Newly Renovated Vacation Rentals on Martha's Vineyard

Modern kitchens, central AC, smart-home features, and gut-renovated interiors. The recently-updated kind of MV rentals.

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Properties for rent — Newly renovated

Martha's Vineyard · Newly Renovated

Recently updated Vineyard rentals.

Newly renovated is a meaningful difference on Martha's Vineyard. The island's housing stock is old — about 60% of MV homes were built before 1980 — and many older rentals still still have their original kitchens, partial AC, and bath layouts from the era. A newly renovated rental is one that has been substantively updated within the last five years: new kitchen with modern appliances, central AC or whole-house mini-splits, updated baths, often a primary suite addition. The market for renovated rentals has grown sharply since 2020 as guests increasingly expect city-quality interiors during a beach week. Below, what to know about the newly renovated segment.

Why book a renovated rental

Four ways renovations show up in MV rentals.

Renovation on MV happens in distinct waves. Here are the four most common renovation types in the current rental market.

01 / Modern kitchens

Open kitchen, big island, real cooking equipment.

A modern kitchen renovation is the most-requested upgrade in the MV rental market. The defining features are an open-plan layout connecting kitchen to dining/living, a large central island with seating, professional-grade appliances (typically a 36-48 inch range, dedicated wine fridge, big refrigerator), and quartz or stone counters. A renovated MV kitchen also typically includes good provisions for a vacation cook: sharp knives, multiple cutting boards, a real coffee setup, and serving pieces for 12+ at the table. Guests who actually cook on vacation notice the difference immediately.

  • What to confirm
  • Year of kitchen reno
  • Range size & type
  • Island seating count
  • Provisions for guest cooks
02 / Whole-house AC

AC throughout, not just bedrooms.

Central AC was historically rare on the Vineyard because summers are short and ocean breezes handle most days. That has changed. The newer renovations almost universally add central AC or whole-house mini-splits to every room. About 75% of recently renovated MV rentals now have AC throughout, compared to roughly 30% of the broader rental market. For families traveling with elderly relatives, infants, or summer heat sensitivities, AC-throughout is now a top filter — and renovated rentals are where it lives.

  • Why it matters
  • Mini-splits per room
  • Central AC option
  • Ceiling fans backup
  • Cross-ventilation design
03 / Smart-home & connectivity features

Keyless entry, gigabit WiFi, and smart climate.

The smart-home renovation wave on MV is real. Newer renovated rentals typically include keyless entry (code or smartphone), gigabit fiber WiFi (often 500-1000 Mbps), smart thermostats, Sonos or comparable whole-house audio, and smart lighting in major living spaces. The benefit for guests is practical: no key handoffs, work-from-rental viability, and zoned climate control for groups with different temperature preferences. Older non-renovated rentals still use physical keys and 50-150 Mbps WiFi.

  • What's typically included
  • Keyless entry code
  • Gigabit fiber WiFi
  • Smart thermostats
  • Whole-house audio
04 / Recent gut-renovations

Down-to-studs renovations with fully modernized everything.

A small but growing segment of MV rental inventory consists of recent gut-renovations: properties stripped to the studs and rebuilt with everything new. New plumbing, new electrical, new insulation, new windows, full new kitchens and baths, often with primary-suite additions. These rentals carry a meaningful price premium but deliver new-construction quality inside what is often a preserved historic exterior. Renters who want the character of an old Vineyard home with none of the operating quirks rent gut-renovated.

  • What to ask
  • Year of gut reno
  • Architect or designer
  • New systems (HVAC, plumbing)
  • Furnishings age
Rental Snapshot

Newly Renovated Rentals at a glance.

Rental data · updated Spring 2026
5 yrsRenovation window for this filter

We define newly renovated as substantively updated within the last 5 years: new kitchen, updated baths, AC added, and at least one of the major rooms reworked. This is roughly 25% of the active MV rental market and growing as owners reinvest. Renovated rentals carry a 15-25% premium over comparable unrenovated homes.

What you'll be near

Drive to nearest village
5-15 mintown for dinner & groceries
Drive to closest beach
5-15 minsouth or north shore
Drive to Vineyard Haven ferry
10-30 minyear-round Steamship
Walk to closest amenity
0-10 minvillage or beach

What you'll be staying in

Typical bedroom range
3-7 BRrenovations skew larger
AC throughout
~75%vs ~30% broader market
Gigabit WiFi
~85%fiber where available
Typical minimum stay (peak)
7-night Sat-Satshorter shoulder season

When to book

Peak season Jul-Aughighest demand for renovated
Book by (for peak) Jan-Aprrenovated homes go first
Renovation completions Springnew properties hit market
Off-season family weekends Oct-MayAC matters less, comfort still does

Peak weekly range: $6,000-$35,000+ (Jul-Aug). Renovated rentals carry a 15-25% premium over unrenovated comparables. Gut-renovated and architect-designed rentals command the top of the range.

Sources & notes. Renovation inventory and pricing based on Portfolio Properties' active rental portfolio (spring 2026). MV housing stock age data from Massachusetts census and town assessor records. AC penetration figures are internal Portfolio Properties estimates. Verify specific renovation details and year of work at booking.
Frequently asked

Questions about newly renovated rentals.

Answers our rental team gives most often when guests are planning a renovated stay on Martha’s Vineyard.

How recent does 'newly renovated' actually mean?

We use newly renovated to mean substantively updated within the last 5 years, including at least a new kitchen and either updated baths or AC additions. A 10-year-old renovation is no longer in this category, even if it was thorough when done. Always ask for the year of work.

Do newly renovated rentals have AC throughout?

About 75% do, compared to roughly 30% of the broader rental market. AC additions are one of the most common renovation outcomes on the Vineyard. Confirm at booking: 'AC throughout' is different from 'AC in master bedroom only.'

Are newly renovated rentals more expensive?

Yes, by 15-25% on average over unrenovated comparables in the same neighborhood. The premium reflects the kitchen, AC, smart-home features, and updated provisions. For guests who actually cook and entertain at the rental, the premium is usually worth it.

What is a 'gut renovation' on MV?

A gut renovation means the building was taken down to the studs and rebuilt: new plumbing, electrical, insulation, windows, kitchens, baths. Often with primary-suite additions and major footprint changes. Gut renovations are a small but growing segment, typically commanding the top of the rental rate range.

Are kitchens in renovated rentals usable for serious cooking?

Yes, increasingly so. The typical renovated MV kitchen includes a 36-48 inch professional range, large central island with seating for 4+, dedicated wine fridge, and provisions for actual cooking (sharp knives, cutting boards, serving pieces). If serious cooking matters for your stay, mention it — our rental team will steer you to the better kitchens.

Is the WiFi reliable in renovated rentals?

Generally yes. About 85% of newly renovated rentals run gigabit fiber WiFi (500-1000 Mbps where available). Older non-renovated rentals often have 50-150 Mbps cable. Confirm the spec at booking if remote work or streaming for groups matters.

Do renovated rentals have smart-home features?

Most do. Keyless entry codes (no physical key handoff), smart thermostats, Sonos or comparable whole-house audio, and smart lighting in major living spaces are typical in the newer renovation wave. Privacy-conscious guests should ask about indoor cameras — most rentals do not have them, but exterior cameras are common.

What does renovation mean for the exterior of historic homes?

The Edgartown Historic District Commission protects exteriors inside the district, so historic homes can be fully gut-renovated inside while the exterior stays period-faithful. Outside the historic district, exterior changes are allowed but most owners preserve traditional shingle-style siding.

Can I tell from photos which rentals are recently renovated?

Sometimes. Modern kitchens with quartz counters and big islands are obvious. AC and smart-home features don't show up in photos. The most reliable signal is asking directly: 'Was this renovated in the last 5 years? What was done?'

Will the furnishings be new too?

Usually yes, in newly renovated rentals. Owners doing a major renovation typically refurnish at the same time. The exception is when a historic home is renovated but the owner keeps antique furnishings as a design choice. Ask at booking if new furnishings matter — both versions exist.

From the journal

Reading for the renovated-curious.

All articles
Renter Guide · May 2025

Martha's Vineyard Rental Amenities That Matter Most for Families

AC, modern kitchen, gigabit WiFi. The amenities our rental team gets asked about most often.

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Family Stays · Aug 2025

Why Summer on Martha's Vineyard Is the Ultimate Family Experience

Why families return year after year. The renovated tier is increasingly the family standard.

Read article
Market · Aug 2025

What's Happening in Edgartown's Real Estate Market Right Now

The renovation wave is most visible in Edgartown. A read on what's moving in the recently-updated tier.

Read article

Book a renovated Vineyard rental.

Portfolio Properties manages newly renovated rentals across all MV towns, from gut-renovated historic homes in Edgartown to modern new builds in Katama and Chilmark. AC throughout, modern kitchens, gigabit WiFi, and smart-home features. The renovated tier is the fastest-growing rental segment on the island. Inquire early — renovated homes go first.

Browse renovated rentals Talk to our rental team
Or call 508‑627‑7005 · info@portfoliopropertiesmv.com