Financing Waterfront Dreams: Using a Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation Loan for Seawalls, Docks, Pools & More

By Meredith Amon, Expert Real Estate Advisor – Alabama & Florida

Renovation Loans

If you're exploring waterfront real estate along the Gulf Coast, from the scenic canals of Ono Island to the prized Intracoastal homes of Orange Beach and Perdido Key, the right financing can make all the difference.

The Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation Loan offers a unique opportunity: buyers and homeowners can combine the purchase of a property with the cost of custom improvements—including seawalls, boat docks, pools, and more—into one conventional mortgage.

This type of loan can transform a property with potential into a fully personalized coastal retreat.


Why the HomeStyle Loan is a Game-Changer for Gulf Coast Buyers

It’s not uncommon to find waterfront homes with the perfect location but missing essential or luxury features. Maybe there’s no seawall in place. Maybe the property lacks a dock or outdoor living space. With a HomeStyle Renovation Loan, you can finance both the home and the upgrades that matter most—before you've even moved in.

Contact Meredith Amon Gulf Coast Realtor



What Improvements Can Be Included?

The HomeStyle loan allows for a broad scope of both structural and luxury renovations, including:

  • Seawall Installation or Repair
    Essential for erosion control and often required for waterfront parcels across the Gulf Coast.

  • Boat Dock and Lift Construction
    Design a dock that suits your vessel and lifestyle—whether you're a weekend angler or an offshore boater.

  • Swimming Pool and Spa
    Luxury features like tanning ledges, infinity edges, and integrated spas are eligible, along with outdoor kitchens and patio pavilions.

  • Bulkhead Replacement or Repair
    An important upgrade to stabilize your shoreline and increase long-term property value.

  • Elevated Decks and Outdoor Living Areas
    Capture views of Bayou St. John, Cotton Bayou, or the Gulf with beautifully designed outdoor spaces.

These enhancements are financed based on the property's future appraised value—not just the current condition.


Eligible Property Types

The HomeStyle Renovation Loan can be used for:

  • Primary residences

  • Second homes

  • Investment properties

Single-family homes, townhomes, and some condos may qualify, provided any necessary HOA approvals are in place for the renovations.


Key Benefits for Coastal Buyers

  • Low down payment – As little as 3% down for primary residences

  • One-time closing – Combines both the home purchase and renovation financing into one mortgage

  • Increased borrowing power – Loan amount based on post-renovation value

  • Conventional terms – Competitive interest rates and no construction loan complications


The HomeStyle Renovation Process

  1. Find a Property
    Choose a home that offers great location and long-term potential, even if it needs updates.

  2. Design Your Vision
    Work with a licensed contractor to create detailed plans and cost estimates for improvements like docks, seawalls, or pools.

  3. Appraisal
    A specialized appraiser will assess the property’s projected value after all renovations are completed.

  4. Loan Closing and Renovation
    You’ll close on the property, and renovation funds will be placed in escrow. As work is completed, funds are disbursed in draws.


Local Permitting & POA Requirements

Cities like Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and communities such as Ono Island often have specific permitting requirements for seawalls, docks, and waterfront structures. Working with a real estate advisor familiar with local zoning, POA guidelines, and permitting timelines can prevent costly delays.


LOCAL RECOMMENDATION FOR RENOVATION LOANS

Andy Wood

Titan Home Lending, LLC 

(727) 410.9663  awood@titanhl.com


Meredith Amon Gulf Coast Realtor

Final Thoughts

A HomeStyle Renovation Loan can open doors to properties that may not appear perfect at first glance but have the right location and potential. By financing improvements from the start, you can create a property that aligns with your lifestyle—whether that includes a boat lift, a poolside kitchen, or a newly fortified bulkhead.

If you're thinking about buying or renovating a waterfront home, I’d be happy to help you identify properties that are a great match for this type of loan and connect you with lenders who understand the nuances of Gulf Coast living.

Let’s bring your coastal vision to life.

Browse available listings and start your search here: www.searchthegulf.com

 

Search Coastal Alabama Waterfront Homes and Real Estate For Sale

  • All Listings
Sort by:
28107 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit D416, Orange Beach

$854,900

28107 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit D416, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,602 SqFt Residential MLS® # 382746

Bellator Real Estate, LLC PHONE: 251-591-2003

527 E Beach Boulevard Unit 802, Gulf Shores

$852,000

↓ $7,542

527 E Beach Boulevard Unit 802, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,725 SqFt Residential MLS® # 381200

RE/MAX of Gulf Shores

25342 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 905, Orange Beach

$850,000

↓ $24,000

25342 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 905, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,582 SqFt Residential MLS® # 367445

Keller Williams AGC Realty - Orange Beach DIR: 251-377-3335

28105 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit C808, Orange Beach

$850,000

28105 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit C808, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,682 SqFt Residential MLS® # 378307

Caribe Realty, Inc. PHONE: 251-747-1232

27501 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 205, Orange Beach

$850,000

27501 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 205, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,783 SqFt Residential MLS® # 373047

Kaiser Sotheby's Int-GS PHONE: 251-752-0192

25020 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 204a, Orange Beach

$849,999

25020 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 204a, Orange Beach

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,263 SqFt Residential MLS® # 381317

Kim Ward Realty, LLC PHONE: 251-979-7101

27800 Canal Road Unit 109, Orange Beach

$849,900

↓ $50,000

27800 Canal Road Unit 109, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,822 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380746

Luna Beach Properties, LLC Main: 251-948-2645

28105 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit C601, Orange Beach

$849,000

28105 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit C601, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,682 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380164

Caribe Realty, Inc. PHONE: 251-747-1232

25525 W Perdido Avenue, Orange Beach

$849,000

↓ $49,000

25525 W Perdido Avenue, Orange Beach

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 370736

RE/MAX Paradise

25020 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 404a, Orange Beach

$845,000

25020 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 404a, Orange Beach

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,263 SqFt Residential MLS® # 381365

RE/MAX Paradise

29348 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 808, Orange Beach

$845,000

↓ $4,000

29348 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 808, Orange Beach

2 Beds 3 Baths 1,330 SqFt Residential MLS® # 357947

Dream Home Realty, LLC PHONE: 337-522-3334

27282 Canal Road Unit 207, Orange Beach

$840,000

↓ $25,000

27282 Canal Road Unit 207, Orange Beach

4 Beds 3 Baths 1,604 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384382

Goode Realty, LLC

Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction


Lagoon-Front Home with Deeded Gulf Access | 2780 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 17, 2025

Lagoon-Front Home with Deeded Gulf Access | 2780 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores

2780 W Beach Blvd — Gulf Shores, Alabama Featured Lagoon-Front Listing with Deeded Gulf Access


A Boats + Beach Address That Lives Larger I’m proud to feature 2780 W Beach Blvd as a rare dual-water lifestyle on West Beach—Little Lagoon in the back yard for calm-water days and a deeded Gulf access…

30532 Ono North Loop West New Construction Home For Sale Ono Island
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 17, 2025

30532 Ono North Loop West New Construction Home For Sale Ono Island

Gulf Coast Market Notes: Contract Assignments, 1031 Tactics, and Local Moves
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 17, 2025

Gulf Coast Market Notes: Contract Assignments, 1031 Tactics, and Local Moves

Orange Beach and Ono Island Real Estate Market Update with Meredith Folger
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 16, 2025

Orange Beach and Ono Island Real Estate Market Update with Meredith Folger

Signup is free and takes only a few seconds

Ask A Question or Sign Up To See New Real Estate Listings Before Your Competition

When it comes to finding the home of your dreams in a fast-paced market, knowing about new listings as soon as they are available is part of our competitive advantage.Sign up to see new listings in an area or specific community. Contact Meredith with any questions you may have.

Provide a valid email address.
Newsletter consent


nn



Posted by Meredith Folger Amon on

Tags

Email Send a link to post via Email

Leave A Comment

e.g. yourwebsitename.com
Please note that your email address is kept private upon posting.