Marina Homes Lust List

Many countries are upping their game in maritime tourism – so where are the smart investors docking? James Matthews investigates

With the world’s super rich returning to the high seas, property investors it seems, are also moving in to grab a slice of the best waterfront action. With a growing demand for marina properties that offer glamour, status, lifestyle, sea-sports and fun however, it’s interesting that for many marina projects, the sale of a boat mooring is just a tiny part of the investment decision - quite often the lion’s share of yield returns comes from the value added to the real estate.

Says Denise Clancy of luxury agents Curasi Realty: “Marinas are increasingly taking over as the driver at the top end of the second-home market. Many property investors are working out that it’s extremely cost-effective to own a berth by their own front door. It gives their property a certain scarcity value and in many cases a safer ‘get-out’ clause when they come to sell. So if you’re fortunate enough to find a dockside home you like - stick with it.”

Dock Hotspots

New York
Picture the Big Apple and waterfront resort living isn’t the first thing that springs to mind. But the uber stylish River & Warren development, an inspired joint venture between Centurion Real Estate Partners and Five Mile Capital, is out to change that.

Located in Battery Park City – on the southwestern tip of Manhattan - and the first bespoke design project to stake a residential footprint in this district; the residence comprises a limited edition collection of beautifully appointed 2-5 bedroom apartments ranging in price from $1.425m - $10m. Creating the home style buzz is lead architect Nancy Ruddy of Cetra Ruddy whose prolific influence on some of Manhattan’s finest new build developments includes One Madison, Walker Tower and 443 Greenwich. For River & Warren, Ruddy drew design inspiration from the Hudson River, which borders the building’s backyard, Rockefeller Park.

As to who the project will appeal to - according to Manhattan property consultant Peter Severin River and Warren is perfect for those who “want to live within the vibrancy of Downtown Manhattan, yet wish to make the most of the tranquillity of the beautiful river and parks that surround the property.” He adds: “It’s the best of city living mixed with close-up nature. You’re at the edge of Tribeca, with its character and superb shopping and cuisine, yet you can make the most of the spectacular park and river views.”

Cayman Islands
Sitting pretty on the world famous Seven Mile Beach, the Cayman Islands Yacht Club is fast becoming a talking point investment opportunity in this vibrant international community. A master planned development of low density - high value homes and estates with access to the full service marina and restaurant amenities of the Club, the community is just a short boat ride to the North Sound, a shallow sheltered body of water perfect for inshore sailing regattas, and only minutes away from the world famous Stingray City, Sand Bar and the island vibe of Rum Point and Cayman Kai, not to mention the upscale shopping at Camana Bay; the island’s premier mixed use retail development with world class boutiques, restaurants and entertainment.

“A multi-million dollar refurbishment of the marina and facilities completed in 2014 has already raised the value of the surrounding residential area,” explains property consultant Derek Gifford. “The neighbourhood is well established with the communities of Salt Creek, Vista Del Mar and the Cayman Islands Yacht Club all accessed from Yacht Drive.” Property prices run the gamut from £300,000 for land plots to self-build to upwards of £3.5m for a five-bed luxury mansion with all the trimmings.

Tuscany
Set in picture postcard surroundings overlooking Elba Island and the Tuscan archipelago, state-of-the-art Marina di Scarlino has an enviable location in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma, famous for its forested hills, natural beauty and sailing opportunities.

Nestled in one of the most sheltered bays in the northern Tyrrhenian Sea, this striking contemporary marina community provides 950 moorings for yachts up to 36m long; its curvaceous harbour home to 39 turnkey apartments, as well as countless leisure amenities including restaurants, shops and galleries, a beach club, spa and boatyard and a full complement of yachting services for residents and day cruisers alike.

All apartments sport one or two bedrooms, a dining room with open plan kitchen and large panoramic terraces where you can enjoy the glorious sunshine of Maremma and contemplate the spectacular sunsets over the bay. For home owners looking to rent their property or simply chill back and be ‘hands off’ on holiday – the full complement of on-site property management services includes housekeeping, maintenance, gardening and even in-house catering. One-bedroom apartments with Great Estate Italian Properties are currently selling for £390,000.