Most people fall in love with Martha’s Vineyard in July. But many of the smartest purchases on the island happen between October and March, after the summer crowds have gone home. If you’ve been thinking about buying, here’s why the off-season deserves a serious look.
Less competition
In summer, every open house is full of visitors who are on island for a week and want to see what’s out there. Once the ferries thin out, the buyers who are still looking are the serious ones. That usually means fewer competing offers and more room to negotiate on price, closing dates and repairs.
Sellers who are ready to move
A home that’s still on the market in November often belongs to an owner who wants to close before the new year or before they commit to another summer of carrying costs. That doesn’t mean every seller will take less, but it does mean conversations about terms tend to be more open.
You see the house as it really is
Summer flatters every property. Leaves hide the neighbors, the gardens are in bloom and the heat hides drafts. In the off-season you can see:
- how the house heats, and what it costs to keep warm;
- how much light comes in when the sun is low;
- what the views look like when the trees are bare;
- how the road and driveway handle wet weather;
- how quiet or busy the neighborhood is year-round.
If you plan to spend shoulder seasons on the island, or live here full time, this is the version of the house you’ll be living with.
Inspectors, attorneys and contractors have time
In spring and summer, the island’s home inspectors, septic inspectors, surveyors and builders are booked weeks out. In the off-season, scheduling is easier, so due diligence moves faster. If you’re planning renovations, you can line up a contractor now and be ready to start before the next summer season.
Get ready for next summer’s rental season
If you plan to rent the home out, closing in the fall or winter gives you time to furnish it, make repairs and list it for next summer while families are still booking. Many summer renters book months ahead, so a home that’s ready by early spring can still have a strong first season. See our Rent Your Home page to see how we can help.
The island is still wonderful in the off-season
Fall on the Vineyard means empty beaches, the Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby wrapping up in mid-October, and quiet walks on trails like the ones in our guide to Martha’s Vineyard’s top trails. Winter brings Christmas in Edgartown, local restaurants that stay open all year and a close community. Our post on the best beaches in the off-season has a few favorites.
A few things to plan for
- Ferry reservations: the Steamship Authority runs fewer trips in winter, so book car space ahead if you’re coming over for showings.
- Seasonal businesses: some shops and restaurants close for the winter, so plan where you’ll stay and eat.
- Seasonal homes: some houses aren’t winterized and may have the water turned off. Ask your agent to arrange for utilities to be on before inspections.
Start your search
Browse homes for sale on Martha’s Vineyard or get in touch with one of our agents. We work all year and can show you homes whenever you’re on island, or by video if you’re not.