You’re looking at a crumbling seawall along your canal, and you’re wondering: if I spend $50,000 to replace this, will I get that money back when I sell?
It’s a fair question. And the answer isn’t as simple as “yes” or “no.”
I’m Carrie Liotta, a waterfront real estate specialist here on the Space Coast. I help people understand what they’re getting into before they commit serious money to a waterfront property. Let me walk you through what I’ve learned from dozens of these situations.
Why Seawalls Matter on the Space Coast
Living on the water here is different than other places. We’re in hurricane alley. We have rising sea levels. And when a seawall fails, it’s not just cosmetic—it affects your property line, your insurance rates, and your ability to actually use your waterfront.
A failing seawall signals risk to buyers. They see erosion eating away at the yard. They worry about what their insurance will cost. And often, they just walk away.
A new seawall does the opposite. It protects your property from the rising tides we’re seeing—about 0.13 inches annually according to National Geographic. It preserves your usable yard space for docks, patios, and boat access. And it tells buyers this is one less thing they have to worry about.
What Does Seawall Replacement Actually Cost Here?
Here’s what you need to prepare for in 2026: $400 to $900 per linear foot depending on materials and site conditions.
For a typical 100-foot canal front, that’s $40,000 to $90,000 total. Plus permits—anywhere from $150 to $2,500—and you’ll need surveys and engineering stamps to meet Brevard County requirements.
Timeline? Expect 3 to 6 months. Florida’s waterway regulations slow things down, and if you’re on the oceanside in Cocoa Beach, the codes are even stricter.
One of my past clients put it this way: “Carrie was very responsive and helpful and worked hard both to get the house sold for the owner and to provide us all the information we needed to purchase the home.” That’s the approach I take with seawalls too—I want you to know what you’re getting into before you start.
Does It Actually Increase Your Home’s Value?
Yes, but not always in the way you’d expect.
The value isn’t just in what an appraiser adds to your home price. The real value is in removing buyer fear.
When buyers see a well-maintained seawall, they don’t have to budget for a six-figure repair after they move in. They don’t have to worry about erosion eating their property. They can focus on whether they love the home instead of calculating risk.
In Merritt Island, waterfront homes with fresh seawalls consistently sell faster and for higher prices than similar homes with aging seawalls. I’ve seen properties with updated shorelines fetch premiums of $50,000 to $100,000+ on homes over $1 million.
One client shared: “Carrie repeatedly went above and beyond to ensure we found our perfect home. Without reservations I highly recommend her.” That’s because I help people understand these waterfront realities before they make an offer—not after.
Where Seawalls Matter Most
Not all waterfront is the same. The value of a seawall depends heavily on your location and what buyers in that area prioritize.
Merritt Island Canals (Banana River area):
- Typical cost for 100 feet: $50,000-$80,000
- Value add: 10-20% (that’s $50,000-$150,000 on a $750,000 home)
- Buyer profile: Boaters and investors who need dock stability
Cocoa Beach Oceanside:
- Typical cost for 100 feet: $60,000-$100,000 (stricter codes)
- Value add: 5-10%
- Buyer profile: Retirees valuing erosion barriers
Sykes Creek (Family areas):
- Typical cost for 100 feet: $40,000-$70,000
- Value add: 8-15%
- Buyer profile: Families prioritizing yard safety and walkability
Learn more about waterfront living on the Space Coast
The Hidden Hurdles: Permits and Regulations
Brevard County doesn’t allow DIY seawalls. You need sealed plans, turbidity barriers, and sometimes mangrove surveys. Fines hit hard if you try to skip permits.
Insurance can get complicated too. New seawalls typically lower flood insurance premiums in high-risk VE zones, but you need to verify your property’s FEMA flood zone first. I’ve guided clients through 180-day survey requirements to avoid delays that would have cost them the sale.
As one seller told me: “Carrie was a pleasure to work with throughout the entire process and made buying the perfect home stress-free. Her guidance and expertise were invaluable.”
That’s what I’m here for—to help you navigate these details before they become problems.
Watch my YouTube channel for seawall timelines and waterfront tips
When a Seawall Upgrade Is Worth It
For investors: If you’re flipping within 12 months, yes. The comps reward it, and buyers move faster on turnkey waterfront.
For families: Prioritize it if your kids boat and you’re planning to stay a while. Skip it if you need to sell quickly—you can negotiate a credit instead.
For retirees: This is about legacy value. A new seawall protects your property through storms and gives your family something solid to inherit or sell later.
I’ve closed over $12 million in waterfront listings where seawall condition made or broke the deal. One client said it best: “Carrie just helped us find a beach condo that we love! She was very attentive, always answered our questions in a timely manner and was very knowledgeable concerning what’s happening in the real estate market.”
What About Days on Market?
This is where the data gets interesting.
Failing seawall: 120+ days on market, often selling 10-20% below comparable homes
Older seawall (10+ years): 80 days on market, baseline pricing
New seawall (less than 5 years): 45 days on market, 10-25% premium over comps
The faster sale matters as much as the higher price. Every month a waterfront home sits empty, you’re paying insurance, maintenance, and opportunity cost.
Insurance and Long-Term Protection
Here’s what most people don’t realize: insurance companies are getting stricter about seawalls. In high-risk zones, a failing seawall can trigger non-renewal or premium increases of $10,000+ per year.
A new seawall stabilizes those costs. With FEMA maps shifting in 2026 and sea levels projected to rise 8 inches this century, proactive protection isn’t just about resale value—it’s about insurability.
Contact me for a personalized analysis of your waterfront property
What My Clients Say
“Carrie Liotta made buying my waterfront home in Cocoa Beach an incredible experience! She’s truly a Cocoa Beach waterfront property expert and knows the local market inside and out.”
“Carrie is very knowledgeable concerning Brevard county realty. She goes the extra mile to give her clients a great experience, I highly recommend her!!”
“Working with Carrie Liotta was the best decision I could have made! As a Merritt Island Realtor, she guided me through every step and found me the perfect home. She’s a Merritt Island real estate expert and the best realtor for waterfront homes.”
The Bottom Line
A new seawall doesn’t always add dollar-for-dollar value to your home price. But it removes the biggest objection waterfront buyers have: future maintenance fear.
It shortens your time on market. It protects your property line. It stabilizes insurance costs. And it lets buyers focus on falling in love with your home instead of calculating repair budgets.
If you’re wondering whether a seawall upgrade makes sense for your specific property, I can pull the local comps and show you exactly how similar homes have performed. That’s what I do—help you understand waterfront reality before you commit serious money.
Want More Waterfront Information?
Visit my website for more Space Coast waterfront resources
Subscribe to my YouTube channel for detailed waterfront walkthroughs
Common Questions
Q: Will a new seawall always increase my home’s value?
A: It increases value by reducing buyer fear and shortening time on market. Most canal-front properties see 5-20% value lifts through faster sales and insurance savings. But ROI depends on your specific location, property type, and buyer profile. I can analyze your local comps to give you real numbers.
Q: How much does seawall replacement cost in Cocoa Beach?
A: Expect $400-$900 per linear foot including permits. For 100 feet, budget $60,000 or more, especially for oceanside properties with stricter codes. Get engineering quotes first—I have vetted contractors I can recommend.
Q: What’s the timeline for ROI on a Merritt Island seawall?
A: Most sellers recoup the investment within 1-3 years through faster sales and higher offers. On luxury properties, the return can be exponential. I can model this based on your specific property and current market conditions.
Q: Can mangroves replace a seawall?
A: Sometimes. Mangroves cost less to permit and appeal to eco-conscious buyers, but they provide less protection for active boaters. Hybrid approaches exist. Let’s discuss what makes sense for your waterfront and buyer profile.
Q: Does insurance require a new seawall?
A: Often, yes—especially in high-risk zones. Failing seawalls can trigger non-renewal or steep premium hikes. I help waterfront sellers navigate these requirements before listing so there are no surprises.
If you’re thinking about selling your waterfront home or wondering whether a seawall upgrade makes sense, let’s talk it through. I’m here to help you understand what you’re getting into—not to push you in any direction.
Carrie Liotta
Space Coast Waterfront Specialist
www.321coastalliving.com
YouTube: @CarrieLiottaSpaceCoastRealtor