Location: Washington County, NC | Metro: Beaufort County, NC
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 | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,183 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,358 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,476 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,400 | $166,531 | 0.84% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate market in ZIP code 27962 presents a nuanced picture that landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider carefully. The median home value stands at $103,275, which indicates a relatively affordable market segment. With only 0.2% of listings having reduced their prices, it suggests that sellers maintain a strong pricing power. This low percentage of price reductions implies that demand remains steady or slightly exceeds supply, keeping the pressure on buyers to meet the asking prices.
The median days on market (DOM) being listed as N/A could point towards a few scenarios: either the market is highly active with homes selling very quickly, or there is limited data available to accurately measure DOM. In either case, rapid sales suggest a robust buyer interest, further supporting the notion of strong seller pricing power. Landlords and investors can leverage this dynamic to negotiate favorable terms when acquiring new properties or renewing leases.
On the rental side, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is projected to be $930, while the current market rent based on Census ACS data is $720. This significant gap of $210 per month between the FMR and the current market rent indicates potential upward pressure on rental prices. As subsidies and government assistance programs adjust to the FMR, tenants receiving such support will likely have higher budgets for rent, allowing landlords to gradually increase their rates without losing occupancy.
For long-term hold investors, the setup implies a realistic appreciation thesis. The combination of steady demand, limited price reductions, and the potential for rental rate increases suggests that property values in 27962 could appreciate modestly over the next 12 to 24 months. However, the appreciation rate is unlikely to be substantial due to the already affordable nature of the median home value. Investors should focus on capturing value through rental income growth rather than speculative gains in property valuation.
In summary, the current market conditions in ZIP 27962 favor landlords and small-portfolio investors who can capitalize on strong seller pricing power and rising rental rates. The data points towards a stable and potentially growing rental income stream, making it an attractive location for those looking to build a sustainable investment portfolio.
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.