There are several condominium choices on Folly Beach, both oceanfront and riverside, which ones are the best?
There is much to be said about the Charleston Oceanfront Villas being the premier destination on Folly Beach. It is right in the heart of the city, offers incredible ocean views from each rooms’ balcony, has 2 pools, an elevator, and is one of the best constructed (steel & concrete) buildings on Folly. Owning one is easy as regime fees are low, and insurance is affordable, because of a newly constructed sea wall. These condos are also rental machines, offering the highest rental income for a condominium on the beach. There have been 6 sales in 2010 & 2011 for an average price of $632,000.
In that same time period, there have been only 2 other sales of an oceanfront condominium outside of the Charleston Oceanfront Villas, both in Seaside Villas, averaging $434,000. These offer less amenities, do not have a pool, but you walk right outside your home onto the sands of Folly. There are also two excellently built condominiums offering outstanding oceanfront views in Seacoast Villas and Ocean Pointe. These are smaller developments and there has been no activity recently, but I would place these somewhere in between the two just mentioned.
Pavilion Watch is across Arctic Avenue from the Charleston Oceanfront Villas, and offers views of the water, a great layout with 3 bedrooms, a pool, tennis court, and an elevator. There have been 2 sales in this building averaging $360,000.
Folly River side condominiums offer great marsh views and are newer construction, townhome style properties. The two facing the Folly River are Turtle Bay and Waters Edge. Both have swimming pools looking at the river, every Turtle Bay condominium has a deep water boat slip, and some of the Waters Edge homes have a deeded slip. These properties have had a strong 2010 & 2011, selling 15 between them. There have been 9 sales in Turtle Bay with an average $367,000 selling price. Waters Edge has had 6 sales averaging $406,000. Waters Edge offers a better architectural feel to the neighborhood and offers exterior windows on all homes, making them feel bright and airy. Both neighborhoods offer large river views.
It is important to trust the help of a professional Folly Beach real estate agent to help make your choices. There are many ins and outs of each neighborhood and building, and each have different homeowner’s association and regime set-ups. If you would like more information contact me here.