Buying or Selling a Lakefront Home on TVA Lakes: What You Need to Know

Introduction

Buying or selling lakefront property in the North Georgia Mountains is one of life’s great joys — there’s nothing like the peace of a sunrise over Lake Blue Ridge, the still waters of Lake Nottely, the serenity of Lake Chatuge, or the hidden coves of Lake Hiwassee.

But when it comes to lakefront real estate, these waters aren’t just beautiful — they’re regulated. All four of these lakes are TVA-controlled reservoirs, and that means special rules apply when docks, seawalls, and shoreline structures are involved.

At The Mountain Life Real Estate Team and our ancillary company Dock Cares, we’ve guided hundreds of buyers and sellers through the TVA process. Here’s what you need to know to protect your investment — and your peace of mind — when buying or selling waterfront property on a TVA lake.

1. TVA Lakes Are Beautiful — and Regulated

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) manages water levels, shoreline use, and flood control across much of the Southeast. That means TVA owns or holds rights along most of the shoreline around these lakes — including the right to control what’s built, altered, or removed along the water’s edge.

Whether you’re buying or selling, you must be aware of TVA’s Section 26a Permit requirements. These permits cover docks, ramps, seawalls, and other shoreline structures. Any change to existing facilities — even minor ones — requires TVA approval.

2. Buying Lakefront Property: Do Your Homework Early

When purchasing lakefront property on a TVA-controlled lake, surprises can be costly. Before you sign or close, make sure all shoreline structures have proper TVA permits. Here’s what you should do:

• Request a Copy of the Section 26a Permit.
  Ask the homeowner or your REALTOR® for it. You can also contact TVA’s Public Land Information Center at (800) 882-5263 for verification.

• Review the Permit Carefully.
  Walk the property with your agent or the seller. Make sure everything on-site — docks, boat lifts, seawalls, ramps, even utilities — matches what’s listed in the permit.

• Inspect What’s Built on TVA Property.
  If there’s TVA land or land rights between the property and the lake, confirm all construction on that land has been approved.

• Know What’s Allowed.
  Second stories on docks can be open with railing, but cannot be enclosed or roofed. If they are, TVA will require removal.

• Remember: Permits Don’t Transfer Automatically.
  When ownership changes, the new owner must apply for a Section 26a permit within 60 days of closing.

• After Closing:
  Submit your own application to TVA so the permit reflects your name as the new owner. This ensures compliance and prevents future headaches.

Pro Tip:
Many buyers in Blue Ridge, Blairsville, and Hiawassee are purchasing second homes from out of state. Work with a local REALTOR® who understands TVA regulations — not every market deals with them.

3. Selling Lakefront Property: Eliminate Surprises Before You List

When listing a lakefront home, transparency is your advantage. Buyers will expect every shoreline structure to be permitted, and any missing documentation can delay or derail a sale.

Here’s what to do before listing:

• Locate and Review Your Section 26a Permit.
  If you can’t find it, call TVA’s Public Land Information Center at (800) 882-5263 and request a copy.

• Walk the Property.
  Ensure everything on-site matches the approved plans — docks, seawalls, decks, boat lifts, and ramps.

• Confirm Compliance.
  If anything was added or modified without TVA approval (even small upgrades), apply for a new permit or amendment before listing.

• Understand What’s Not Allowed.
  As mentioned, roofed or enclosed second stories on docks are prohibited. If present, they’ll need to be modified or removed.

• Vegetation Management Requires a Permit, Too.
  Even trimming or clearing vegetation on TVA land between your property and the water requires approval.

• Get Ahead of Buyer Questions.
  When you can show proof of all permits and approvals, you eliminate uncertainty and earn buyer trust.

4. Surveys, Setbacks, and Shoreline Rights

Another often-overlooked factor: the property survey.

Before listing or buying, review your most recent survey to identify:

• Any encroachments on TVA land.

• Flood zone designations or water-level impact areas.

• Setback requirements for structures or septic systems.

• Boundary accuracy, including TVA flowage easements or utility rights-of-way.

If you’re selling, having this documentation ready protects your price and speeds up the closing. If you’re buying, a clean, clear survey ensures the dock, home, and shoreline improvements are all legally placed and transferable.

5. The REALTOR® Advantage: Local Knowledge Matters

Lakefront properties on TVA-controlled waters aren’t just another listing — they’re a specialty.

At The Mountain Life Real Estate Team, we don’t just market homes; we guide sellers and buyers through the entire TVA process — from verifying Section 26a permits to connecting you with local surveyors, inspectors, and dock experts.

Our team serves the communities around:

• Lake Blue Ridge (Blue Ridge, Morganton)

• Lake Nottely (Blairsville, Union County)

• Lake Chatuge (Hiawassee, Young Harris)

• Lake Hiwassee (Murphy and Hayesville, NC)

We know the lake levels, we know the TVA timelines, and we know who to call when a question pops up. That’s why so many lakefront sellers and buyers trust our team to handle the details that make—or break—a deal.

6. Final Thoughts

Owning or selling property on TVA-controlled lakes is one of the most rewarding experiences in mountain living—but it comes with responsibilities.

When you’re prepared, informed, and partnered with a knowledgeable local team, you can avoid surprises, protect your investment, and enjoy every ripple of the lake life you’ve dreamed about.

Thinking about buying or selling on Lake Blue Ridge, Lake Nottely, Lake Chatuge, or Lake Hiwassee? Let’s connect. We’ll help you navigate TVA regulations with confidence—and get you to the closing table with ease.