The idea of living on a golf course can be appealing. These communities feature rolling hills, carefully manicured landscaping, relative peace and quiet compared to many other neighbourhoods, and you have easy access to a club if you play golf.
So, is property on a golf course right for you? REMAX has rounded up expert opinions on the topic. Combined with input from agents experienced in golf course properties, we have produced this guide for prospective buyers.
Key Takeaways
- Golf course properties offer scenic views, open space, and access to resort-style amenities.
- Many golf communities provide a quiet, low-density lifestyle with great opportunities for socializing.
- Potential drawbacks include stray golf balls, reduced privacy, HOA restrictions, and seasonal traffic.
- The long-term value of golf course property can depend on the financial stability and future of the course itself.
- Buyers should research the community carefully and work with an experienced local agent before making an offer.
The Pros of Owning Property Near a Golf Course
Exceptional Views and Green Space
Golf courses are beautiful by design, and if you own property that borders on one, you get to enjoy it for free. Owners of golf course properties enjoy sweeping views of landscaped greens, open sky, and treed areas that put these homes on par with houses next to ravines, farms, and conservation areas.
Property Values Tend to Hold Well
Properties on or near a golf course tend to maintain their value as long as the land remains a golf course and isn’t abandoned or sold for development. Golf course properties also tend to attract a buyer pool that is fairly stable, and the increasing popularity of golf as a pastime1 means the buyer pool is more likely to grow than shrink.
Low Density and More Serenity
Golf course properties that back onto fairways are typically quieter than the surrounding development. Even during busy times on the course, the noise level from players is rarely disruptive. At night, the loudest sounds will be crickets and frogs. You may even see wildlife like deer, rabbits and birds on the course, adding to the peaceful nature of the setting.
The Golf Club Lifestyle
If you play golf, the appeal of owning property near a golf course is obvious. In some communities, membership is automatically included in the purchase of a home, and in others, residents get discounted memberships or reduced green fees.
Non-golfing residents benefit through access to the club’s facilities, including restaurants and lounges, fitness centres, pools, tennis courts, and trail networks. Golf club social life tends to be lively and supportive, giving all your family members a built-in social network as soon as you move in.
The Cons of Living Near a Golf Course Property
Stray Golf Shots
If your property borders an active fairway, the occasional golf ball will find its way into your yard or possibly through your window. Most owners adapt to this, but it can be a concern if you have a small child or pet. Properties that back onto greens tend to have fewer issues.
Lack of Privacy
With a golf course property, you should expect people to walk around in what is essentially your backyard. Players and maintenance crews will be able to see into your home, and HOAs often have regulations prohibiting privacy fences.
Courses Are Not Forever
Golf courses can be sold, repurposed, or closed. All your reasons for buying property on a golf course can disappear overnight if this happens, and your property value could drop as a result.
Before purchasing a golf course property, research the financial health and ownership of the course. A well-established, privately held club with a strong membership base will likely have more stability than a municipally operated course facing budget pressure or a family-owned operation with an aging matriarch as the CEO and no heir apparent.
HOA Fees and Restrictions
Many golf course communities are governed by homeowners’ associations, which are responsible for maintaining the shared amenities and enforcing community standards. The upside is a well-kept neighbourhood, but HOA fees can be substantial, and the rules governing what you can do with your property can be restrictive. Everything from fence heights to exterior paint colours may be subject to approval.
If you’re considering buying property for sale on a golf course in an HOA community, review the governing documents before making an offer. Working with a real estate agent who has experience in that community can be invaluable in this regard.
Pesticide Concerns
Although pesticide use on golf courses in Canada is tightly regulated, some are still permitted, and can be problematic for people with sensitivities. If you’re looking at property for sale on a golf course outside Canada, research the federal, state, and municipal regulations around pesticide use before making an offer.
Traffic and Noise
Golf courses tend to have heavy periods of activity, during which vehicles are constantly coming and going, and chatter is everywhere. The flip side of this is that they’re essentially silent at night and during the off-season. Homes near common areas like pools, tennis courts, the clubhouse, and outdoor entertainment spaces may be more affected by noise. Touring homes during busy times can help you get a sense of noise levels.
Winter Views
The sunny, verdant summer vistas of golf course properties aren’t the same in the winter months, when the wind can blow across the course with an icy fury. Some people enjoy a pristine snowscape, but it’s not for everyone. Think about what the views out your back windows will be when it’s not green and flooded with sunshine.
Is A Golf Course Property Right for You?
Many of the pros of living on a golf course come with a flip side. For example, while you’re enjoying the resplendent views on your back patio in the morning, you could be sharing it with a chatty foursome a few yards away, the beauty of a summertime course becomes a wintery tundra in the winter, and hushed evenings can turn into chaotic early mornings as golfers scramble to get a round in before the sun reaches its peak.
If you’re in the market for a property with a nearby golf course for sale, do your research before you make an offer. Work with a real estate agent who knows the area well and can help you find out about the club’s ownership and financial health, nearby traffic patterns, and the community feel.
FAQs
Do golf course homes hold their value well?
Golf course properties have historically shown that they retain their value, particularly in well-maintained communities with desirable amenities. However, values can be affected if the golf course closes, is repurposed, or falls into poor condition.
Are golf course communities only suitable for golfers?
No. Many buyers are attracted to the scenery, open green space, and quieter atmosphere rather than the sport itself. Golf communities also often include amenities like restaurants, pools, and fitness centres, which appeal to non-golfers, and they hold frequent social events that appeal to both golf enthusiasts and people who don’t play.
What are the downsides of living on a golf course?
Potential drawbacks include stray golf balls, reduced backyard privacy, HOA restrictions, and seasonal noise near busy areas like clubhouses or pools. Buyers should also consider the long-term stability and financial health of the golf course itself.
Are golf course properties more expensive to maintain?
Maintenance costs for the homes themselves are usually similar to comparable properties, but HOA fees in golf communities can be substantial. These fees often cover landscaping, amenities, and upkeep of common areas.
Should I tour a golf course property more than once before buying?
Yes. Visiting at different times of day and during different seasons can help you understand traffic, noise levels, privacy, and how the course looks outside peak summer conditions. This gives buyers a more realistic sense of daily life in the community.
