Back again. I regularly look at beach front flats on Right Move. I live in one now so why not by the sea.
Only reason I didn't mention noise is I am 3rd Floor. No one above is ideal and also that flats are well constructed. My next door neighbour had a 6 month baby before I bumped into her and realised she had even been pregnant.
Also you can't get a mini trampoline 😂Possibly avoid a running treadmill too.
Neighbours who smoke...one beneath me does and smell pisses me right off, but they don't smoke all the time, and its habitual e.g. late at night. The smell though...but you could have a neighbour anywhere who smoked in their garden.
Owners tend to be quieter than renters its true.
I've looked at fees of the type of flats you mean and they are high, as much as double my current fees, and as I'm mortgaged that put me off. In mine the servicing the boiler is included. Look into the terms closely, when/how much can increase. Mine varies by c20% but they tell me in January before the change in April. Other flats charge less a year but if special work needs doing thats extra. I prefer a nicely maintained building to be honest as it prevents deterioration.
If it were me I'd also consider being back from the sea, oblique sea views, which can be cheaper and provide decent private outdoor space while being a stones throw from the beach.
Can you personalise the balcony, is their decent space for pots, is their room for guests to stay. Where is the nearest green space, as you will want this too.
If you are serious I'd consider finding and air bnb seafront flat for a week. Have a holiday, see if you love it and want to do it / be there everyday.