Oceanfront
Mónica Tesouro
- #Market
It is well known that an ocean view is as much a status symbol as an expensive car, a yacht and other attributes of dolce vita.
Buying a sea-view apartment in Montevideo may be a dream, but the decision has its drawbacks. Here are some of them:
High cost
Sea-view property generally costs more than comparable homes in other parts of the city. This applies to both the purchase price and rent. On the other hand, your property will always be highly marketable, and you will be able to sell it easily at a high price.
High running costs
Homes by the sea are exposed to salty air, which can accelerate corrosion of metals and deterioration of façades and other building materials. This can lead to frequent repairs and higher running costs.
Noise and crowds
Montevideo’s beaches can be busy, especially in summer. This can mean more noise and more people, particularly if the home is close to popular beaches. Street racers have also posed a certain danger. Recently, the city authorities have done much to minimise these impacts: cameras identify offenders, while special police patrols ensure order and calm on Montevideo’s beaches.
Hurricanes and storms
Montevideo lies in a region where severe storms and hurricanes are possible. Homes on the shoreline can be more vulnerable to damage from such natural phenomena. Fortunately, more and more homes are equipped with double glazing.
Limited privacy
Depending on a home’s location, an ocean view can attract unwanted attention from tourists or locals who often visit nearby beaches. This can limit privacy, especially on the first to third floors.
Parking problems
If a home is in a popular tourist area, parking can be difficult, especially in summer when visitor numbers peak. This is more likely to be a problem for guests, since homes of this class almost always have underground parking.
Less varied infrastructure
Although Montevideo has well-developed infrastructure, oceanfront homes may be some distance from large shopping centres, schools, medical facilities and other essentials. That is only logical: on the other side there is the ocean, not more houses.
Weather conditions
The weather by the sea can be windier and more humid, which does not suit everyone. These conditions can also affect living comfort and may aggravate respiratory illnesses.
Buying a sea-view home is always a compromise between romance and real living conditions, so it is important to weigh all the pros and cons before deciding.
For now, enjoy the sunsets you can watch directly from your balcony when you live on the seafront.