Location: Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | Metro: Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,320 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,540 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,860 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,510 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,912 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,261 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,522 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,698 |
The ZIP code 18195 presents a dynamic rental market that is currently defined by the Federal Market Rent (FMR) figure of $1440 for fiscal year 2024. This indicates the baseline for what is considered affordable under the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. However, the absence of current market rent data suggests that there might be limited activity or reporting in this area, which could imply either a stable market or one that is less volatile compared to other regions.
The lack of percentage data for price-cut share and days on market (DOM) leaves some ambiguity regarding the balance between supply and demand. Typically, if the DOM is high, it might suggest an excess of supply over demand, indicating landlords might have to offer incentives or lower rents to attract tenants. Conversely, a low DOM would suggest strong demand, possibly allowing landlords to maintain higher rents without significant concessions. The median home value also remains unspecified, making it difficult to draw comparisons between homeownership and rental markets within the same ZIP code.
A notable point is the absence of the renter share percentage, which is crucial for understanding the long-term housing pressure. In many areas, a high percentage of renters can indicate persistent housing pressure, as more individuals rely on the rental market due to the unaffordability or unavailability of homeownership options. This pressure can lead to a steady demand for rental properties, which can benefit landlords and small-portfolio investors. However, without this specific figure, we cannot definitively state whether such pressure exists in ZIP 18195.
In summary, while the FMR provides a fixed benchmark for affordability, the missing data points prevent a comprehensive analysis of the current supply-demand dynamics and long-term housing trends. Landlords and investors should monitor these metrics closely as they become available to make informed decisions about their investments in ZIP 18195.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027).
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.