I want to buy a house by the sea. I have heard about climate change and I want to ask, is this a sensible t?

Answer 1

Nice idea, but i dont think global warming is the biggest issue here, more like coastal erosion. Some coastlines, like the Holderness Coast are eroding at 1m per year, so sure your new house might be lovely but in a few years you might risk falling into the sea. A house with a sea view should be fine, but right by the sea might be a little risky. Once you're in that position with erosion you'll never sell it either.

As for global warming it could result in more severe weather, so this might be a problem with regards to being right by the sea. Its your choice, but if you want a house by the sea 'nearby', rather than 'by' would be a more sensible option.

Good luck with your house buying!

Answer 2

I've got one and am thinking the same thing. The Envoirment agency is no longer going to maintain the sea defences in this area and many others. I suggest you don't buy anything too close or too low lying. When you've picked your area have a look on the floodwatch site it will give you some idea of the risk. In a slightly different vein do remember how peole flock to the sea in good weather and seem to leave their brains and manners at home. Most seaside towns are imposing bans to stop drinking in the street and on the beach. Also make sure that the roads aren't grid locked when the sun shines. Would I move in land? No way I walk my dog on a deserted beach for most of the year. Happy house hunting.

Answer 3

You need to find out about flood risks, erosion risks, and future plans for flood defenses. Any good environmental consultant would be able to do a risk assessment for you regarding this, try http://www.ends.co.uk

or have a look at the Environment Agency website
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk
they have a section called 'What's in your Backyard' which can give you some basic information about what the current and potential future risks are in the area you are looking at buying.

Also try the Association of British Insurers
http://www.abi.org.uk
who have produced some reports and recommendations on climate change and risk.

It might not be a good idea for a long-term investment, but the right location, or the right property, it might be OK

Answer 4

That would depend on the circumstances, for example if your seaside home was on top of a 100ft granite cliff not much to worry about regarding rising sea levels. On the other hand if your home was at or below sea level that would be most unwise. Equally on a soft silty/sandy cliff would present problems with future erosion. There can be problems getting house insurance and in the future properties might not even be mortgageable.

Answer 5

Seaside homes are always subject to destruction from storms. You hear about this all the time in the news, especially in Malibu, California. And that doesn't even have anything to do with global warming or sea level rise. So I say seaside homes are not sensible, but they are nice if you can afford it. Just make you are insured against damage or even total destruction by a storm surge.

Answer 6

I don't see why it should be a problem. They say climate change could bring a lot hotter weather, so what better than a house by the sea with all the cool breezes.

Answer 7

I used to live by the sea, and it is worth bearing in mind that a lot of companies will not provide buildings insurance, only contents due to the higher risk of flooding and also the fact that the salty air causes faster wear and tear onbrickwork and paintwork. And that Council Tax tends to be higher.
But you cannot beat the fresh air!

Answer 8

For the next several decades at least, you are more at risk from storm damage than from rising sea level. Go shopping, but before you buy anything, talk to your insurance agent. Storm insurance is getting to be a bit dicey these days, given things like Hurricane Katrina.

Answer 9

lol, if you're house gets hit by a tidal wave the country will be totally f***ed so i wouldn't worry about your house.