With over 200 miles of waterways and nicknames like “The Venice of America” and “Mega Yacht Capital of the World”, the city of Fort Lauderdale draws an understandably large number of boaters and boat owners looking to buy waterfront homes. But not all waterfront properties are created equal! Here’s what you need to know about buying a waterfront home.
There Are Many Different Types of Waterways
Fort Lauderdale is home to numerous different types of waterfronts—ocean, Intracoastal, lake, lagoon, river, canal (and of those, numerous different sizes and depths). Before you jump right in and purchase your dream home, there are several considerations you’ll want to take into account, such as the size and style of your boat and what you’ll be using it for. For example, those with ski boats or who want to use their boats for water sports might be best-suited buying a home lake or ski area of the Middle River, while yacht owners and ocean anglers will likely need a deepwater canal. Here’s what you’ll need to know about specific waterway types.
Oceanfront Homes
First and foremost, these homes will likely be the most expensive and most highly-desired property. They boast some of the most magnificent views and place you right on your own private slice of Atlantic Beach. However, most aren’t great for boat owners unless they offer an accompanying dock on Intracoastal on the other side of the property. Another option is to buy a home on the beach and store your boat at a nearby marina.
Intracoastal Front Homes
The benefit of living on the Intracoastal is immediate access to a wide, deepwater waterway leading directly to the ocean, and getting some pretty great views. The downside is that the Intracoastal can be a bit crowded or turbulent with high-speed boat traffic, and often offers limited waterfront or dock space with poor maneuverability. A great (but very expensive) way around this is to buy a Point Lot, which wraps around a peninsula and offers extended waterfronts on both the Intracoastal and a calm canal for boat storage.
Canal Front Homes
Most waterfront homes in Fort Lauderdale are located on canals, and of these, there are many different sizes and types. Less expensive homes are often found on narrower or shallow canals or those with “Fixed Bridge” access to the Intracoastal. They’re ideal for owners of smaller boats and won’t work for wider, taller boats or those with a deep draft. For those with larger boats and yachts, wide deepwater canals with “No Fixed Bridge” access are usually necessary. Another important consideration is whether the home is located in a Wake or No Wake zone. Larger boats will probably need to be kept in calmer “No Wake” canals, while smaller boats on lifts or jet skis will store fine in a wake zone.
Thinking of Buying a Waterfront Home in Fort Lauderdale?
It’s important to work with an agent who knows their way around the boating areas and property types of Fort Lauderdale. And if you’re looking for such an agent, then it’s time to contact Nick Squared. We’re pretty savvy on all things Fort Lauderdale, so we’re more than happy to answer your questions and help you find your dream home in Fort Lauderdale.
