All real estate is not created equal, and this is certainly true with waterfront property on Lake Murray, South Carolina. Understanding what to look for can aid in the decision-making process and can also help ensure years of enjoyment from your lakefront home. For most people, the three critical factors to consider when buying waterfront on Lake Murray are whether you have marginal land, whether the property can have a private dock, and whether it has year-round water.

The first critical factor is marginal land. Fringe-land is a term used by SCE&G (South Carolina Electric and Gas) that basically refers to a seventy-five foot wide strip of land owned by SCE&G and located between the lakefront and adjacent frontage property. Sea.

Owners of the adjacent property have only walking access to the lake and may not trespass on the land or cut down trees or shrubs on the land without written consent. While most properties on the lake do not have to deal with this “veg buffer”, there are still many properties in the more rural areas of the lake where this is a consideration. Generally, vacant marginal land properties are more desirable.

The second critical factor is the ability to have a private dock. Not all Lake Murray properties may have private docks. SCE&G controls the issuance of wharf permits and has strict guidelines governing the issuance of permits. Properties that have the capacity of a private dock are more in demand and typically command a higher price than those with only a shared dock or no dock at all.

The third critical factor is whether the property has year-round water. Since Lake Murray is a hydroelectric lake, it has an annual drawdown in the fall and winter. The result for landowners is that some properties may be “dry” during the low period. Unfortunately, most real estate agents do not understand how to properly evaluate this aspect of lake properties.

Often properties will present themselves as having year-round water, but they don’t. This is usually not intentional deception on the part of the listing agent, but simply a lack of skill. If you plan to buy a home or lot on Lake Murray, make sure your real estate agent can do an in-depth USGS-based analysis on any property of interest.

When purchasing any real estate, you must perform proper due diligence. Now you have an idea of ​​what to look for when considering making a purchase in Lake Murray South Carolina. See you at the lake!