Location: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC | Metro: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $2,080 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,170 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,400 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,060 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,600 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,176 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,677 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,051 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,304 |
A skeptical investor might question whether the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1980 for ZIP 20250 will sufficiently cover the mortgage on a property. However, without specific data on average home prices in ZIP 20250, it's challenging to definitively answer this. It's important to note that mortgage coverage depends on the purchase price, interest rates, and loan terms.
The investor could also be concerned about the level of renter demand at the given vacancy rate. According to recent data, the rental vacancy rate in Washington, DC, which includes ZIP 20250, is 7.1% as of the second quarter of 2024. This figure is slightly above the national average but indicates a relatively stable market. A vacancy rate of 7.1% suggests that there is moderate competition among renters, but not extreme scarcity or abundance.
Another point of contention could be the ability of housing vouchers to keep pace with market rents. While specific voucher rates for ZIP 20250 aren't provided, it's known that voucher rates are typically adjusted annually based on the HUD FMR. With the FMR set at $1980, landlords can reasonably expect that voucher holders will be able to cover this amount. However, if market rents rise significantly, there may be a lag in voucher adjustments, potentially creating a gap.
In summary, while the data points to a reasonable rental environment in ZIP 20250, the lack of specific figures on home prices and precise voucher rates introduces some uncertainty. Nonetheless, the current FMR and vacancy rate suggest a viable investment opportunity.
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.