Can You Still Find Waterfront STRs at an Affordable Price? 🌊

If you’ve been scrolling Zillow at midnight (we’ve all been there 😅) dreaming of owning a waterfront Airbnb in South Florida, you might be wondering: “Is it still possible to find something affordable?”

The short answer? Yes—but you’ve got to know where to look, and what to look for.

Let’s break it down and show you how you can still snag that dreamy waterfront short-term rental (STR) that pays for itself—and then some.

1. The Dream Isn’t Dead — It’s Just Shifted 🌴

Palm Beach County and South Florida have long been hot spots for waterfront living. Between boating, beach walks, paddle boarding, and sipping rosé by the pool, who wouldn’t want to invest here?

But while oceanfront properties on Palm Beach Island or Jupiter Inlet may now be multi-million-dollar listings, there are still hidden gems in up-and-coming areas like:

• Lake Worth Beach – Colorful cottages just a few blocks from the water and lively downtown.

• Boynton Beach – Great waterfront condos and canal-access homes at lower price points.

• Lantana & Hypoluxo – Charming coastal neighborhoods with direct Intracoastal views.

👉 Want to learn more about Lake Worth Beach’s investment potential? Check out our post: Why Lake Worth Beach Is a Hidden Gem for STR Investment.

2. Think “Waterfront Access,” Not Just “Oceanfront” 🚤

When you’re shopping for STRs, expand your definition of waterfront. You don’t need a mansion sitting directly on the sand to market a property as a “waterfront stay.”

Guests love:

• Canal-front homes with boat docks.

• Intracoastal-view condos where they can watch the boats pass.

• Neighborhoods minutes from the beach (yes, proximity counts!).

These properties often cost a fraction of oceanfront listings—but still command strong nightly rates.

👉 See how we help clients maximize returns in our Investor’s Guide to South Florida Real Estate.

3. Value is in the Experience, Not Just the View 🏖️

Modern travelers care just as much about vibe as they do location. Your Airbnb doesn’t have to be right on the sand to deliver a five-star coastal experience.

Here’s what drives bookings (and repeat guests):
✨ Coastal design that feels fresh and relaxing
✨ Resort-style amenities—like pools, fire pits, or hammocks
✨ Great photography + branding that sells the Florida lifestyle

Check out our blog on How to Design a Standout Airbnb in Florida for tips on styling your property to attract more guests.

4. Financing Smartly for Maximum ROI 💸

Even in competitive coastal markets, the right financing can make all the difference. Consider strategies like:

• DSCR loans (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) – Ideal for STR investors focusing on rental income potential.

• HELOCs or Cash-Out Refinancing – Use equity from your current property to fund a vacation rental purchase.

• Partnering with local experts (like us!) who know how to identify properties that actually cash flow.

5. SoFlo Coastal Group: Your Coastal Investment Partner 🌊

At SoFlo Coastal Group, we help clients buy, sell, rent, and invest in the most desirable spots across Palm Beach County and Southeast Florida.

From analyzing ROI to managing and co-hosting your short-term rental, our team provides the expertise—and local know-how—you need to succeed in the STR market.

We’ll help you find that perfect affordable waterfront property, stage it with coastal charm, and start earning right away.

📲 Ready to make your move?
Melissa Naman, REALTOR®
📞 732.754.9323
🔗 @melissa.buy.sell.invest
🌐 www.soflocoastalgroup.com