Location: Trenton-Princeton, NJ | Metro: Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ 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 | $1,910 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,070 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,590 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,100 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,480 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,037 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,521 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,883 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,127 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,590 | $511,249 | 0.51% | F |
| 3BR | $3,100 | $661,999 | 0.47% | F |
| 4BR | $3,480 | $878,912 | 0.4% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 08530, Lambertville, NJ, reveals a favorable environment for cashflow. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $2,120 for fiscal year 2024, significantly exceeds the market rent of $1,776 based on Census ACS data. This means that voucher tenants can cashflow comfortably at the FMR rate, providing landlords with a reliable source of income.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value of $644,408. The rent-to-price ratio, calculated using the FMR, is approximately 2.6%, which suggests that the rental market is undervalued relative to home values. This makes rental investments particularly attractive compared to purchasing homes in the area.
Regarding the rental versus buying dynamics, the median Days on Market (DOM) is noted as N/A, and the share of listings making price cuts is only 0.2%. These figures indicate a stable housing market with little need for price adjustments, which bodes well for long-term rental investments.
In conclusion, the strongest investor angle in ZIP 08530 is cashflow, given the substantial difference between the HUD FMR and the market rent, along with the favorable rent-to-price ratio.
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.