Buying a Vacation Home: Why Summer is a Prime Time to Invest in Your St. George Second Home

If you’ve been dreaming of owning a vacation home, summer might just be the perfect season to turn that dream into reality, especially in beautiful St. George. Between the red rock landscapes, year-round outdoor recreation, and growing popularity as a vacation destination, St. George offers exciting opportunities for buyers who are looking to invest in a second home. Here’s why summer is a smart time to buy a vacation home in St. George, and what you should consider before making your move.

Why is Summer a Good Time to Buy in St. George?

Each season brings different market conditions, and summer offers some distinct benefits for buyers in St. George. 

Inventory at Its Peak

During the summer months, more vacation homes typically hit the market. As we get into July and August, homeowners who’ve enjoyed their property for the season may decide to list before fall, and sellers often aim to take advantage of peak buying activity. This gives you more options to choose from and can help you find a property that checks all your boxes.

Fully Experience the Property During Vacation Season

If you're buying a vacation home, you may want to see it during the peak vacation season and experience the summertime version of the property. When you tour homes in the summer, you’re seeing them at their best. Pools are open, landscaping is in full bloom, and outdoor amenities like patios and decks are fully functional. This makes it easier to imagine how you ( or potential renters) will use and enjoy the property.

Rental Demand is High

During the summer, and even the fall, rental demand is high for tourists who want to take a summer vacation or enjoy the many outdoor recreation opportunities and national parks nearby. If you’re planning to use your vacation home as a short-term rental, summer is often the most lucrative season in St. George. Buying during this time can allow you to quickly get the property rental-ready and start generating income while demand is strong, if you are prepared to make quick decisions and buy something turn-key.

Ideal Renovation Timing

If you don't buy a turn-key property, summer can be a great time to get started on renovations. Planning to make updates or personalize your vacation home? Summer offers the best weather window to tackle outdoor renovations, pool installations, and landscaping projects. Starting in summer means you can likely have the home ready for cool weather rental seasons or personal use by fall or winter.

Erika Rogers has this to say about buying in the summer: "Summer is a prime time to invest in a vacation home in St. George, not just because of the favorable buying conditions, but because it positions you to enjoy the property and maximize its rental potential quickly."

Things to Consider Before Buying a St. George Vacation Home

To prepare for your vacation home house hunting, here are some things you'll want to keep in mind:

• Timing: If you want the home available for your personal use during the next peak season (like spring or next summer), buying now gives you time to close, renovate if needed, and prepare the space. Consider when you want to start using the property to help guide the types of homes you're interested in. 
• Renter Appeal: Consider the amenities that today’s vacation renters are looking for in St. George. Things like pool access, large gathering spaces, updated kitchens, and proximity to outdoor attractions like Zion National Park and Snow Canyon are all important to a successful vacation rental property. Properties that check these boxes tend to have better occupancy rates.
• Property Management: Think about whether you’ll self-manage the property or hire a local vacation rental manager. St. George’s climate is great for year-round use, but summer heat can bring unique maintenance needs, like keeping pools clean and HVAC systems running efficiently. Be prepared with your strategy to keep the home at its best. 

Ready to learn more about homes for sale in St. George? I'm here to help, backed by a team of local experts. Contact us any time to get started.