The scenic views and grandiose homes of Malibu can quickly mesmerize buyers and lead to them overlooking some critical details of purchasing a home. When touring Malibu homes for sale, it’s essential to factor in the cost of maintenance as well as the price of the home.

Most of the homes in the region include luxuries which not only affect the price but add to the cost of upkeep. With some careful consideration of your personal needs and desires, you can save substantially on the purchase of your Malibu home.

Detailed Architectural Structures

Although you may fall in love with ornamental ironwork, embellished molding or window cornices it’s important to remember that these fine architectural details add to the cost of maintenance. These delicate structures require regular inspections. Over time, they become worn, decayed or the paint fades and need repair. Similarly, the large expanses of glass which are characteristic of Mid-Century Modern architecture require regular maintenance to retain their beauty.

Amenities

If you don’t play tennis, you probably don’t need to purchase a home with a tennis court. However, should you want to play tennis, but find a home with tennis courts outside your budget, there are exquisite Malibu homes for sale in neighborhoods such as Malibu La Costa that include a membership to their beach and tennis club. Pools and spas also add to the cost of the home’s maintenance and may be impractical if you plan to spend most of your time on the beach.

Lot Size

Malibu homes may be purchased with substantial acreage such as those in the Winding Way neighborhood or smaller lot sizes of ¼ to ½ acre similar to those found in Malibu Country Estates. Prospective buyers should consider the degree of privacy they desire when choosing a lot. Should you require a significant amount of acreage that appears to be above your price point, explore the possibilities of canyon properties, which are usually priced lower than ocean front properties. Another factor to consider when deciding lot size is the cost of landscaping.

Security Features

It’s important to keep your investment and your family secure; therefore, the home’s security features are a primary concern. Evaluate any that are present in the home, and factor into the cost any replacements or upgrades that are required.  You may also wish to enquire about homes in one of Malibu’s gated communities. You’ll find a number of neighborhoods such as Malibu Colony that are gated and have roving security.

Storm Protection

Malibu, like other coastal regions, is susceptible to storms. Determine if the home is elevated well enough to minimize the risk of flooding. Be sure it is equipped with storm shutters to protect against high winds. Enquire about the number of accessible roadways in the neighborhood where you plan to purchase in case there is a need to evacuate.