How the U.S. Open Impacted the Hamptons Real Estate Market with John Healey

The Happening in the Hamptons Podcast by Saunders & Associates is a weekly discussion covering all things Hamptons — from local events to in-depth real estate market analysis. This week, John Healey joined to discuss how the U.S. Open impacted the Hamptons Real Estate Market.

It’s U.S. Open Championship week in the Hamptons, with Shinnecock Hills once again putting Southampton at the center of the golf world. And, naturally, the Hamptons know how to host — even at this scale. This week, we are joined by returning guest and veteran Hamptons real estate agent John Healey for a timely conversation on the U.S. Open, Southampton rentals, and the state of the East End real estate market.

We kick off with what we’re seeing on the ground in Southampton, Bridgehampton, and beyond, then get into the question everyone asked leading up to tournament week: did the U.S. Open actually send the Hamptons rental market into overdrive, or was most of that demand already locked up long before the first tee time at Shinnecock Hills?

In this episode, we take a closer look at what continues to drive the Hamptons real estate market, from long-term investment confidence to the rental culture that keeps people coming back year after year.

We discuss:

– How the Hamptons real estate market continues to hold steady despite interest rate hikes, inflation concerns, and global uncertainty

– Why the East End remains one of the most consistent long-term luxury real estate investments

– How seasonal rentals can often turn into future buyers when agents stay connected

– Why the “experience economy” helps explain the people who happily rent in the Hamptons year after year, instead of owning

If you have ever wondered whether owning property in the Hamptons is not only a lifestyle decision but an asset you can actually live in, this conversation brings both the logic and the nuance.

We also spotlight a specific Southampton Village opportunity at 220 Elm Street, including what makes a classic village property worth renovating rather than tearing down, and why location, scale, and potential still matter in a market that often favors new construction.

Weekly Hamptons Real Estate Data from Saunders & Associates:
32 listings went into contract, representing $126M in dollar volume, alongside 35 new listings. We also break down what the latest $3M to $5M activity says about buyer demand, pricing confidence, and the continued preference for turnkey or newly built homes.

We wrap with our summer Hamptons real estate forecast, the real impact of permitting and certificate of occupancy delays, and a quick look at East End weekend events to keep on your radar.