Location: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA | Metro: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA
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 | $1,810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,960 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,340 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,790 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,080 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,573 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,002 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,322 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,538 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,340 | $395,631 | 0.59% | F |
| 3BR | $2,790 | $499,186 | 0.56% | F |
| 4BR | $3,080 | $702,640 | 0.44% | F |
| 5BR | $3,573 | $746,038 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate market in ZIP 19047, Langhorne, PA, presents a compelling landscape for both landlords and small-portfolio investors. The median home value stands at $560,773, indicating a robust housing market that has maintained its strength despite only a minor 0.1% reduction in listings. This slight decrease suggests that the market is relatively stable and that there isn't an oversupply of homes, which would typically exert downward pressure on prices. Furthermore, the 5-day median days on market (DOM) reflects a highly efficient market where homes are selling quickly, underscoring strong demand.
On the rental side, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 19047 in fiscal year 2024 is projected at $2,120. In contrast, the Zillow Observed Rental Index (ZORI) currently stands at $2,393. This gap between government-assisted rents and market rents highlights a potential opportunity for landlords who can leverage the higher market rates while still attracting tenants through programs like Section 8. However, it also indicates that there might be a segment of the market facing affordability challenges, which could impact vacancy rates if not managed properly.
The setup implied by these figures signals a market with significant pricing power over the next 12-24 months. The quick sale times and stable home values suggest that property owners have the ability to maintain or even slightly increase their asking prices without fear of prolonged periods on the market. For long-term investors, the realistic appreciation thesis is grounded in the sustained demand and limited supply, which are likely to keep home values steady or growing modestly. However, the appreciation rate is unlikely to outpace inflation significantly, making rental income a critical component of investment returns in this area.
To summarize, the current data points towards a market where landlords and investors can expect to retain strong pricing power, both in terms of home sales and rental rates. The efficient sales cycle and stable home values support this outlook, while the rental dynamics provide a balanced view of potential income streams and market challenges.
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.