Location: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC | Metro: Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, 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 | $1,330 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,410 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,080 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,380 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,761 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,092 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,339 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,506 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,080 | $435,738 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate market in ZIP 21757 presents a nuanced picture for both landlords and small-portfolio investors. With a median home value of $457,101, the area reflects a stable housing market that has not seen significant reductions in listing prices, indicating a resilient seller's market. This stability suggests that landlords can maintain competitive rental rates without fear of drastic decreases in property values.
The median days on market (DOM) being listed as N/A could imply a few scenarios. If it indicates a very low DOM, then properties are selling quickly, which supports the notion of strong buyer demand and potentially allows landlords to increase rents modestly without losing tenants. Conversely, if the N/A signifies a lack of recent sales data, it might suggest a slower moving market where maintaining current rental prices and property values is key.
Moving to the rental side, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 21757 for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,420, slightly above the current market rate of $1,408 according to Census ACS data. This margin indicates that landlords have some room to adjust rents upward, aligning with the FMR, without pricing themselves out of the market. The slight increase in FMR also signals a gradual uptick in rental demand, supporting the maintenance of rental prices.
For long-term investors, the appreciation thesis in ZIP 21757 hinges on broader economic trends affecting the region. Given the median home value and the slight rise in FMR, there is a realistic expectation that property values will continue to appreciate moderately over the next 12-24 months. However, the absence of specific percentage changes in listings and DOM means that rapid appreciation is unlikely. Instead, the market setup points toward steady growth, making it a solid choice for those looking to hold properties for capital gains.
In summary, the combination of a stable median home value and a modest increase in FMR suggests a balanced approach to managing rental properties in ZIP 21757. Landlords should consider slight rent increases while keeping an eye on broader market conditions to ensure they remain competitive. Small-portfolio investors can expect moderate appreciation, making the area suitable for long-term investment strategies focused on steady returns rather than speculative gains.
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.