Summer 2026 rentals in the Hamptons are already going fast, and the season is still months away.
Brokers across the East End are reporting earlier-than-usual booking activity, with many premium properties already leased through Labor Day. Gary DePersia of Corcoran in East Hampton says most of his high-end inventory is spoken for. "People are looking and renting early this year," he told CNBC, adding that one waterfront property rented from July through Labor Day for close to $1 million.
The Numbers Behind the Rush
Seasonal rates span a wide range depending on location, size, and proximity to the ocean. Entry-level summer rentals start around $50,000 for the season. Mid-range homes with pools and updated interiors are running well over $150,000. At the top end, oceanfront estates are climbing toward $1 million or more for the full summer.
A nine-bedroom, 11,000-square-foot oceanfront home in Bridgehampton is currently listed at $700,000 for just two weeks this summer. That gives you a sense of where the ultra-premium tier sits.
July has overtaken August as the most in-demand month, and renters are committing further ahead than in previous years. The days of scoring a last-minute discount in May are fading. Brokers warn that anyone waiting for deals on desirable properties will likely be disappointed.
Why 2026 Is Different
Several forces are converging to make this rental season unusually competitive. First, the sales market just posted its highest median price ever ($2.34 million in Q4 2025, per Douglas Elliman and Miller Samuel), which means fewer people are buying and more are renting as a way to experience the Hamptons without a nine-figure commitment.
Second, the Florida-to-Hamptons pipeline continues to grow. Wealthy New Yorkers who relocated to Florida during the pandemic are now buying or renting Hamptons homes as summer escapes from the heat. DePersia noted he is also seeing increased interest from California buyers.
Third, inventory remains tight. There simply are not enough premium rental properties to meet demand, especially for oceanfront homes, estates with pools, and modern renovations in villages like East Hampton, Bridgehampton, and Sag Harbor.
What Renters Should Know
If you are considering a Hamptons rental for summer 2026, the window for the best properties is closing. Here is a rough pricing guide based on current market conditions:
Village homes (3-4 bedrooms, no pool): $50,000 to $80,000 for the season Mid-range estates (4-6 bedrooms, pool, updated): $100,000 to $250,000 Premium oceanfront or waterfront: $300,000 to $500,000 Ultra-luxury compounds: $500,000 to $1 million+
The sweet spot for value tends to be properties slightly inland from the ocean but still within village limits. Homes in Springs, Northwest Woods, and parts of Amagansett offer more space for less, though they move quickly once priced correctly.
For anyone serious about securing a rental this summer, the advice from every broker on the East End is the same: do not wait.
Photo: Clay LeConey / Unsplash
