Weighing Summerhouse against other Thomas Drive buildings? My guide to Panama City Beach condos for sale lays out every building I cover by area, with what to check on HOA fees, rental rules, insurance and SIRS.
Quick Summary
Summerhouse Condominiums — known as “The Summerhouse” — is a Gulf-front condo community at 6505 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408, on the east end of Panama City Beach (Lower Grand Lagoon area, near the Laketown Wharf / Venture Out corridor).
Three 11-story buildings (A, B, C) hold about 160 units total (the complex-wide total is approximate), built in the mid-1980s (per-unit MLS years 1983–1987). Every residence is a 2-bedroom / 2-bath unit of 1,015–1,470 sq ft, with floor plans including the A-Building Standard, B/C Large Standard, and B/C Large Balcony Wrap (some with ~120 sq ft wrap-around balconies).
Important distinction: Summerhouse sits directly on the Gulf — every building is beachfront. Short-term rentals are allowed (verified in MLS remarks for Unit 912), and the complex runs a full on-site vacation-rental program via Panhandle Getaways, with roughly 100+ units listed on the official site.
View Summerhouse Condos for Sale
Call or Text Roger: 850-596-5844
Is Summerhouse Right for Your Home Search?
Good fit: Gulf-front condo buyers who want direct beach access from an east-end complex; investors — short-term rentals are allowed and the complex runs a full on-site vacation-rental program via Panhandle Getaways; second-home buyers wanting resort amenities (2 pools, tennis, pickleball, hot tub); buyers who want a 2-bedroom / 2-bath layout (100% of units); buyers who want to be minutes from St. Andrews State Park.
Poor fit: buyers needing 1-bedroom or 3-bedroom layouts (every unit is 2-bed / 2-bath); buyers wanting a small, quiet boutique building (about 160 units across three 11-story towers); buyers who need pet-friendly rentals for guests (pets are not permitted for rental guests per the guest FAQ).
Call or Text Roger: 850-596-5844 to talk through whether Summerhouse fits your plans.
Summerhouse at a Glance
- Location: 6505 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408 — east end / Lower Grand Lagoon.
- Setting: Gulf-front beachfront — every building sits directly on the beach.
- Scale: 3 buildings (A, B, C), 11 stories each, about 160 units total (complex-wide total is approximate).
- Year built: mid-1980s (per-unit MLS years 1983–1987).
- Unit mix: 100% 2-bedroom / 2-bath, 1,015–1,470 sq ft.
- Floor plans: A-Building Standard; B/C Large Standard; B/C Large Balcony Wrap (some with ~120 sq ft wrap-around balconies).
- HOA dues: ~$1,211–$1,215/mo typical, up to ~$1,452/mo (varies by unit; billed monthly — confirm by estoppel).
- Rentals: short-term rentals allowed; full on-site vacation-rental program via Panhandle Getaways.
- Market snapshot (Oct 2026): 16 active listings, $349K–$750K, median list ~$420K (~$419/sqft), avg DOM 223.
- Schools (published, verify via MLS): Patronis Elementary, Surfside Middle School, J.R. Arnold High School (~13 min drive).
Summerhouse Amenities
- 2 resort-style pools, plus a kiddie pool and hot tub.
- Beach volleyball, beach chair/umbrella rentals, and beach wheelchairs.
- Pickleball, tennis, horseshoes, billiards, and an arcade.
- Grills & picnic area, clubhouse/meeting room, game room, and a gazebo snack bar.
- Gated with code access; 24-hour security & maintenance; elevators; abundant surface parking.
Parking, Pets and Beach Access
- Parking: paved surface lot; guest materials indicate parking passes are required (commonly two per unit). Confirm current vehicle limits, oversized-vehicle rules and unit-specific rights with the association.
- Beach access: direct Gulf beach access from the beachfront pool and amenity area; guest materials note an accessible ramp and beach wheelchairs — confirm with the on-site office.
- Pets: not permitted for rental guests per the Summerhouse guest FAQ. Owner pet rules have not been independently verified — do not assume owner pets are allowed; get the current rules in writing.
- Other posted guest rules: non-smoking (including balconies) outside designated areas; quiet hours; no charcoal grills (community grills are provided). Rules can change — obtain the current written rules.
HOA, Pets and Rentals
- HOA dues: ~$1,211–$1,215/mo typical, up to ~$1,452/mo; varies by unit; billed monthly — confirm by estoppel.
- Pets: pets are not permitted for rental guests per the Summerhouse guest FAQ; owner pet rules have not been independently verified — obtain the current condo documents before buying.
- Short-term rentals: allowed (verified in MLS remarks for Unit 912); full on-site vacation-rental program via Panhandle Getaways with roughly 100+ units (summerhousepc.com); rental office (850) 588-8125; minimum stay — check the condo docs.
What Types of Condos Are Available at Summerhouse?
Every unit is a 2-bedroom / 2-bath of 1,015–1,470 sq ft. Floor plans include the A-Building Standard, B/C Large Standard, and B/C Large Balcony Wrap (some with ~120 sq ft wrap-around balconies).
Active examples (October 2026): #904 $349K; #403 $384K; #802 $399,999; #1009 $409K; #912 $412K; #510 $412K; #1008 $415K; #503 $419K; #901 $421K; #202 $425K; #411 $439K; #512 $439K; #613C $439K; #705 $479K; #415 $749K (1,470 sf); #215 $750K (1,470 sf).
Recent sales: #910 $380K (9/4/26); #314 $438.5K (8/14/26); #1005 $360K (6/30/26); #909 $410K (5/27/26); #515 $600K (3/12/26); #109 $415K (9/26/25); #209 $450K (9/25/25); #1002 $320K (9/12/25); #311 $389.9K (7/18/25); #506 $725K (6/9/25).
Call or Text Roger: 850-596-5844 for current availability and showing appointments.
Summerhouse Location
- Setting: Gulf-front on the east end of Panama City Beach (Lower Grand Lagoon), at 6505 Thomas Drive — near the Laketown Wharf / Venture Out corridor. Thomas Drive continues the Front Beach Road network.
- St. Andrews State Park: 4 min / 1.9 mi.
- Pier Park: ~17 min / 8.7 mi.
- Downtown Panama City: ~20 min / 11.8 mi.
- Schools (published, verify via MLS): Patronis Elementary, Surfside Middle School, J.R. Arnold High School (~13 min drive).
Summerhouse Live Webcam
The complex operates three live cameras. The Main Roof Camera overlooks the beach, pools, and the Gulf:
Restaurants and Things to Do Near Summerhouse
Summerhouse sits on the east end of Thomas Drive, close to the Grand Lagoon dining and marina scene and St. Andrews State Park. A car is helpful for Pier Park and points west.
- St. Andrews State Park (about 2 miles east) — beaches, jetties, snorkeling, fishing pier, trails and the shuttle to Shell Island. Park information
- Grand Lagoon / Thomas Drive dining:Capt. Anderson's Marina (dining, charter fishing and dolphin cruises), Salty Sue's, plus casual spots along Thomas Drive.
- Beachfront favorites a short drive west:Schooners and Pineapple Willy's.
- Pier Park (about 8–9 miles west) — shopping, dining and entertainment; not walkable from Summerhouse.
- See Panama City Beach events for what's happening around town.
Business hours and offerings change — confirm before you go.
Can Summerhouse Condos Be Used as Vacation Rentals?
Yes. Short-term rentals are allowed at Summerhouse (verified in MLS remarks for Unit 912).
- The complex runs a full on-site vacation-rental program via Panhandle Getaways with roughly 100+ units listed on the official site (summerhousepc.com); rental office (850) 588-8125.
- Verify for your unit: minimum stay (check the condo docs), rental rules, and program terms.
- Rental math: verify occupancy and rate history for comparable units; confirm what the HOA allows for your specific unit.
HOA Fees, Insurance and Possible Assessments
- HOA dues: ~$1,211–$1,215/mo typical, up to ~$1,452/mo; billed monthly — confirm by estoppel before you write an offer.
- Insurance: budget for HO-6, flood, and wind coverage — coastal insurance can be significant.
- Built mid-1980s: ask about reserves, capital projects, and any recent or pending special assessments.
- Confirm what is included in the dues directly with the HOA.
Financing a Summerhouse Condo
- Condo lenders will review the project’s approval status and HOA health — ask your lender early.
- Confirm HO-6 requirements and flood insurance quotes as part of your monthly-cost math.
- Investment / rental use: loan terms may differ from primary-residence financing.
Important Issues to Check Before Buying
- Current HOA dues, what is included, and the HOA’s reserve and financial health.
- Any pending or recent special assessments (built mid-1980s).
- Rental rules for your specific unit (minimum stay — check the condo docs).
- Owner pet policy — not independently verified; get it in writing from the association.
- Flood zone and flood/wind insurance quotes.
- School assignments via the MLS listing.
- City limits vs. unincorporated Bay County (different rules may apply).
- Review the condo docs, HOA meeting minutes, and estoppel.
Summerhouse Compared With Other Panama City Beach Communities
Summerhouse is a Gulf-front east-end option with a full on-site vacation-rental program. Compare it with nearby guides:
Nearby Condominiums
Area Guides
Buying a Summerhouse Condo
- Verify every number yourself: HOA dues (estoppel), rental rules, and pet policy.
- Know the floor plans: A-Building Standard vs. B/C Large Standard vs. B/C Large Balcony Wrap.
- Use the 2025–2026 sales history above when judging price.
Call or Text Roger: 850-596-5844 to set up showings.
Selling a Summerhouse Condo
- Price against the verified 2025–2026 comps listed above (#910 $380K through #506 $725K).
- Highlight differentiators: Gulf-front setting, 2 resort-style pools, on-site rental program, and the east-end location near St. Andrews State Park.
- Disclose the details buyers ask about: HOA dues, rental rules, and assessment history.
Call or Text Roger: 850-596-5844 for a pricing consultation.
Useful Buyer Resources
Frequently Asked Questions About Summerhouse
Is Summerhouse on the beach?
Yes. Summerhouse is Gulf-front — all three buildings sit directly on the beach on the east end of Panama City Beach.
Where is Summerhouse located?
6505 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (Lower Grand Lagoon / east end, near the Laketown Wharf / Venture Out corridor). Note: some listings show 9907 S. Thomas Drive — the verified complex address is 6505 Thomas Drive.
What do condos cost at Summerhouse?
As of October 2026, 16 units are active from $349K (#904) to $750K (#215, 1,470 sf), with a median list price of ~$420K (~$419/sqft) and average days on market of 223. Recent sales range from $320K (#1002, 9/12/25) to $725K (#506, 6/9/25).
What are the HOA fees at Summerhouse?
HOA dues run ~$1,211–$1,215/mo typical, up to ~$1,452/mo depending on the unit, billed monthly — confirm the exact figure by estoppel.
Can I rent out my Summerhouse condo short-term?
Yes — short-term rentals are allowed (verified in MLS remarks for Unit 912), and the complex runs a full on-site vacation-rental program via Panhandle Getaways. Minimum stay: check the condo docs.
Are pets allowed at Summerhouse?
Rental guests: no — pets are not permitted for guests per the Summerhouse guest FAQ. Owners: owner pet rules have not been independently verified for this guide; obtain written confirmation from the association and the current condo documents before buying.
What schools serve Summerhouse?
Published assignments (verify via MLS): Patronis Elementary, Surfside Middle School, and J.R. Arnold High School (~13 min drive).
How old is Summerhouse?
The complex was built in the mid-1980s (per-unit MLS years 1983–1987).
Does Summerhouse have parking?
Yes — a paved surface lot. Parking passes are typically required; confirm current limits and procedures for the specific unit.
Does Summerhouse have a fitness center?
A gym is not listed on the official resort amenities page. Confirm with the association before relying on one.
Are there special assessments at Summerhouse?
Assessment information changes. Review current association budgets, minutes, reserve and structural/milestone reports, and written disclosures before closing.
Can I finance a Summerhouse condo?
Often, but approval depends on the borrower, the unit and the condominium project. Talk to a lender experienced with Panama City Beach resort condos before making an offer.
How far is Summerhouse from Pier Park and St. Andrews State Park?
St. Andrews State Park is about 2 miles east (roughly 4–5 minutes). Pier Park is about 8–9 miles west (roughly 15–20 minutes by car) and is not walkable.
Current Summerhouse Condos for Sale
The live listing feed above shows the current Summerhouse condos for sale. As of October 2026, 16 units are listed, ranging from $349K (#904) to $750K (#215, 1,470 sf). Call or text Roger at 850-596-5844 for the latest availability and showing appointments.
Talk With a Local Panama City Beach Real Estate Specialist
Roger Rietsema, Realtor®, Allison James Estates & Homes, Panama City Beach, Florida
Call or text: 850-596-5844
Email: [email protected]
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About This Guide and Sources
This guide was prepared for SellFL.net to help buyers and sellers understand Summerhouse Condominiums in Panama City Beach, Florida.
Last updated and sources checked: October 5, 2026.
