes on the coastline can be more vulnerable to damage due to these natural events. Fortunately, more and more homes are equipped with double-glazed windows.
Limited privacy options
Depending on the location of your home, sea views can attract unwanted attention from tourists or locals who frequent the beaches near your home. This can limit your privacy. This is especially applicable to the 1st to 2nd floors.
Parking issues
If the house is located in a popular tourist area, there may be difficulties with parking, especially during the summer season when the influx of tourists is at its highest. But this is more of a problem for your guests, as houses of this class almost always have underground parking.
Lack of infrastructure diversity
Although Montevideo has a well-developed infrastructure, houses on the first line by the sea may be at some distance from large shopping centers, schools, medical facilities and other necessary objects. And that makes sense — after all, you don’t have other houses on the other side, you have the ocean!
Weather conditions
The weather near the sea can be windy and more humid, which is not suitable for everyone. These conditions can also affect your living comfort. In particular, respiratory complications can arise.
Buying a home with a sea view is always a compromise between being romantic and accepting the realities of life, so it's important to weigh up the pros and cons before making a decision.
In the meantime, admire what sunsets you can watch right from your balcony if you live on the front line.
In the meantime, admire what sunsets you can watch right from your balcony if you live on the front line.