Special offer

Cape Cod Real Estate: Buying a seasonal use property

By
Real Estate Agent with Robert Paul Properties, Inc. 9051243

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 http://www.ricktourgee.com/ to search for properties here on Cape Cod.

Comments (2)

Joanne Hanson
Coldwell Banker Colorado Rockies Real Estate - Frisco, CO
Summit County, Colorado Realtor

Rick, we have a lot of properties used seasonally, but not built that way!  Actually, we do have a few old A-frame cabins here and there that are essentially wooden tents, built originally as summer cottages.  Most of them have long since been winterized and are now used year round. 

I guess you also have a lot of summer visitors who stay away in the winter, so I can see how it would happen.

Oct 23, 2007 03:43 PM
Rick Tourgee
Robert Paul Properties, Inc. - Provincetown, MA
Provincetown and Cape Cod

Joanne-

Yes, many of these properties were built the way on day 1.  A lot of people would like to be able to make them year-round by doing a renovation and installing insulation and burying the pipes deeper into the ground.  But, a lot of towns here on Cape Cod will not allow it for fear that it will be a strain on town services.  However, I think over time, towns will see the value in letting people use them year-round.

Nov 16, 2007 01:14 AM