Location: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC | Metro: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $2,140 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,230 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,470 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,150 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,710 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,304 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,820 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,206 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,466 |
The analysis of ZIP code 20885 within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area reveals several critical points for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
Firstly, the rent math does not work favorably. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $2100 per month for fiscal year 2024. However, the lack of available market rent data means we cannot compare it directly against what tenants might actually pay, which could be lower due to local conditions. This uncertainty poses a risk as landlords may struggle to set competitive rents that cover costs and yield profits.
Secondly, acquisition is not affordable based on the provided data. There is no median home value specified, nor any information on days on the market (DOM) or the percentage of homes needing price cuts. Without these metrics, it's challenging to gauge the affordability of purchasing properties in this ZIP code. Typically, higher DOM and a greater need for price cuts indicate a less favorable market for acquisition, but we lack such specifics here.
Lastly, tenant demand is ambiguous. The population figure is not provided, nor is the percentage of renters in the area. These missing details make it difficult to assess whether there is a sufficient pool of potential tenants willing to pay the FMR. A high percentage of renters usually signals strong demand, but without this data, we cannot draw a conclusion.
In summary, ZIP code 20885 presents a mixed picture for investment. While the FMR offers a benchmark, the absence of key data points regarding market rent, median home values, days on the market, price-cut shares, population, and renter percentages makes it impossible to definitively recommend investment. Landlords and investors should seek comprehensive local market data before making decisions, as the current data gaps prevent a clear assessment of profitability and tenant demand.
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.