The Impact of Long Island's Coastal Weather on Property Value

Let's face it, the ocean is one of the biggest positives when it comes to living on Long Island-from lazy summer days at the beach, fishing trips, to even just a nice cool ocean breeze in your face, there is simply something enchanting about life on the coast. If you're thinking of buying or selling property near the scenic shores of Long Island, weather does more than mess up or enhance your weekend-it impacts property value in ways you probably don't really think about.

We break down how the special coastal weather and climate change are factors on Long Island in this post. Don't worry—we will sprinkle a bit of humor to lighten things up, because while real estate is a serious business, that does not mean we cannot have a little fun along the way. Are you ready? Let's go.

1. Ocean Views Come with a Price Tag – And Data Shows Its Rising

And it's no secret that people pay a premium for those ocean views. In fact, according to data from Zillow recently, homes featuring water views on Long Island have seen an average appreciation 15-20% higher than everything else inland in the past decade. Properties in hotspots like Montauk and The Hamptons are now commanding prices up to 40% above the county overall average since the allure of oceanfront life is pretty strong.

But here's the thing: As demand for the best views increases, supply dries up, making prices escalate even more. The lesson? If you have a house with some mountain view, hold on to it-at least until that next wave of eager buyers arrives. They always do.

Pro Tip: If you're thinking of selling, capitalize on this rising demand and let the data work in your favor. And if you're buying, well… better snag that ocean view before prices ride yet another wave up.

2. Hurricanes, Nor'easters, and. Flood Zones—Oh My!

Here's where things get serious, but stay with me, because the numbers are important. Long Island is no stranger to storms. In fact, according to NOAA, Long Island has seen a 20% increase in the frequency of major storms over the past 30 years, including hurricanes, nor'easters, and those infamous "bomb cyclones."

And this's where it hits property values. FEMA flood maps show that 25% and more of the South Shore homes of Long Island fall in high-risk flood zones. Often houses here sell 5-10 percent less than homes outside of flood zones because people tend to avoid homes in those flood zones or expect higher insurance prices.

To a buyer, that means additional costs like flood insurance. As a seller, you are better off showing potential buyers from the start any storm-proofing your home has. It is not enough to just say, "This home is gorgeous!" But rather, "Yes, this home can stand up to Mother Nature!"

3. The Real Cost of Flood Insurance (And Why It's Worth the Headache)

Okay, insurance talk isn't thrilling, but it's a fact. The cost of flood insurance has been increasing steadily-by around 7% annually over the last five years-and a report from FEMA puts it that way. Homes in higher-risk zones means that an extra $3,000 to $5,000 per year in the form of flood insurance could be costlier.

But here's the silver lining, because there's always a silver lining: Homes equipped with state-of-the-art flood mitigation features such as raised foundations and reinforced windows are better protected, plus qualify for substantial insurance discounts.

So, if your home has these upgrades, make sure they're front and center in your listing. Buyers are more than willing to pay extra for a home that's protected from the elements and won't drown them in insurance premiums (pun intended).

4. Coastal Erosion: When the Beach Shrinks, So Does Your Property Value

While everybody likes being close to the water, there is such a thing as getting too close. Coastal erosion has been a perennial problem on Long Island's South Shore, with areas losing up to 20 feet of beachfront annually, according to US Geological Survey studies. It can result in shrinking property lines, which-surprise, surprise-can also shrink property values.

It's interesting enough, while erosion in and of itself is a significant issue, communities such as Long Beach and Fire Island are completing large-scale dune restoration projects in order to stabilize erosion in those areas. The properties protected under these initiatives didn't just stabilize; they actually gained value up to 8-10% in the last five years. Don't look at coastal properties as gone, yet — local governments have been working to protect them, and the market catches on.

5. Market Dynamics: Seasonal Weather Effects on Demand for Property

Long Island's coastal weather also pushes for a seasonal ebbs and flows in the real estate market. Summer months drive the most number of buyers for second homes or vacation rentals. In fact, the National Association of Realtors said the surge in demand due to summer accounted for 10-15 percent of seasonal price bumps. In other words: If you're looking to sell, look for warm weather when people start dreaming about the beach and less about shoveling snow.

But sometimes, and more literally too, the winter month does get real estate in an off-beat stage, cold, yes. In cold winter months when few buyers tend to be roaming out there; properties can then be in that marketplace for many weeks. With prices cut some 2% to 5% during these lean seasons. The owner then waits around in the cold with hopes to lure a more desperate few freezing people to bring him or her his price.

6. Climate Change: The Long-Term Forecast for Property Values

Now let's talk about the elephant in the room: climate change. Rising sea levels, warmer ocean temperatures, and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns are already starting to inform buyer decisions. According to a new study from Redfin, as of now, 40% of coastal area buyers now factor climate change into their home purchase decisions.

This shift has meant that homes with flood mitigation systems, higher elevations, and climate-resistant features are appreciating faster than homes that lack these protections. According to data, resilient homes can appreciate by an additional 5 to 8 percent as compared to those that are less prepared.

It's about safety, and safety for Long Island homeowners but about protecting property's long-term value. Besides, during that next big storm, wouldn't you want to be the house everyone wishes they had?

Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply curious about how Long Island’s coastal weather impacts your property’s value, I’m here to help. With my expertise as Long Island’s only A.I.-Certified Real Estate Agent™, I combine local knowledge and data-driven insights to guide you through every step of the journey.

📞 Call me today at 516-984-3286 or 📧 email Dean@TheBeaconTeam.com to get started.
Visit www.TheBeaconTeam.com to explore listings, market trends, and expert advice tailored to your needs.

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