Location: Hillsborough County, NH | Metro: Hillsborough County, NH (part) 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 | $1,160 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,850 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,590 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,004 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,364 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,633 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,815 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,180 | $339,367 | 0.35% | F |
| 2BR | $1,550 | $381,719 | 0.41% | F |
| 3BR | $1,850 | $450,077 | 0.41% | F |
| 4BR | $2,590 | $491,163 | 0.53% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 03440, located in Antrim, NH, within the Hillsborough County area, serves as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2024 is set at $1430, which is significantly higher than the local market rent of $1040. This $390 positive spread ensures that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can maintain stable cash flows, even when market rents fluctuate.
The median home value in ZIP 03440 stands at $424,580, indicating a relatively high-value housing market. However, the primary focus for a Section 8 strategy should be on the rental market dynamics. Given the disparity between the FMR and the actual market rent, landlords can rely on the guaranteed payment from the government to cover their expenses and provide a consistent income stream. This is particularly valuable in areas where the cost of living might otherwise outpace market rents, leading to financial strain.
The lack of data on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM) suggests that appreciation plays are not a significant factor in this ZIP code's real estate strategy. Instead, the emphasis should be on leveraging the Section 8 program to ensure steady, predictable returns. With a renter share of 21.1%, there is a notable portion of the population that relies on rental housing, making it a viable option for landlords looking to serve a specific segment of the market.
A median income of $88,889 indicates a higher-income demographic in Antrim, NH. While this might suggest that some residents could afford higher rents, the market rent remains lower than the FMR, reinforcing the cash-flow anchor role of this ZIP code. Landlords should take advantage of the Section 8 program to stabilize their investment, ensuring that they receive the contracted amount without being exposed to the volatility of the local rental market.
In conclusion, ZIP 03440 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio due to the substantial positive spread between the FMR and market rent. This allows landlords to secure reliable income streams while serving a portion of the community that benefits from affordable housing options.
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.