Location: Brockton, MA | Metro: Brockton, MA 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 | $1,710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,450 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,070 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,220 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,735 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,183 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,518 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,744 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,450 | $472,674 | 0.52% | F |
| 3BR | $3,070 | $612,623 | 0.5% | F |
| 4BR | $3,220 | $741,953 | 0.43% | F |
| 5BR | $3,735 | $832,504 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Investing in Section 8 properties in ZIP code 02351, located in Abington, Massachusetts, comes with several potential pitfalls that landlords must be aware of. First, tenant turnover can be a significant issue. The market rent for the area stands at $2,464, while the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 is set at $2,010. This disparity means that landlords participating in the Section 8 program might face higher turnover rates as tenants seek to maximize their subsidy benefits.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. The Days on Market (DOM) data is currently unavailable, which makes it difficult to predict how long a property might remain vacant. However, given the typical home value in the area is $594,185, landlords should be prepared for potential delays in finding suitable tenants, especially if they are not familiar with the local rental market dynamics.
Deferred maintenance is also a risk factor. With a median income of $125,400, many residents might struggle to afford regular maintenance costs, leading to potential wear and tear issues that could fall on the landlord to address. This can result in unexpected expenses that need to be factored into the overall cost of ownership when considering a Section 8 investment.
Despite these risks, there are mitigating factors that make the investment more appealing. The renter share in Abington is relatively high at 27.3%, indicating a strong demand for rental properties. High renter density typically translates into higher demand for Section 8 vouchers, which can help ensure a steady stream of tenants. Additionally, the local housing authority's policies and procedures can provide some stability and predictability to the investment.
The verdict for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 02351 is moderate risk. While there are significant challenges, such as tenant turnover and deferred maintenance, the high renter share suggests a robust market for subsidized rentals. Landlords should proceed with caution but can find opportunities for stable, long-term investments in this area.
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.