Wall Street Bonuses Trigger Early Booking Surge in Hamptons Rental Market

The winter snow hasn't even melted yet in Manhattan, but it's already shaping up to be a bumper summer in the Hamptons with rentals being snapped up at an unusual pace.

Local real estate agents say there has been a peak in rental and sales activity in the area—even as prices soar. By the end of 2025, home prices hit a record high of $2.34 million, up 34%.

"Considering we have had snow the last three weekends in a row, the amount of sales and rental activity has been unusually high for this winter," says Judi Desiderio, managing partner and senior vice president at William Raveis in East Hampton.

Put simply: If you're thinking of renting in the Hamptons this summer, the time to start looking was yesterday.

Early rentals mean less summer inventory if you delay

February and early March are traditionally the window for "serious renters," says Susie Dempsey, a real estate agent for Corcoran in the Hamptons and New York City.

"What is different this year is urgency. I’m seeing renters who skipped the Hamptons in the last year or two coming back, and higher-budget renters locking things down immediately rather than shopping around," she says.

The reason behind the panic is the simple fact that there aren't as many rental properties available.

Last year, the median price hit a record high of $2.34 million, up 34%, according to a report from Douglas Elliman and Miller Samuel.

"Prices have gone up so much that many owners are not looking to have their purchase also serve as a rental property," says Desiderio.

Where to look for your dearest summer rental desires

When searching for a Hamptons summer rental, the first step is to lock down where you want to spend your time.

"Every hamlet, town, and village has its own audience," says Desiderio.

Not sure what area will suit you best? Dempsey breaks down the neighborhoods:

• Sag Harbor: Younger creative/finance mix known for walkability, restaurants, and social scene.
• East Hampton Village: High net worth traditional Hamptons summering.
• Southampton Village: Families, generational renters, classic summer crowd.
• Bridgehampton/Sagaponack: Hedge fund/finance wealth, privacy, large estates.
• Montauk: Younger renters, share houses, surf, and nightlife.
• Shelter Island: Families and professionals who want privacy and a calmer, more residential summer.

How much are rentals going for this summer?

What exactly constitutes "summer in the Hamptons" and how much is it going to cost you?

In general, agents say that "peak" is universally considered July through August.

• Entry Hamptons summer rental: ~$35,000–$60,000
• Midtier renovated 3-4 bedroom: ~$65,000–$120,000
• Prime village locations or close to ocean: $150,000–$350,000-plus
• Ultraluxury oceanfront estates: $500,000 to well over $1 million

The secret to finding the best summer rentals in the Hamptons

In the Hamptons, most rentals are secured through real estate professionals instead of on Airbnb.

"Many of the best houses are never publicly marketed," says Dempsey.

Other notable trends are emerging: Renovated homes with pools are renting first—proving condition now takes precedence over size.

"Flexible work schedules mean more people are spending weekdays out East," says Dempsey.