More snowbirds are making plans to fly this way for the winter than last year, and many seem to be hoping to come earlier and stay longer, according to leading Vero Beach rental realtors. Island condos and houses are booking up faster for the coming season than last fall, and prices are mostly holding steady or inching up for the best properties, several realtors reported. “There is an upward trend in bookings from last year,” reported Moorings Realty Sales Co. rental manager Gali Dupay. “More of our seasonal rentals have already been rented for the 2027 season than at this time last year,” said Angela Waldrop, who has managed rentals for Dale Sorensen Real Estate for the past 17 years. “Approximately 95 percent of our properties currently have at least one booking for the coming season, and about 75 percent of the 70 properties we manage are fully booked for the upcoming winter season,” Dupay said. “We currently only have one single-family home still available, along with a number of condos.” Waldrop, who manages about 90 properties on the barrier island, said “most tenants are booking for three to six months, while last year more owners had to accept shorter, split-season rentals. We currently have 14 properties available, ranging from $4,000 to $40,000 per month, and about half of these properties were listed in the past 30 days. “Our condos rent for up to $20,000 per month, while houses go for up to $45,000 per month,” said Waldrop, who recently received a $210,000 check for a six-month island house rental, along with a payment of $135,000 for a three-month stay. “We have booked about a dozen rentals in the $20,000- to $45,000-per-month range for the 2027 season,” said Waldrop. “The highest booked rate is $45,000 per month. Our highest-priced rental currently available is $40,000 per month.” In the Moorings, where there are both riverfront and oceanfront properties offered for lease, condo rental rates range from $6,000 to $17,500 per month, according to Dupay, while houses go for $9,000 to $25,000. The biggest rental deal so far this year brought in $35,000, which was for two blissful months in a completely renovated, 2,200-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 3-bath oceanfront unit in the Southwinds community, said Moorings Realty broker associate Marsha Sherry. While prices are stiff in many cases, realtors said they haven’t shot up since last year, despite increased demand. “Prices are about the same as last year, with a slight increase in price for the most desirable units, such as units with a water view or completely remodeled units,” said Dupey. Waldrop agreed. “Most of our seasonal listings are priced at the same rates as in 2026, and most have secured renters at those rates. A few are priced higher following renovations or upgrades.” “The Moorings has 15 different condo communities, and each one has its own rules and regulations regarding rentals,” Sherry noted. “How often a unit can be rented, the length of time, allowance of pets, and other regulations are mandated by the individual associations. Each association has its own applications and approval process.” If that sounds daunting, it’s not. Moorings Realty agents shepherd both homeowners and renters through the rental process, making everything as simple as possible for all involved. “We work closely with our owners to help their properties put their best foot forward, providing guidance and support through every step of the rental process,” said Dupay. “During the winter season, our director of personal services provides an added level of support by serving much like a personal concierge for our renters. From coordinating services and special requests to helping facilitate the details of their stay, this personalized attention enhances the renter experience while also providing valuable support and peace of mind for our owners.” Even though the island is mostly booked up, there is still hope for snowbirds trailing the flock. “We continue to receive rental inquiries on a daily basis, and are also continually adding new properties to our rental inventory,” said Dupay. Looking ahead, Waldrop advised that “owners should price their property accurately for their specific market [for this season or next], and renters needing a particular location or set of dates should begin their search very early for the 2028 season. “Vero Beach is a special place and more people are taking notice. We had a stronger summer than we have had since covid and it is shaping up to be a wonderful season!” <em>Photos by Joshua Kodis</em> [gallery ids="237271,237272"]