Nantucket summers have always been popular, but in the last few years, rental timelines have accelerated. For 2026, the trend continues: the most in-demand homes and prime weeks often book earlier than many travelers expect. The upside? With the right approach (and the right local guidance), you can still land a great rental that matches your group, your style, and your summer plans.

The Sotheby’s International Realty® 2026 Luxury Outlook® report reveals the trends shaping the world’s most exclusive property markets. Drawing on insights from leading financial voices and Sotheby’s International Realty affiliated agents worldwide, it offers an authoritative view of what’s driving luxury real estate today.

2025 Nantucket Real Estate Market Overview
Nantucket’s 2025 market began at a measured pace and strengthened steadily as the year progressed, finishing with meaningful gains in both activity and total dollar volume. By year’s end, total dollar volume ranked as the third best on record, underscoring the depth of demand and the market’s ability to reward exceptional properties. Seasonality played its usual role, with momentum building into late summer and fall as buyers responded quickly to homes that were well prepared, well positioned, and priced with intention.

Mark Your Calendar!The Steamship Authority has announced the opening date for Summer 2026 Nantucket auto reservations. Beginning Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. (ET), reservations for travel with an automobile to Nantucket from May 14, 2026 through October 22, 2026 may be made online, and mail-in Nantucket reservations will begin processing in the order received.

Happy holidays! Nantucket real estate stayed strong in 2025, and it’s on track to finish as the third-best year on record by total sales volume (with an outside chance of sneaking into second if December closes exceptionally strong).

The end of September marked the close of another quarter that outpaced last year’s performance. Continued high demand fueled nearly a 40% increase in the number of sold properties in Q3, even as inventory levels declined.

Labor Day on Nantucket always feels a little bittersweet. It marks the close of another beautiful summer, yet the island still offers a few more weeks of warm beach days with lighter traffic, quieter restaurants, and a little more room to breathe.

View our Nantucket guide from Maury People Sotheby’s International Realty —  offering views of our exclusive listings and essential coverage for planning and enjoying a visit to Nantucket.