Looking to buy a condo in SoWal

My Wife and I are looking to buy a condo in the Destin SoWal area. We plan to use it for our own purposes and rent it occasionally. Gulf Place, Hidden Beach Villas, Rollin Tide Villas, Village of Blue Mountain Beach and Seagrove Highlands are the ones we seem to be most interested in. We really only need a studio or one bedroom. I would appreciate anyone's opinion on these, the good and the bad, if anyone would care to share. Thanks.

Out of what you listed above I would lean towards Gulf Place. It is sooooo close to the water and really is that not what this is all about! Also, they have lots of amenities. I also think your rental pool will be much higher. If you need any help feel free to call.

My Wife and I are looking to buy a condo in the Destin SoWal area. We plan to use it for our own purposes and rent it occasionally. Gulf Place, Hidden Beach Villas, Rollin Tide Villas, Village of Blue Mountain Beach and Seagrove Highlands are the ones we seem to be most interested in. We really only need a studio or one bedroom. I would appreciate anyone's opinion on these, the good and the bad, if anyone would care to share. Thanks.

unit 318 / gulf place / studio / unfurnished / over smiling fish rest / facing public beach and also side windows facing artist colony and music park. $181,400.00
850-399-0123

unit 318 gulf place studio unfurn. third floor over smiling fish rest facing public beach and also side windows overlooking artist colony and music park. $181,400.00 850-399-0123

Link to units for sale in Gulf Place.

Show Report

wow 17 for sale in just one complex. this looks like it could take years before an upswing starts

Hi catmoney, I'm looking to buy in the same area as you, so exciting!! Good luck to you in your search!

There is a 1 bedroom/1-1/2 bath condo in Cassine Station that has been for sale for $199,000 for a while. Very nice condo, excellent complex and neighborhood, right across the street from One Seagrove Place and public beach access. A little bigger 1 bdrm than Gulf Place (about 100 sq ft). However, I agree with Bobby that you may have a better rental pool with Gulf Place.

There is a 1 bedroom/1-1/2 bath condo in Cassine Station that has been for sale for $199,000 for a while. Very nice condo, excellent complex and neighborhood, right across the street from One Seagrove Place and public beach access. A little bigger 1 bdrm than Gulf Place (about 100 sq ft). However, I agree with Bobby that you may have a better rental pool with Gulf Place.

Actually that Cassine unit is really nice! It is a short sale and will probably take several months to dissect but I really like the unit. If I remember it did $15,000 last year in rentals.

Thanks for the replies

I just got back from looking around this weekend and Beachwood is another complex that caught our eye. I do like the fact that Gulf Place is very close to the water. However, a one bedroom there is probably out of our budget and the studios seem very small. I hope to schedule some time to actually view some of these condos soon. I looked at the Cassine Station condo online and it is very nice, but again probably out of our budget.

Take a look at the Bungalows in Seagrove. They're a little community and they're close to the beach in a convenient place and they have 1-2 pools and I think they have 2 bedrooms, maybe 2 baths. Not much green/landscaping around them, but some of the units are located in greener parts of the community and that's what I'd be looking for. I think they are well priced (under $200,000 I believe). I don't know how well built they are, but an inspector would tell you. They'd definitely be in my "under $200,000" range if I was looking for a place.

My Wife and I are looking to buy a condo in the Destin SoWal area. We plan to use it for our own purposes and rent it occasionally. Gulf Place, Hidden Beach Villas, Rollin Tide Villas, Village of Blue Mountain Beach and Seagrove Highlands are the ones we seem to be most interested in. We really only need a studio or one bedroom. I would appreciate anyone's opinion on these, the good and the bad, if anyone would care to share. Thanks.

My husband and I have owned a condo at Hidden Beach Villas since 2005 and I am on the board of directors. All the units are 500 square feet, the assessments are under $300/month, and we are steadily working on improving the grounds and structure. Our management is very competent and the board's on the ball, too. If you have any questions, ask away!

My husband and I have owned a condo at Hidden Beach Villas since 2005 and I am on the board of directors. All the units are 500 square feet, the assessments are under $300/month, and we are steadily working on improving the grounds and structure. Our management is very competent and the board's on the ball, too. If you have any questions, ask away!

And a great beach access, not so crowded as some others.

And a great beach access, not so crowded as some others.

Yes, the Pelayo beach access is wonderful, especially the landing with benches at the top of the bluff. We walk over with cups of coffee in the morning and a nice beverage at sunset. ;-)

If you don't mind a studio, you might want to check out Inn at Seacrest Beach. Several studios are for sale and some are under 75K. I stayed there once for a couple of nights and it was just fine ... and a great view of the beach.

I just got back from looking around this weekend and Beachwood is another complex that caught our eye. I do like the fact that Gulf Place is very close to the water. However, a one bedroom there is probably out of our budget and the studios seem very small. I hope to schedule some time to actually view some of these condos soon. I looked at the Cassine Station condo online and it is very nice, but again probably out of our budget.

For the price range you are looking for, Beachwood and Hidden Beach may be your best bet. These are older properties but have excellent beach access right across the street. You are not going to get a big place below $150,000, although if you are willing to walk a bit, you could probably get a larger place in Seagrove Highlands since they are practically giving these condos away. Good luck!

Inn at Seacrest Beach currently has Gulf views. I wouldn't expect that in 5-6 years.

Thanks for the comments. We are very intrested in Hidden Beach Villas and Seagrove Highlands. We are not against a studio but we would like a full kitchen. I can't wait to get down there and actually veiw some of these units. Hopefully have our own little slice of paradise by the summer.

If you don't mind a studio, you might want to check out Inn at Seacrest Beach. Several studios are for sale and some are under 75K. I stayed there once for a couple of nights and it was just fine ... and a great view of the beach.

Great price! What are the dues?

This thread reminds me of when I first started looking - it was so much funn!

So nice to have you guys helping out.

Thanks for the comments. We are very intrested in Hidden Beach Villas and Seagrove Highlands. We are not against a studio but we would like a full kitchen. I can't wait to get down there and actually veiw some of these units. Hopefully have our own little slice of paradise by the summer.

The developer has 20 units in Seagrove Highlands to sell. I think with the right push he might let a few go at a real good price. ;-)

Beachside Villas condo for sale

My Wife and I are looking to buy a condo in the Destin SoWal area. We plan to use it for our own purposes and rent it occasionally. Gulf Place, Hidden Beach Villas, Rollin Tide Villas, Village of Blue Mountain Beach and Seagrove Highlands are the ones we seem to be most interested in. We really only need a studio or one bedroom. I would appreciate anyone's opinion on these, the good and the bad, if anyone would care to share. Thanks.

You might want to consider the Beachside Villas which are similar to the Beachwood Villas. They are on the other side of 30-A and have boardwalk access to the beach from the complex along with 2 pools, 2 tennis courts, and access to the Eastern Lake.

I have the lowest priced 836 sq. ft condo for sale in the Beachside Villas. See the listing - EmeraldCoastHomesOnline.com

The next lowest priced unit is $224,500. I am willing to sell unit#1011 for $189,900 even though it is listed at $204,900. That sales price would make it $34,600 cheaper than the next lowest price.

I haven't been inside of Seagrove Highlands but the same developer did the Cottages at Camp Creek, which I love. The CCC quality and layouts are very good. If the Highlands can get a sense of community going and a "warm" feeling over time (and fill the place up more), I think it would be excellent value for the money now. They were waaaaaaay more expensive during the boom. I almost signed up for one before the prices balooned, but then decided to get another place at Cottages at Camp Creek which worked out great for us. But I did like the idea of the Highlands.

I see where a unit at Emerald Hills is selling for what looks like a good price. Can anyone tell me anything about this complex.

I see where a unit at Emerald Hills is selling for what looks like a good price. Can anyone tell me anything about this complex.

Emerald Hills is located on the south side of 30-A, great complex, older. but well maintained.