Seasonal Differences in Rental Prices (Santa Cruz, Monterey: apartments, rentals, month to)

[Susan1214]

I'm wondering if there is any seasonal difference in rental prices in Silicon Valley and also the Monterey/Carmel Valley/Santa Cruz area, with prices being higher (by $100, or even $200) per month in Spring and Summer with a cheaper asking price in the colder months, especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays when no one wants to move.

I'm also wondering if rental prices go up in the summer in areas where there are local colleges, since incoming students are in competition for smaller (studio/1bedroom) rentals.

Has anyone noticed this? If so, what has been the approximate variance in cost?

[5thgenSF]

i've never seen any difference in any area of silicon valley.

[Wintermomma]

I can't answer your question, but I have wondered that as well. Is it cheaper when more are looking more/inventory and more when there is less available? Or cheaper with less available b/c less are looking?

[5thgenSF]

rentals have doubled and tripled in the last 20 years. my $600 studio is now $1800. the dumpier places are $1200. unless there's another tech crash, prices won't be going down.

[tilz]

I have seen its expensive in the summer, winter, fall etc :-) When I rented my place the guy did say that rent could go up or down based on demand. The current evidence is up, I spoke to a lady that had lived here 5 years and she said it went down once 4 yrs ago and has gone up since.

Interestingly I am at the end of my lease and have been offered another 12mths at the same price, however if I go month to month then it goes up $200 a month

[5thgenSF]

Originally Posted by tilz

however if I go month to month then it goes up $200 a month

ouch. i only had that happen once. the apartments had been below market value and then the complex was sold. then the prices went WAY up.