Cape Cod seeing more rental properties available for upcoming season than past few years

CAPE COD — The winter weather may have you thinking about the warmer summer months. The Cape has a lot more availability for the upcoming season than in the past couple of years.

Covid meant people were not traveling as far and the Cape saw a boom, especially in second-home buying. Now, many of those second homes are potential rentals.

Cape Cod is always ready for visitors, especially in the summer.

“We’re looking at another strong summer season,” said Paul Niedzwieki, CEO, of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.

The past two years, the Cape saw record-breaking demand as Covid kept people from traveling very far.

“From the consumer standpoint the demand we are seeing is about consistent, but the supply has gone up,” said Blake Decker, CEO, of Pretty Picky Properties.

The increase in supply comes from all the people who bought on the Cape over the past couple of years. Thirty-seven percent of the homes are second homes. Many of those owners who bought as a Covid escape no longer need the long-term get-away.

“A lot of those people have decided to test out the short-term rental market, so there is more availability with short-term rentals,” said Niedzwieki.

At this time last year, Cape rentals were 80% booked. Right now, bookings are at 65%. During peak season, the end of July/beginning of August is 70-percent booked, according to the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.

While there are more options, Blake Decker said pricing is about the same as last year.

“We are kind of in the readjustment period and return to normal,” said Decker. And, that normal now includes vacationers who rediscovered the Cape during Covid. “As the locals like to say, ‘it’s hard to get the sand out of your shoes,’” said Niedzwieki.

If you’re looking for a better deal, booking stays in late June or late August often helps. Waiting to book to get a better price during peak times often doesn’t work.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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