Santa Cruz County stretches along the northern California coast from Davenport to Watsonville. Known for redwood forests, beaches, and surf culture, the county is home to vibrant communities such as Santa Cruz, Capitola, Scotts Valley, and Aptos. With approximately 270,000 residents, it offers a blend of coastal charm, outdoor recreation, and academic influence from UC Santa Cruz.
Why Invest in Santa Cruz County
- High Demand Rentals: UC Santa Cruz and local employers attract students, professionals, and families year-round.
- Limited Housing Supply: Coastal geography and environmental protections restrict development, boosting rental and resale values.
- Lifestyle Appeal: Beaches, redwoods, farmers’ markets, and a laid-back coastal culture make the area highly attractive.
- Steady Appreciation: Home prices remain resilient, supported by lifestyle demand and limited inventory.
Our Property Management Services in Santa Cruz County
At Intempus Property Management, we provide comprehensive services tailored to the county’s unique market:
- Comprehensive Property Evaluation
We begin with an in-depth evaluation of your rental property to determine the best rental price. We also provide recommendations to help you increase property value through improvements and maintenance. - Professional Marketing and Promotion
We market your property on over 200 top rental websites. Our marketing package includes HDR photography, virtual tours, compelling copywriting, and promotion of local amenities that appeal to target tenants. - Tenant Screening and Selection
We perform thorough background checks, credit analysis, income verification, and contact previous landlords to ensure your tenants are qualified and reliable. - Lease Preparation and Compliance
We draft legally compliant lease agreements specific to California and Santa Cruz’s rental laws, customized to reflect your property’s policies. We also conduct in-depth move-in walkthroughs and condition reporting. - Rent Collection and Financial Reporting
Our team handles all aspects of rent collection through a secure online portal. You’ll receive monthly owner statements, payment notifications, and year-end tax documentation. - Maintenance Coordination and Emergency Response
We offer a 24/7 maintenance hotline and manage both urgent and routine repair requests. Our team works with trusted vendors in Santa Cruz and supervises all work to ensure quality service. - Property Inspections
We conduct scheduled inspections throughout the year, including move-in, move-out, and annual evaluations. Each inspection includes a detailed report with photos to document condition and address issues early. - Bookkeeping and Owner Support
You’ll receive access to detailed monthly and quarterly financial reports. We handle vendor payments, track income and expenses, and help prepare you for tax season. - Legal Support and Eviction Handling
Should an issue arise, we manage legal compliance, issue notices, and handle eviction processes in line with California’s strict rental laws.
Key Cities We Manage
Our local experience covers all major communities, including:
- Santa Cruz
- Capitola
- Scotts Valley
- Aptos
- Watsonville
- Soquel
- Felton, Ben Lomond, Davenport, and other coastal and inland areas
Local Market Data: Santa Cruz County Rental & Home Values
Average Rents
- Average rent in the county is approximately $3,813/month as of May 2025—nearly 86% above the national average
- Studio apartments rent for ~$3,182; one-bedrooms ~$3,546; two-bedrooms up to ~$5,067
- Fair Market Rent (FMR) for two-bedroom units is about $4,223/month
Home Values & Sales Trends
- Median home sale price in Santa Cruz County stands around $1.2 million—up 5.7% year-over-year
- City of Santa Cruz itself shows median home pricing near $1.4 million, down 2.8% YoY, with homes selling in about 14 days.
- Median list price countywide is approximately $1.235 million, with about 659 active listings as of late May
Market Summary
- Rents remain high—studio to two‑bedroom units generally rent between $3,200 and $5,000.
- Home prices average $1.2 M–$1.3 M, with strong annual growth and homes typically pending in 14–18 days.
- Inventory levels are growing but remain tight, supporting stable pricing
Why Choose Intempus Property Management
Local Experience
We live and work in Santa Cruz County, with deep knowledge of its coastal communities, university market, and tenant demands.
Customized Management
Each property receives a tailored service plan—whether it’s a student rental in Santa Cruz or a family home in Scotts Valley.
Transparent Communication
Owners access financials, maintenance logs, and lease documents anytime via our secure online portal.
Technology + Responsiveness
From 24/7 maintenance support to convenient online rent collection, we streamline ownership.
Proven Results
With over a decade helping Bay Area owners, we consistently deliver top-quality tenants, low vacancy rates, and reliable income.
Partner with Us Today
If you own property in Santa Cruz County—be it a cottage by the sea or a duplex near UC Santa Cruz—Intempus Property Management helps you earn more with less hassle.
Whether you’re a first-time landlord or a seasoned investor, our team is ready to help you achieve your goals in Santa Cruz County.
Contact us today to learn how our full-service property management can simplify your ownership experience and maximize your returns.
