March 2026
Financing differences, seasonal rental considerations, and the coastal counties worth a closer look this year.
Second-home financing usually requires larger reserves and a higher down payment than a primary residence, and lenders treat expected rental income conservatively. Insurance costs also vary widely along the coast.
If you plan to rent seasonally, confirm local short-term rental rules before you write an offer — they differ dramatically between coastal cities. Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, coastal Orange County and Ventura all reward buyers who do that homework first.