Here, value isn't necessarily about square footage of dirt — it's about what you can see from it. A small lot with a protected panoramic ocean view can be worth considerably more than a larger lot several blocks away without one. Proximity to the pier and promenade adds further value. The area can get quite touristy on weekends, and noise levels rise when cars and motorcycles cruise the strip; summer weekends feel substantially different from winter weekdays. Buyers who enjoy walking their dog along the promenade should also note that there are specific time restrictions on when dogs are permitted — I once had a buyer walk away from a deal for exactly this reason.

Building a new home in West Beach can also be costly. The area sits on a steep hillside, with grades reaching up to 23% near Oxford Street — the very feature that creates those coveted ocean views, but one that can also drive up construction costs. Buyers should investigate slope stability, geotechnical requirements, excavation, retaining walls, drainage and foundation design before assuming a small lot means an inexpensive build. Fitting a 5,000-square-foot house on a 3,000-square-foot lot often means building vertically across four levels, which may call for an elevator. Pricing can also vary depending on whether a power line interrupts your view. Protecting that view is crucial to preserving your home's long-term value.