Two-Family Beach Homes
Located on the East Coast

In anticipation of warmer days, we take a look at homes on the market in three East Coast beach towns. These properties all have two units, which allows for the possibility of renting at least one of them out for added income. The extra space also can be used as private quarters for visiting friends or relatives.

• North Beach, N.J.
• North Myrtle Beach, S.C.
• Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

PLACE/PRICE: North Beach, N.J./$949,000

PROPERTY TAX:* $4,299

THE PROPERTY: A two-family Cape Cod home located three houses from the Manahawkin Bay and one block to the Atlantic Ocean and beach. Each unit has two bedrooms and one bath.

DESCRIPTION: Built in 1960, the 1,368-square-foot house sits on less than a quarter of an acre. The bay can be seen from the upstairs deck and the downstairs dining room. Each residence has a separate entrance, and there is a detached two-car garage.

NOTABLE: The owner of the property has never rented it out, but if the home were to be used as a rental property, the upstairs apartment could secure $1,000 a week and the downstairs unit could get $1,500 a week during the months of July and August, says listing agent Craig Stefanoni of Prudential Zack, Realtors of Beach Haven, N.J. Homes of this type are generally priced between $850,000 and $950,000 in North Beach, he says. North Beach and nearby town Loveladies are two of the most desirable locales on Long Beach Island because of their quiet neighborhoods and low density and because lot sizes tend to be larger, he says. "Prices are leveling off a little," he says. "We have been averaging 20% in appreciation for the last six years."

Note: *Current owner's payment

Sources: Prudential Zack, Realtors, Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate, Distinctive Homes Realty

-- Ms. Kim is a senior editor at RealEstateJournal.com.

Email your comments to lauren.kim@dowjones.com.