The winter snow hasn’t even melted yet in Manhattan, but it’s already shaping up to be a hot summer in the Hamptons where rentals are being snapped up at an extraordinary pace.
Local real estate agents say there has been a peak in rental and sales activity in the area—even as prices rise. By the end of 2025, home prices reached a record high of $2.34 million, up 34%.
“Considering we’ve had snow for the past three weekends, the number of sales and rentals is unusually high this winter,” he said. Judi Desideriomanaging partner and senior vice president at William Raveis in East Hampton.
Simply put: If you’re thinking about renting in the Hamptons this summer, the time to start looking was yesterday.
Early rental means less summer inventory if you delay
February and early March are traditionally the window for “serious employers,” he said Susie Dempseya Corcoran real estate agent in the Hamptons and New York City.
“What’s different this year is the urgency. I’m seeing renters who skipped the Hamptons in the last year or two come back, and renters with higher budgets are closing sooner rather than later,” he said.
The reason behind the panic is the simple fact that there aren’t many rental properties available.
Last year, the median price reached a record high of $2.34 million, up 34%, according to a report from Douglas Elliman and Miller Samuel.
“The prices have increased so much that many owners do not want their purchase to be a rental property,” said Desiderio.
Where to look for your favorite summer rental wishes
When you’re looking for a Hamptons summer rental, the first step is to lock in where you want to spend your time.
“Every town, city, and village has its own audience,” Desiderio said.
Not sure which location would be the best fit for you? More places to stay in Dempsey:
- Sag Harbor: A small creative/financial mix known for travel, restaurants, and social media.
- East Hampton Village: The highest number of Hamptons in the summer.
- Southampton Village: Families, renters, the classic summer crowd.
- Bridgehampton/Sagaponack: Hedge fund/wealth finance, privacy, large properties.
- Montauk: Small tenants, sharing houses, surfing, and nightlife.
- Shelter Island: Families and professionals looking for privacy and a quiet, residential summer.
How much is the rental this summer?
What exactly is the term “summer in the Hamptons” and how much will it cost you?
In general, the agents say that the “peak” is observed all over the world from July to August.
- Hamptons summer rental: ~$35,000–$60,000
- 3-4 bedroom renovated Midtier: ~$65,000–$120,000
- More places to stay in Prime village or near the beach: $150,000–$350,000-plus
- Additional places to stay at Ultraluxury oceanfront: $500,000 to over $1 million
The secret to finding a great summer rental in the Hamptons
In the Hamptons, many rentals are secured through real estate agents instead of Airbnb.
“A lot of the best houses aren’t sold publicly,” Dempsey said.
Other notable trends are emerging: Renovated homes with pools are being rented out first—proving that style will now come before size.
“Flexible work schedules mean that many people spend days of the week out in the East,” says Dempsey.
