Location: Otsego County, NY | Metro: Delaware County, NY
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,110 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,935 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 13825, located in Otego, NY, within the Otsego County, NY metro area, is best suited as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. This classification is based on the significant spread between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent, which benefits landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
The FMR for a one-bedroom unit in the Otsego County, NY metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,110. In contrast, the market rent for the same type of unit in ZIP 13825 is only $953. This means that landlords can secure rental payments at the higher FMR rate through Section 8 vouchers, providing a consistent and reliable cash flow. The difference of $157 per month can be a substantial buffer against unexpected expenses and fluctuations in the local housing market.
Furthermore, the median home value in ZIP 13825 stands at $213,196. This figure suggests that property values in the area are relatively stable, which reduces the risk of significant depreciation. For landlords, this stability means that the properties in their Section 8 portfolio are less likely to lose value over time, making them a solid financial foundation.
While the ZIP code does not offer an immediate opportunity for rapid appreciation due to the lack of a price-cut share and days on market (DOM) data, the focus should be on the steady income generated by the guaranteed rental payments. The 20.0% renter share and median income of $76,875 indicate a moderate level of demand for rentals, but these factors alone do not outweigh the benefits of the cash-flow anchor strategy.
In summary, ZIP 13825 is ideal for landlords looking to create a stable, predictable cash flow within their Section 8 portfolio. The higher FMR compared to the local market rent ensures that landlords receive a better rate for their properties, while the stable median home value provides security against potential losses in property value.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.