What to know before building a new home on LBI

There’s something magical about Long Beach Island. Maybe it’s the salty breeze rolling in from the ocean, the rhythm of the tides, or the way the island seems to slow life down just enough to notice the moments that matter most. For many, building a home here isn’t just about square footage or floorplans; it’s about creating a place where summers stretch long and memories linger for generations.

If you’re starting to imagine your own slice of LBI, especially from a distance (like trading the tree-lined streets of Franklin Lakes for ocean views) you’re not alone. More and more buyers are choosing to build here, both for vacation homes and for year-round living. But before you break ground, there are a few things worth knowing to make the process smoother and, frankly, more enjoyable.

Why LBI is booming right now

Over the past several years, LBI has experienced an unprecedented surge in demand. Low inventory and high buyer interest have made finding the “perfect” existing home a challenge and that’s pushed many toward new construction.

Building offers more than just personalization. It can be a smart investment, too. New homes here often yield immediate equity, reduce maintenance headaches, and, thanks to modern building codes, lower insurance premiums. For some, it’s the only way to get exactly what they want without waiting years for the right property to come on the market.

Vacation retreat or year-round haven?

One of the first things to decide is how you’ll actually use your LBI home. Will it be a summer escape for a few weeks each year? A weekend retreat in every season? Or the place you eventually call home full-time?

Remote work has made year-round living more common, which changes how you plan your design, from choosing insulation and heating systems that handle January winds to adding an office with a view. Even if you’re only here in the summer now, it’s worth considering future needs while you’re in the design phase.

Expect a mix of excitement and (yes) a few nerves

Building from the ground up is thrilling! Your Pinterest boards start to take shape, you get to pick every finish, and you’ll watch your vision rise from an empty lot. But it can also feel overwhelming at times. There are permits to secure, budgets to manage, and decisions to make on everything from siding to stair railings.

Here’s the good news: every challenge has a solution, and LBI has a deep pool of experienced builders, architects, and designers who understand coastal construction inside and out. The more prepared you are from the start, the easier it is to navigate the process without losing sight of the dream.

What’s ahead

Over the next few weeks, we’ll dig deeper into the details like choosing between bayfront and oceanfront lots to working with local builders, navigating permits, designing for coastal living, and even managing your build from afar. My goal is to give you a clear-eyed look at what it takes to bring an LBI home to life, along with tips to keep the process as smooth (and fun) as possible.

Whether you’re building for summer sunsets, cozy winter weekends, or both, the journey to your LBI home starts here. And trust me, when you’re sipping coffee on your deck with the ocean in view, it will all be worth it.