Location: Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA | Metro: Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $2,600 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,680 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,200 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,810 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,210 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,884 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,470 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,908 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $6,203 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $3,200 | $850,577 | 0.38% | F |
| 3BR | $3,810 | $881,312 | 0.43% | F |
| 4BR | $4,210 | $1,308,911 | 0.32% | F |
| 5BR | $4,884 | $1,698,106 | 0.29% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate market in ZIP 01776, Sudbury, MA, presents a robust scenario for landlords and small-portfolio investors. With a median home value of $1,150,812, the area maintains a high-end residential profile. Only 0.1% of listings have been reduced, indicating strong seller pricing power and suggesting that homes are valued accurately at their asking price. The median days on market (DOM) stands at 24 days, which is a testament to the quick turnover of properties, reflecting a healthy demand-supply balance.
On the rental side, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 01776 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $2,380. This is notably higher than the current market average of $1,423 based on Census ACS data. This gap suggests potential upward pressure on rental rates, as the market may align closer to the FMR in the near future. Landlords can expect to see gradual increases in rental income as the market adjusts to these figures.
For long-term investors, the setup in ZIP 01776 implies a realistic appreciation thesis. The combination of a stable median home value, minimal price reductions, and swift sales cycles points towards sustained property values. While it does not guarantee significant capital appreciation, the market conditions suggest that property values will likely remain steady, providing a solid foundation for investment.
The current dynamics between the sale and rental markets create an opportunity for investors. The disparity between the FMR and the current market rent indicates that there is room for growth in rental yields, which can be particularly advantageous for those seeking to generate passive income through long-term investments. Additionally, the low percentage of price reductions and short DOM periods reflect a resilient local economy and a consistent demand for housing, both of which support the stability of the investment.
In summary, the data on median home value, listing reductions, and DOM in ZIP 01776 signal a market with strong pricing power and steady appreciation potential. The favorable gap between FMR and actual rents offers a compelling case for long-term investment in the area, positioning landlords and small-portfolio investors well for the coming years.
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.