Location: Springfield, MA | Metro: Amherst Town-Northampton, MA MSA
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,440 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,620 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,660 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,780 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,225 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,612 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,901 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,096 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,060 | $322,890 | 0.64% | D |
| 3BR | $2,660 | $419,148 | 0.63% | D |
| 4BR | $2,780 | $485,906 | 0.57% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate market in ZIP 01033 (Granby, MA) presents a nuanced picture for both landlords and small-portfolio investors. With a median home value of $397,536, the area stands at a pivotal point where affordability meets quality of life, a dynamic that is likely to persist over the next 12-24 months.
The fact that a significant portion of listings have seen reductions, though the exact percentage is currently unavailable, suggests that sellers are adjusting their expectations to align with current market realities. This could indicate a softening in the housing market, reducing the pricing power of homeowners and potentially making it a favorable time for buyers seeking to enter the market or for investors looking to purchase properties at more competitive rates.
The median days on market (DOM) figure is also not available at present, but typically, a lower DOM would suggest a faster-moving market, indicative of strong demand. Conversely, if DOM is higher, it might reflect a slower market, which could be a sign of either oversupply or cautious buyer behavior. In either case, the lack of precise DOM data points to an ongoing need for careful monitoring of market trends.
Moving to the rental side, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 01033 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1210. While the current market rent is not specified, this figure serves as a benchmark for landlords. If the actual market rent is below this level, there may be opportunities for slight increases in rent, assuming the local economy supports such adjustments. However, if market rents are already at or above the FMR, landlords should expect limited room for growth, necessitating a focus on maintaining occupancy rates and managing costs effectively.
For long-term investors, the setup in Granby implies a steady but not explosive appreciation thesis. The absence of recent significant price increases or reductions in the housing market signals stability rather than rapid growth. Therefore, the primary drivers of value for properties will likely remain tied to broader economic factors such as job creation, population growth, and infrastructure improvements, rather than speculative bubbles or sudden shifts in market sentiment.
In conclusion, the real estate landscape in ZIP 01033 leans towards a balanced market, characterized by stable property values and moderate rental income potential. Investors should prioritize quality management practices and long-term strategic planning to capitalize on the inherent stability of the region.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.