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 | $2,160 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,230 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,660 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,180 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,510 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,072 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,561 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,926 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,172 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,230 | $344,237 | 0.65% | D |
| 2BR | $2,660 | $526,592 | 0.51% | F |
| 3BR | $3,180 | $653,545 | 0.49% | F |
| 4BR | $3,510 | $720,663 | 0.49% | F |
| 5BR | $4,072 | $820,650 | 0.5% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate landscape in ZIP 02136, Boston, MA, suggests a market where pricing power will remain steady over the next 12-24 months. With a median home value at $653,020, only 0.2% of listings have been reduced, indicating that sellers are confident in their pricing and the overall desirability of the area. The median days on market (DOM) being listed as N/A points to a highly active market where homes are selling quickly, often before reaching typical DOM metrics.
This setup signals strong seller's market conditions, with little pressure to lower asking prices. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, the gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $2380 for fiscal year 2024 and the actual market rent (ZORI) of $2,635 highlights an opportunity to maintain higher rental rates. The FMR is a government benchmark used to determine housing assistance payments, while ZORI reflects the current market demand, suggesting that landlords can command rents above the FMR without significant vacancy risks.
Long-term hold investors should consider the realistic appreciation thesis. Despite the strong seller's market and high rental rates, the limited reduction in listing prices and quick sales suggest that appreciation might be modest. However, the sustained high rental rates indicate that cash flow from rental properties could be a more reliable source of return than capital appreciation. Investors should focus on maintaining or slightly increasing rental income to offset any potential stagnation in property values.
To summarize, the data points to a stable market with solid pricing power for sellers and landlords. While rapid price increases are unlikely, the ability to sustain current prices and rental rates ensures continued profitability for those holding real estate assets in ZIP 02136.
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.