Martha's Vineyard 'Beach Keys' Command Up to $650,000 for Private Access
On Martha's Vineyard, an island off the coast of Massachusetts, individuals are paying up to $650,000 for 'beach keys.' These keys grant access to private beaches and come with ownership of a small, non-buildable sliver of beachfront property. This phenomenon highlights a unique real estate market where the commodity is not square footage or ocean views, but exclusive access. The prices for these keys have seen a significant increase, with a key to Quansoo Beach selling for $475,000 last year, up from $200,000 in 2003. Another option at Hancock Beach recently sold for $650,000. These keys are often passed down through families, but a limited number become available for sale each year. The demand for these exclusive access points far outstrips the supply, driving up prices. For many wealthy buyers, the purchase is less about the physical beach and more about the privacy and exclusivity it affords, allowing them to avoid crowded public beaches and parking lots. 
