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If you're looking for a condo, it's a renter's market
By Joanna LasloJuly 13, 20173 min read
No one really understands the present depression in the real estate rental market, especially in the midst of such a strong sales market, but speculation abounds. One rental manager believes we have "out-priced ourselves." He stated the August weeks are doing better with his company and feels the reason is the lower prices available during that month.
Another manager, Chris Mitchell, of Coldwell Banker, said, "The 2017 season has been on the softer side compared to last year. We have seen an increase of renters booking closer to arrival, which has been a growing trend over the last several years".
Mitchell added that, "[M]any of these guests are looking for shorter stays and all are looking for the best deal. Our rental agents are working hard to convert all inquiries into rentals for our owners, but it is definitely a tighter market this year."
While a few companies report a much smaller loss of rental income so far this year, the general consensus is the overall condo rental market in Ocean City has dropped between 10-15% this summer!
It seems Ocean City is not the only summer rental location experiencing this drop in vacationers. Some property owners in Ocean City are also owners of rental properties in Myrtle Beach, Miami, Williamsburg or Cape Hatteras. Those owners reported those locations are also struggling to fill empty rental weeks.
Inside Hook surveyed 1,300 American adults about their summer plans. This survey backs up the point that the prices are the largest stumbling block in obtaining enough rentals to be sure the properties are booked. Hook quotes an astonishing 58 percent of Americans prefer to take vacation after Labor Day due to lower prices during that time frame.
In 2016 Market Watch reported millions of Americans were giving their vacation days back to their employer, stating that "a new survey of 2200 workers found only approximately one half of the vacation days are actually taken.
Comparing 2016 with this year, the market has declined in 2017.
Perhaps the CBS news report of 2016 could have been a precursor of a downturn in the market for the near future when their report indicated that 42 percent of the population of the United States did not take a single day of vacation last year.
The main concern is for the property owners, many of whom rely upon the rental income from these beach condos or town homes. Possibly the loss of rentals may be caused by the unusually mild Spring and early Summer> The results of which have adversely affected property owners and rental companies alike leaving the streets of Ocean City sparsely populated by beach visitors.
Slow season in Ocean City
Irrespective of the wide spread speculation regarding this phenomenon, it is agreed by all, that the market is unusually soft, and rates are of paramount importance to rental customers. Sadly, however, there is no general agreement as to what may be done to alleviate the stressed market, or to encourage a stronger rental market in the future.
Potential buyers of investment properties should closely evaluate expenses associated with the investment property and be certain they can carry the costs of condo ownership without an absolute dependence upon possible rental income. This is not meant to discourage such investments since, despite the soft market at this time, the condo market overall does provide income, and vacation rentals are still a viable economic alternative for tenants rather than to rent 2-4 hotels rooms to accommodate their families. Current investment property owners may benefit from reducing their rates to attract those cost-conscious vacationers and ensure more positive rental seasons to come.About Joanna Laslo
Broker/Owner of Beach Real Estate, Inc., a local that Graduated from Stephen Decatur High School. 35+ years of experience in real estate sales. Joanna is a broker in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. Joanna also manages Ocean City weekly condo and vacation rentals.
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