Real LI

Singer Billy Joel is in contract to buy the property next to the Sagaponack house that he recently bought as a surprise to his wife Katie Lee.

The deal has not yet closed on the listing, a three-bedroom oceanfront cottage with an asking price of almost $13 million, according to The Corcorcan Group, which is handling the sale and purchase.

In June, the singer paid $16.75 million for a five-bedroom, two-story home owned by “Jaws” actor Roy Scheider, who had it listed for $18.75 million. Katie Lee Joel, former host of Bravo’s “Top Chef” series, fell in love with the rural charm of the village, which has been trying to preserve its rural character.

With both places on the ocean, the couple may face twice as much work guarding their properties if there’s a big storm. The beach there needs regular replenishment of sand due to erosion. Two years ago, Scheider and neighbors along the shore had to get state permits to stack sandbags on the perimeters of their homes as protection from a nor’easter.

Earlier this week, the listing for Joel’s Centre Island mansion expired. He was asking $32.5 million. His listing agent with Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty told Newsday that the house is still for sale.

Joel’s ex, Christie Brinkley, is also trying to sell a home — a Bridgehampton estate for $30 million.

See the photos of Joel's house at Big Time Listings.

-- ELLEN YAN

Photo: Matt Peyton / Getty Images for Hampton Social @ Ross