I cover the Provincetown and surrounding area of Cape Cod. I have many Buyer Clients looking for a second home who consider buying a condo that is considered seasonal use only (April-November), which basically means the condo cannot be used December- March. Most condo associations open on or about April 1 and close down around the Thanksgiving holiday. The plus for a Buyer buying a seasonal use property, usually the prices are lower than a year-round use property.
Many towns here on Cape Cod, such as Truro actually has a law on the books that was placed there "many moons" ago that limits the use of condos. The law was enacted as a way to keep a limit on the town services. However, many owners are trying to get the town selectmen to change the law to allow full year-round use.
There are a couple of major considerations when buying a seasonal use property with hopes of the town changing the laws to allow year-round use. First, it is very possible the law may never change. Second, when the property was built, it may not have been properly insulated- not only the walls, but the water pipes! The other major consideration is if the main water supply to the condo(s) is not buried below the frost-line, then they need to be buried much deeper in the ground. This can be a major, expensive project- not only for you, but, the entire association.
These seasonal use properties are a little more affordable. But, be sure you fully understand the limitations and potential expenses to make the property year-round. For more information, please e-mail me at Rick.Tourgee@Century21.com or you may visit my website at www.ricktourgee.com to search for properties here on Cape Cod.
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