I am considering buying a second home, which I could use sometimes and rent out sometimes on Airbnb. do you think it would be smarter to buy an apartment directly in the beach in a nicer town or a house in a LMC/MC town a few minutes walk from the beach and with a pool? Right now, the second option seems better but once the pandemic is over, the apartment might make more sense. What do you think?
A pool is a very attractive amenity to summer renters even at a beach location.
@MidtownMom Yes, true. But both places have pools. It’s a winter destination though. We would probably use it in the spring/summer more but northerners like it here in the winter. When we retire we would probably spend the winter there too. Right now, the kids are in school so during the “season” we’d have limited use for it.
I'd be concerned about the liability risks and maintenance with a pool.
@Anonomoose The maintenance of the house is a bit of a headache. The apartment would be easier. I have no worries at all about liability though, because the house and pool are up to code. Everything else is the concern of the tenants. A house is nice to have, but the apartment is easier and the town is nicer...
What do you all think about the location? One would be upscale and nice, the other one more LMC/MC? Is that a concern? A house in the upscale location is unaffordable for me.
^ I would love a house in the nicer town but it’s too expensive :((
@Anonymous Always choose Location Location Location.
Neither one sounds worth it to me. 2 bedrooms is too small for many families and unless the complex has amenities I don't think you will find many renters.
I personally would not want my weekend/vacation home in an apartment building--it's not really a break. I want to throw open the door and have the kids run in the yard and I want to drink coffee in my pajamas on the patio. YMMV.
@Anonymous For me it would be worth it. 2 bedrooms is all we need, we have a big enough house as our primary residence. So I don’t “need” a yard. If the kids want to run around they can do that at home. The attraction for us is mostly the beach and yes - of course the buildings all have amenities (pool, right on the beach). Your point that for you it’s am not a vacation unless it’s a house makes no sense. Many people stay in hotels or apartment rentals during their beach trips.
I think you want an apartment which is fine, but don't expect anyone will want to rent it. You have to be prepared to pay for all the expenses in full. To me what you describe does not sound appealing, if I could rent a house. I already live in an apartment and in a pandemic I don't want another. Longer term we just bought a second home, with the option to make it our primary residence should we choose. It's close enough to Manhattan that we wouldn't need an apartment and a house
@Anonymous Interesting. It’s not purely a question of choice but also of $$. I know there are many wealthy people here, but if in the nicer town, the houses by the beach rent for about $1500 per day and the apartments rent for about $300 per day, that makes a huge difference to many people. Listen, if I could get the house in the nice town, I would. But in my instance it’s either an apartment in the nice town, or a house in a town that’s more working class. I don’t think you’d go there on vacation at all, tbh. I think it would be below your dignity. If you can’t visualize being in my position, it’s better not to comment. It isn’t helpful. Btw, lots of people rent beach apartments in Palm Beach or Miami. So I don’t get these comments. For myself, I already own a house as a primary residence, so yard is taken care of.
Rather than get indignant with us because we disagree why not ask a realtor in the area what they think about rent appeal.
@Anonymous I agree with you that people would prefer a house during the pandemic. I get you are probably sick of staying inside too by now. But it’s plainly wrong that people don’t rent vacation apartments by the beach. The town I am thinking of has many vacation rentals and they are often booked. And no one will drive half an hour to the beach just to have a house. Sorry but this just Doesn’t make sense. I understand your personal preference but not everyone is like you. And good luck renting in West Palm if you can‘t get the house in Palm Beach.
also I just rented someone's house in the off season. never again. A total dump. I will rent a dedicated furnished rental but I refuse to pad someone's wallet to cover their taxes and babysit their junkyard.
@Anonymous Oh wow. What a response, very insightful. Whatever makes you think that this is a junkyard.... I am in a rental right now and I am enjoying myself a lot. We’ve been here a few times already and always had a good time. There’s an almost identical place for sale a few blocks down, which is why I am considering it.
I love this post. It reminds me of the old UB. The poster has her mind made up as to what she wants to do and she keeps defending her choice even though people are giving their honest opinions .
Choose the apartment . Older people will rent it and yes even a small family or two couples. Manhattanites may not like to rent an apartment on vacation, but like you, millions of Northeasterners own a home with a yard so they are not obsessed with having a backyard during their winter or spring break, they like knowing they can take the elevator down to a clean beach. So, while it does not appeal to everyone, it will appeal to some. If you can easily afford it and you will use it during your kids vacations, why not ?
@Anonymous I don’t get it either, but there are 3 women here who think it’s a bad idea. We rent apartments all the time and during the 20 years when DH and I lived in Manhattan, we also rented beach apartments, also after we had kids. I know there’s a newfound passion for houses in NYC, due to the pandemic, but if the 3 ladies here don’t like it, they can choose whatever they want. But to say that no one rents apartments is just strange. It’s like saying they would never stay in a hotel because it’s just 1 room. Honestly, sounds like sour grapes.
Lol, I have replied that I think 2 bedrooms is too small for an investment rental and I never stay in hotels when with my kids because the rooms ARE too small. I rent 3+ bedroom (often 4 beds if I expect to invite a grandma) apartments in cities and when skiing and houses at the beach.
Older people, families with just one or two kids, maybe couple friends will be your market for renting a place that small. That's fine but definitely a limited population. OP should buy the place if she likes it but shouldn't expect some massive rental boon.
Not sure why you are getting defensive OP. You asked for opinions. Look, I’m sure you will find plenty of people to rent your 2nd home but I am like a few of the previous posters. I only rent bigger places on vacation because I live in a 2 bedroom apt the majority of the year.
As you can see you are getting all sorts of opinions, so buy the apartment. If the price difference is so big 1,500 vs 300, you will have renters. House maintenance will be a PITA. I personally would prefer to rent an apartment in a nicer town if it offers amenities and entertainment. Is the town walk-able, how close is the beach?
I would not do either. I live in an apartment and chose a weekend home I could afford without ever needing to rent it out, so I will never have strangers in my home and will never have to be concerned with what anyone else would prefer.