Buying a Vacation Home on Cape Cod | A Guide For Out-Of-State Buyers
Find Your Perfect Cape Cod Getaway
Dreaming of owning a vacation home on Cape Cod? Whether you're coming from New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, or beyond, Cape Cod offers the perfect escape with its stunning beaches, charming coastal towns, and relaxed lifestyle. At Wood Real Estate, we specialize in helping out-of-state buyers find and purchase their ideal vacation home on the Cape.
Located in the heart of Hyannis, Wood Real Estate is just minutes from Barnstable Municipal Airport,
making home-buying trips easy and stress-free. We even offer
complimentary pickup and drop-off service at the airport so you can tour
homes hassle-free. Plus, the Hy-Line and Steamship Authority ferry terminals are within walking distance of our office, making it simple to view properties on Nantucket as well.
Why Buy a Vacation Home on Cape Cod?
Cape Cod has long been a favorite destination for second-home buyers due to its natural beauty, strong rental market, and close proximity to major East Coast cities. Here’s why it’s a great investment:
- Proximity to Boston & New York – Just a 1.5-hour drive from Boston and a few hours from NYC.
- Strong Short-Term Rental Market – Earn income through Airbnb or Vrbo when you’re not using your home.
- Diverse Property Options – From waterfront estates in Chatham to cozy cottages in Dennis, there's something for every buyer.
- Laid-Back Lifestyle – Enjoy boating, golfing, fishing, and some of the best seafood in New England.
Best Cape Cod Towns for Vacation Homes
Each Cape Cod town has its own charm. Here’s a breakdown of the best areas for second-home buyers:
Upper Cape (Easiest Access to Boston & Rhode Island)
Falmouth – Vibrant downtown, ferry access to Martha’s Vineyard, strong rental demand
- Falmouth Homes For Sale
- Falmouth Heights Home For Sale
- East Falmouth Homes For Sale
- Woods Hole Homes For Sale
Mashpee – Home to New Seabury, a luxury waterfront community with golf and private beaches.
Sandwich – Cape Cod’s oldest town, known for its historic homes and peaceful setting.
Mid Cape (Centrally Located, Great for Families)
- Barnstable (Hyannis, Osterville, Centerville) – Offers a mix of luxury and convenience with top-rated restaurants, shopping, and beaches.
- Barnstable Homes For Sale
- Hyannis Homes For Sale
- Osterville Homes For Sale
- Centerville Homes For Sale
- Marstons Mills Homes For Sale
Lower Cape (Classic Cape Cod Charm & Higher-End Homes)
- Chatham – One of the most sought-after areas for luxury waterfront properties and stunning views.
- Chatham Homes For Sale
- Harwich – A quieter alternative to Chatham with beautiful beaches and great golf courses.
- Brewster – Known for its charming, historic homes and scenic bay beaches.
Outer Cape (Secluded & Scenic, Perfect for Nature Lovers)
- Orleans – A great balance of small-town charm and natural beauty, close to Nauset Beach.
- Wellfleet – Ideal for buyers who love art, nature, and the stunning Cape Cod National Seashore.
- Provincetown – Vibrant and eclectic, perfect for those looking for a lively social scene with incredible ocean views.
Buying a Second Home on Cape Cod: What You Need to Know
1. Understand the Market & Seasonal Demand
Cape Cod’s real estate market can be competitive, especially for waterfront and high-demand rental properties. Spring and summer are peak buying seasons, so getting pre-approved for financing and working with a local expert can give you an edge.
2. Consider How You’ll Use the Property
- Personal Vacation Home? Focus on a location that fits your lifestyle (beachfront, golf community, close to downtown).
- Rental Income? Homes in towns like Chatham, Dennis, and Falmouth tend to have high demand for short-term rentals.
- Future Retirement Home? Look for a property with year-round living potential, good amenities, and easy access to healthcare.
3. Financing a Vacation Home
Out-of-state buyers have a few options when financing a second home:
- Conventional Loans – Typically require 10-20% down for a second home.
- Jumbo Loans – Needed for luxury properties over conventional loan limits.
- Cash Purchases – Many high-end Cape Cod homes are bought with cash for a competitive edge.
Our team can connect you with local lenders who specialize in vacation home financing to make the process seamless.
4. Factor in Property Maintenance & Costs
Owning a second home comes with extra expenses. Be sure to budget for:
- Property management services if you won’t be local year-round.
- Flood insurance for homes near the water.
- HOA fees if buying in a private community.
Why Work With Wood Real Estate?
At Wood Real Estate, we specialize in helping out-of-state buyers navigate the Cape Cod market with ease. Whether you're looking for a beachfront retreat, an investment property, or a future retirement home, we provide:
✔ Local Market Expertise – We know the best towns, neighborhoods, and market trends.
✔ Virtual Home Tours & Remote Buying Assistance – Perfect for out-of-state buyers who can’t visit in person.
✔ Complimentary Airport Pickup & Drop-Off – We’ll personally pick you up at Barnstable Municipal Airport so you can focus on finding your dream home.
✔ Ferry Access to Nantucket – Our office is within
walking distance of the ferry terminal, making it easy to view
properties on Nantucket while you’re here.
✔ Negotiation & Closing Support – We handle everything from offers to inspections to ensure a smooth process.
Start Your Cape Cod Home Search Today
If you're ready to find your dream vacation home on Cape Cod, let’s get started!
📞 Call Us: (508) 694-8285
📧 Email Us: info@woodrealestateco.com
📍 Visit Us: Wood Real Estate, 278 Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601
Browse available properties or schedule a consultation with our team today!
➡ View Barnstable Homes For Sale
➡ View Falmouth Homes For Sale
