“Vacation home sales are up 57.2% year-over-year during January-April 2021.”
The pandemic created a tremendous interest in vacation homes across the country. Throughout the last year, many people purchased second homes as a safe getaway from the challenges of the health crisis. With many professionals working from home and many students taking classes remotely, it made sense to see a migration away from cities and into counties with more vacation destinations.
The 2021 Vacation Home Counties Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that this increase in vacation home sales continues in 2021. The report examines sales in counties where “vacant seasonal, occasional, or recreational use housing account for at least 20% of the housing stock” and compares that data to the overall residential market.
Their findings show:
- Vacation home sales rose by 16.4% to 310,600 in 2020, outpacing the 5.6% growth in total existing-home sales.
- Vacation home sales are up 57.2% year-over-year during January-April 2021 compared to the 20% year-over-year change in total existing-home sales.
- Home prices rose more in vacation home counties – the median existing price rose by 14.2% in vacation home counties, compared to 10.1% in non-vacation home counties.
This coincides with data released by Zelman & Associates on the increase in sales of second homes throughout the country last year.
As the data above shows, there is still high demand for second getaway homes in 2021 even as the pandemic winds down. While we may see a rise in second-home sellers as life returns to normal, ongoing low supply and high demand will continue to provide those sellers with a good return on their investment.
Bottom Line
If you’re one of the many people who purchased a vacation home during the pandemic, you’re likely wondering what this means for you. If you’re considering selling that home as life returns to normal, you have options. There are still plenty of buyers in the market. If, on the other hand, you want to keep your second home, enjoy it! Current market conditions show that it’s a good ongoing investment.
To view original article, visit Keeping Current Matters.
Unpacking the Long-Term Benefits of Homeownership
Higher mortgage rates, rising home prices, and ongoing affordability concerns may make you wonder if you should buy a home right now.
Why Your House Didn’t Sell
For insight on why your home didn’t sell, rely on a trusted real estate agent. A great agent will offer expert advice on relisting your house with effective strategies to get it sold.
The Return of Normal Seasonality for Home Price Appreciation
Don’t let the terminology confuse you or let any misleading headlines cause any unnecessary fear.
Beginning with Pre-Approval
Pre-approval gives you critical information about the homebuying process that’ll help you understand how much you may be able to borrow.
Your Home Equity Can Offset Affordability Challenges
Some homeowners are reluctant to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on their next home, but what about home equity?
Are More Homes Coming onto the Market?
If you’ve been putting off selling your house, now may be the sweet spot to make your move. The longer you wait, the more competition you’ll have.