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Early bookings are strong for Cape Cod summer rentals
Experts say travelers eyeing a Cape Cod vacation this summer should book now.
Vacationers have wasted no time booking their Cape Cod rentals for this summer.
WeNeedAVacation.com, which offers more than 4,000 listings on the Cape and Islands, and Pretty Picky Properties, which manages 240 properties across 11 Cape Cod towns, say early bookings are off to a strong start.
There’s currently about 20,000 registered short-term rentals on Cape Cod, said Paul Niedzwiecki, CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.
“We’re seeing bookings that are pretty much on pace or a little bit ahead of where they were last year,” Niedzwiecki said.
“More bookings are occurring in advance, say before Jan. 1, than in the past,” said Jim Reese, COO of WeNeedAVacation.com. “So it’s a strong start to the year.”
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Bookings are up nearly 20%, according to WeNeedAVacation.com, which reports that seven out of 10 summer weeks were more than 50% booked by January.
“The first quarter has been very strong compared to last year,” said Blake Decker, CEO of Pretty Picky Properties. “For the peak season in July and August we’re about 65% occupied.”
When asked why Cape Cod is so appealing year after year, Niedzwiecki said, “the Cape is so often associated with memories and traditions that involve friends and family and great weather and great beaches. I don’t think the secret sauce is much more complicated than that.”
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The most popular weeks of the summer are the last two weeks of July and the first two weeks of August, experts say.
Those vacationing on the Cape for the Fourth of July may find a bit more availability than usual this year.
“This year we are seeing some softness around July fourth because it’s a Saturday this year,” said Decker, noting that the traditional rental period on the Cape is from Saturday to Saturday and travelers may not want to travel and arrive directly on the holiday.
Rental rates are increasing modestly, according to WeNeedAVacation.com, with prices rising 3 to 6 percent overall, which is slightly higher than the long-term historical averages the company has seen over the past 29 years.
“I think we’re seeing some bifurcation in the pricing,” said Niedzwiecki. “Some of the properties that are really close to the water are continuing to rise in price. We’ve seen some moderation in rentals that aren’t as close to the water.”
Larger properties — with four bedrooms or more — are in higher demand right now because they are often rented by multiple families who require coordination earlier in the year, Reese said.
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“Generally, the most desirable homes that book the quickest would be rentals that are on the beach, on the water, or within a walking distance to the beach,” Reese said.
Travelers looking to save money should think about sacrificing proximity to the beach or booking in late spring or early fall, the experts say.
Reese said though early bookings are strong there’s still plenty of availability for vacationers and rental properties are always being added to his site.
“I would book early. That’s the best advice I can give anyone,” Niedzwiecki said.
Trying to decide which Cape Cod town to rent in this summer? Check out our Cape Cod Travel Guide, full of the best things to do in each of the 15 Cape Cod towns.
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