Location: Portsmouth-Rochester, NH | Metro: Portsmouth-Rochester, 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 | $1,450 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,560 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,430 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,740 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,178 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,559 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,844 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,036 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,040 | $431,375 | 0.47% | F |
| 3BR | $2,430 | $534,616 | 0.45% | F |
| 4BR | $2,740 | $653,083 | 0.42% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 03869, located in Rollinsford, NH, presents a dynamic housing market influenced by current economic conditions and tenant preferences. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area stands at $1790 for fiscal year 2024, closely aligning with the reported market rent of $1,771 based on Census American Community Survey data. This parity suggests that the rental market is stable and reflective of broader regional trends.
A median home value of $511,807 indicates a relatively high-cost residential environment, which can influence both rental and purchase decisions. The lack of specific data regarding the percentage of price cuts and days on market (DOM) makes it challenging to definitively state whether supply currently outpaces demand or vice versa. However, the 22.3% renter share provides insight into the nature of housing pressure in the area. A lower renter share typically points towards a preference for homeownership, but it also implies that there is a consistent, albeit smaller, segment of the population relying on rental properties. This can be indicative of long-term housing pressure, as a significant portion of residents will continue to seek rental accommodations, ensuring a steady demand for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
In Rollinsford, the rental market appears to be a niche yet essential part of the overall housing landscape. Landlords should expect a competitive market, given the close alignment between FMR and actual market rents. The high median home value also suggests that potential renters may be priced out of homeownership, thereby increasing their reliance on rental properties. This creates an ongoing opportunity for those who invest in rental properties, as the demand for affordable housing remains robust despite the higher cost of living.
The dynamics of this market suggest a balance between rental and ownership, with rental properties serving a crucial role for those unable or unwilling to purchase homes at the current median value. For investors, understanding these dynamics is key to making informed decisions about property management and investment strategies in Rollinsford.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.