Is It a Good Time to Invest in Amelia Island?

by Ann Hayward 05/24/2020

Summer is the in-season on Amelia Island in Northeast Florida. But this popular vacation spot is enjoyable year-round, thanks to weather that ranges from mild to spectacular. A close-knit coastal community that's as charming as it is scenic holds the key to Amelia Island's reputation as a top-notch vacation spot. If you're thinking of investing in vacation property here, now is a good time to make the leap. Here's why:

The Allure of Amelia Island

Only 13 miles long and 4 miles wide, Amelia Island is a somewhat secluded sanctuary, especially during the off-seasons of spring, fall and winter. You can take the Intracoastal Highway to get there. You can also ferry across or arrive by air. This island is home to the popular Fernandina Beach, one of Florida's highest-ranked vacation spots. Famed for its world-class resorts, superior golfing, and downtown boutiques, Fernandina Beach also provides nature lovers with pristine natural areas and miles upon miles of premium beachfront access. In the off-season, the sandy shores of Fernandina are relaxingly sparse.

Amelia Island's Housing Market

Rental properties on Amelia Island include bed & breakfasts, AirBNBs, and ocean-front condos, but there are still single-family homes available for buyers wishing to purchase a second vacation home. Prices are increasing, however, so if you're planning to buy, you may not want to wait. In 2017 the median cost of a single-family home on Amelia Island was $240K, according to Amelia Island Living eMagazine. Compare that with housing values for similar properties at the end of 2019, and you'll see a notable increase to $377K. Amelia Island, discreet though the location may be, has been discovered. Homebuyers wanting in should do so as soon as possible.

Amelia Island as Investment Income

Owning a vacation home on this sparkling island is definitely worth the investment, as long as you buy in an area not governed by HOAs that prohibit year-round rentals. In December of 2019, beach rentals were running about $1,890 a month in Fernandina Beach. This is roughly $300 more per month than the national average, making Amelia Island a sound investment if you can find a property that's rentable and not too pricey.

So, if you're including Amelia Island and all it has to offer in your recent home search, or if you're debating whether this area is a good investment, the answer is to come see for yourself. There's so much to see and do here, all year round, that it draws vacationers from January through December every year. Find a property that's right for you and take the plunge. Odds are good you'll never have a single regret.

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About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]