The Pros and Cons of Buying a Vacation Home in St. Augustine, FL

St. Augustine might be the perfect spot if you're considering investing in a vacation home. Imagine having your own little slice of paradise in this gorgeous city—pretty tempting, right?

Before you envision yourself sipping margaritas on your beachfront balcony, it's crucial to take a closer look at what owning a vacation property in St. Augustine involves. Don't worry; we've got you covered.

In this article, we'll dive headfirst into the nitty-gritty of investing in St. Augustine's vacation homes. We'll explore the perks that'll have you grinning from ear to ear and the potential drawbacks that might make you scratch your head. By the end of this piece, you'll have everything you need to decide whether a St. Augustine vacation property is the right move for you.

Pros

Thriving Tourism

Along with the beaches, great weather, and rich history, getting to St. Augustine is a breeze! Whether you're coming from within the U.S. or flying in from another country, you'll find that this hidden gem is super accessible. If you're coming from Jacksonville or Orlando, you're just a short drive from this coastal paradise. Some of the most popular tourist hotspots are:

• St. Augustine Wild Reserve
• St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
• St. Augustine Distillery
• St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
• The Colonial Quarter Museum

The cost of staying in hotels and resorts can add up quickly. As such, most tourists prefer to rent out vacation homes where they can stay long-term without breaking the bank. This area receives millions of visitors year-round, allowing you to rent your home when you're not in town.

Subtropical Climate

You're in for a treat if you crave sunny days and mild temperatures. St. Augustine is blessed with over 200 days of sunshine each year. During the summer months, the air is warm and a bit on the humid side. It's the perfect excuse to dip in the ocean or lounge by the pool. And when winter rolls around, you can leave your heavy coat at home because the temperatures remain mild.

If you're considering buying a vacation home in St. Augustine, this is music to your ears. With such a desirable climate, you have a golden opportunity to attract sun-seeking snowbirds by offering them a home away from home, where they can bask in the warmth and forget about the frosty weather back north.

And here's a little insider tip: if you go above and beyond with your hospitality and create an unforgettable experience for your guests, you might find yourself with a loyal crew of regulars who come back year after year.

Strong Rental Market

The rental market in St. Augustine is booming! This town is like a magnet, attracting folks from all walks of life. You have college students, ambitious entrepreneurs, and retirees looking to enjoy their golden years in peace.

So, what does this mean for property owners and builders? They have to step up their game and offer a smorgasbord of property types to cater to this diverse crowd.

The median sale price of a home in St. Augustine skyrocketed to a whopping $508,000 in March 2024, a 37.2% increase from the previous year. Like many costal cities, prices are continuing to rise. Prices all depend on the neighborhood you choose. If you're eyeing those historic areas, be prepared to dish out a little extra cash. But if you're open to exploring the outskirts, you might find homes in unexplored corners at a more wallet-friendly price point.

If you're toying with the idea of snagging a vacation home in St. Augustine, now might be the perfect time to make your move. With a solid rental market and the potential for appreciation, you could be setting yourself up for an investment that'll make your friends green with envy.

Cons

Congestion

Like most cities in Florida, St. Augustine's population and tourism have increased in recent years. This is not surprising, considering all the positive things it offers. The bad news is that this stresses the city's available infrastructure.

Traffic congestion might not be as bad as in New York and other crowded cities. But it's a big issue in St. Augustine's older towns, which tend to have narrow streets and poorly developed infrastructure.

Heightened Risk of Extreme Weather Conditions

One risk of properties close to the ocean is exposure to hurricanes and tropical storms. In the past, St. Augustine has experienced several instances of extreme weather and flooding. The most recent occurrence was Hurricane Ian in September 2023.

St. Augustine still felt its wrath even though it lost some of its punch and was downgraded to a tropical storm as it churned across the state. Mass flooding hit the city hard, leaving residents stunned and struggling to cope with the aftermath. Based on this, expect insurance rates on vacation homes to be pricier than those in less weather-prone regions. Some insurers have been leaving the state altogether, so its critical to check on insurance before you sign on the dotted line.

Backlash on Short Term Rentals

If you plan to finance your home in part with revenue from short-term rentals like AirBnB or HomeAway, you may want to pause for a few months while the courts sort out the contentious new laws regarding rental properties in the state. There are several laws pending that could make it much easier, or much harder, to rent out properties in the future, depending on the outcome.

Find a New Construction Home in St. Augustine with NewHomesMate

Buying a new home in St. Augustine can be exciting and a little overwhelming. But guess what? You don't have to go on this adventure alone!

That's where NewHomesMate comes in. We're here to be your trusty sidekick, helping you find the perfect new construction home to call your slice of paradise in St. Augustine.

Think of us as your real estate matchmakers. We'll listen to your wants, needs, and dreams and work magic to find the ideal match. Whether you're looking for a cozy bungalow near the beach or a spacious family home in a friendly neighborhood, we've got you covered.

So, why stress yourself out trying to do it all alone? Let us take the weight off your shoulders and make the process a breeze. All you have to do is start your search, and we'll guide you every step of the way.