What are Beach Rights?

The majority of my clients number one priority when searching here for a home is beach access; when I came here back in the 90's not one person could adequately define it for me, below is what I've learned over the years, I do not have a complete list of all the Harbor Country Beaches yet.


BEACH RIGHTS
Questions most commonly asked:

Does it have beach rights? Not all homes come with beach rights. Beach rights or "deeded beach access" is an attached deed to a home or property within an association. Much like a common element or shared element in a condominium association. Most of the beach associations were formed many years ago to help market the summertime properties.

Will beach rights affect the value of my home? To a degree, yes. Like any other amenity, beach rights may increase the value of a property. Try to remember that location, neighborhood amenities and different associations will affect values greatly.

Are all beaches the same? Not at all, other than sand and water being a commonality the different types of beach ownership or how the beach is defined legally makes a difference.

BEACH DEFINITIONS

Public Beach: A beach such as New Buffalo Beach or the Beaches at Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer. These beaches offer parking, vending and washroom/shower facilities, etc.

Road End Beach: Where a road that is owned by a municipality dead ends at the lake, the road easement continues to the water. This beach is governed and maintained by the municipality that owns it. Examples include the Chikaming Township beaches in Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert and Sawyer.

Association Beach: Private beach associations which generally serve a cluster of homes in an area defined within the deeds of the single homes. Most were formed 80 to 100 years ago, have specific rules & regulations and usually have maintenance costs levied to the homeowners. There are many types of these associations in Forest Beach, New Buffalo, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert and Sawyer.

Municipal Semi Private Beach: Michiana, Grand Beach and other incorporated villages maintain and govern the beach-front in the community much like a public park. All village residents typically have access points such as the Stops in Michiana and road easements in Grand Beach.

Private Beach: From stately mansions to the quaint cottages along the lake-shore, most beach-front is owned privately. This land is the most prized and sought after and has price tags to match!