Protected Coastal Property: A serene beach scene with modern homes, symbolizing the positive impact of beach re-nourishment on property values and community well-being.

Beach Re-nourishment: Can It Save Your Property Value?

Elliot Brynn in Climate & Environment August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how strategic beach management can protect coastal investments and enhance community appeal."

Coastal living is a dream for many, but it comes with unique challenges. Beach erosion, driven by natural forces and human activities, poses a significant threat to property values and the overall appeal of coastal communities. Imagine investing in a beautiful beachfront home only to see the shoreline recede year after year.

This is where beach re-nourishment comes into play. It's a strategy designed to combat erosion by adding sand to an eroding beach, effectively widening it and restoring its natural buffer against storms. But does it really work? Does re-nourishment truly protect property values, or is it just a temporary fix?

In this article, we'll dive into the world of beach re-nourishment, exploring its impact on property values and the broader coastal economy. We'll examine a case study of Folly Beach, South Carolina, a community that has invested in re-nourishment to combat erosion. By understanding the science, economics, and community perspectives, you can make informed decisions about coastal investments and support sustainable beach management practices.

Understanding Beach Re-nourishment: A Coastal Community's Lifeline

Protected Coastal Property: A serene beach scene with modern homes, symbolizing the positive impact of beach re-nourishment on property values and community well-being.

Beach re-nourishment involves restoring eroding beaches by adding large quantities of sand. This process aims to widen the beach, providing a buffer against storms and erosion, while also enhancing recreational space. However, the approach to re-nourishment can vary, impacting its effectiveness and community perception.

According to a study focusing on Folly Beach, South Carolina, the Army Corps of Engineers initiated a re-nourishment program in 1986 to counteract the effects of erosion caused by harbor jetties. The analysis of property values before and after these projects offers valuable insights into their economic impact.

Lengthening the Beach: Extending the beach at either end to combat erosion.
Deepening the Beach: Adding sand along the existing beach to increase the distance from the high tide mark.
Improving Protective Features: Repairing and strengthening dunes to protect against erosion.

It’s essential to consider that the perception and benefits of re-nourishment can differ between recreational users and property owners. While beachgoers generally appreciate larger, less crowded beaches, property owners benefit from erosion control, which directly protects their investments. However, the increased distance from the property to the waterline, a common side effect of re-nourishment, can sometimes be a concern.

Protecting Our Shores: The Future of Beach Re-nourishment

Ultimately, beach re-nourishment is more than just a Band-Aid solution; it's a strategic investment in the long-term health and prosperity of coastal communities. By understanding its benefits, challenges, and the importance of community involvement, we can ensure that our beaches remain vibrant, valuable assets for generations to come. It's about making informed decisions, supporting sustainable practices, and working together to protect the places we love.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.2139/ssrn.1760018, Alternate LINK

Title: Beach Re-Nourishment And Property Value Growth: The Case Of Folly Beach, South Carolina

Journal: SSRN Electronic Journal

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Calvin Blackwell, Susannah Sheldon, David Lansbury

Published: 2011-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is beach re-nourishment, and how does it work to protect coastal properties?

Beach re-nourishment is a strategic process designed to combat erosion by adding large quantities of sand to an eroding beach. This process aims to widen the beach, providing a natural buffer against storms and erosion. Techniques include lengthening the beach, deepening the beach by adding sand, and improving protective features like dunes. This directly protects property values by mitigating the threat of shoreline recession caused by natural forces and human activities.

How can beach re-nourishment impact the value of beachfront properties?

Beach re-nourishment projects directly impact the value of beachfront properties. By widening the beach and creating a buffer against erosion, re-nourishment can protect properties from damage and loss of land, thus preserving their value. Furthermore, an improved beach can enhance the overall appeal of the coastal community, potentially leading to increased property values. However, the increased distance from the property to the waterline, a common side effect, can sometimes be a concern, and can effect the property value.

What are the different approaches to beach re-nourishment?

There are several approaches to beach re-nourishment. These include lengthening the beach at either end to combat erosion, deepening the beach by adding sand to increase the distance from the high tide mark, and improving protective features such as dunes to fortify against erosion. The specific method used often depends on the nature of the erosion problem and the goals of the re-nourishment project.

What was the impact of the Army Corps of Engineers program on Folly Beach, South Carolina?

The Army Corps of Engineers initiated a re-nourishment program on Folly Beach, South Carolina, in 1986 to counteract erosion caused by harbor jetties. Analysis of property values before and after these projects offers valuable insights into the economic impact of re-nourishment. The goal of this program was to restore the beach, providing a buffer against storms and erosion, which in turn, was expected to help preserve property values.

Who benefits from beach re-nourishment, and how does community perception play a role?

Both recreational users and property owners benefit from beach re-nourishment. Beachgoers generally appreciate larger, less crowded beaches, while property owners benefit from erosion control, which protects their investments. Community perception is crucial, as the success of re-nourishment projects depends on the support and understanding of both groups. While property owners see the protection of their assets, the wider beach also benefits the community by enhancing its recreational appeal and overall economic health.