Lafayette
Investment Analysis

Lafayette, LA
Investor Report

Comprehensive real estate investment analysis with cap rates, rental yields, and risk assessment.

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48
Investment Score
Buy
Cap Rate (Est.)
2.7%
Gross Yield
4.5%
P/R Ratio
17.5x
YoY Growth
-0.5%
Median Home Price
$245,000
Average Rent (1BR)
$921/mo
Median Income
$61,258
Population
121,452

Investment Breakdown

48
Value Score
45
Growth Score
36
Safety Score
63
Afford Score

Lafayette has a price-to-rent ratio of 17.5x, which indicates buying is moderately favorable.

The estimated cap rate of 2.7% is below average, typical of appreciation-focused markets.

Year-over-year price growth of -0.5% suggests a cooling market.

Rental Cash Flow Analysis

Monthly Income

Gross Rent $921
Annual Gross $11,052

Est. Monthly Expenses

Property Tax (~1.5%) -$306
Insurance (~0.5%) -$102
Maintenance (~1%) -$204
Est. Net Cash Flow $309/mo

Price Forecast 2026โ€“2028

๐Ÿ”ฎ Lafayette Price Forecast 2026โ€“2028

Based on 5-year Zillow ZHVI trend analysis ยท Statistical projection
๐Ÿ“ˆ Upward Trend
PROJECTEDNOW$219K2027$223Kโ–ฒ 2.0%2028$224Kโ–ฒ 2.5%20232024Now
$238K$206K
Current
$245K
2026
Projected
$223K
โ†‘ 2.0% by 2027
Projected
$224K
โ†‘ 2.5% by 2028
5yr CAGR:+1.4%
Confidence:Low
Rยฒ:0.04
โ–ผ

For those eyeing the Lafayette housing market forecast through 2028, the data suggests a period of stabilization rather than dramatic shifts. The current median home price sits at $218,713, having seen a slight dip of -0.1% year-over-year. This cooling aligns with the broader national trend of rebalancing after the post-pandemic surge. However, the local economy, heavily tied to the energy sector and education, provides a unique floor for prices. With a price-to-rent ratio of 18.7xโ€”just above the national averageโ€”the market leans neutral, making the decision to buy or rent a toss-up depending on personal timelines.

Will Lafayette home prices drop significantly in the coming years? The indicators point toward a "soft landing" rather than a crash. The market temperature of 59/100 and a low risk grade of A suggest resilience, supported by a healthy 5-year price change of 6.9% (CAGR 1.3%). While inventory levels and days on market (currently 53) will influence short-term volatility, the region's affordability relative to coastal metros offers a buffer. Growth in the healthcare and tech sectors at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette could provide modest upward pressure on demand, countering any broader economic headwinds.

Looking toward Lafayette real estate Lafayette 2027, we anticipate a period of sideways movement with slight appreciation, likely tracking inflation. The price range over the last five years has been relatively tight ($204,169 โ€“ $227,951), indicating a stable, if unspectacular, trajectory. Affordability will remain a key driver; if wages keep pace with modest price increases, the market should avoid any drastic corrections. Ultimately, this forecast calls for patience. Buyers shouldn't expect a steep discount, but sellers may need to price competitively. The neutral verdict holds: Lafayette is a steady, long-term hold rather than a speculative flip.

Projected Cap Rate (2027)
3.1%
5yr CAGR
+1.4%

Job Market

Unemployment 4.3%
National avg: 3.7%
Job Growth (YoY) +0.8%

Healthcare

63
Score
Below Avg

Risk Factors

High Crime Area
Declining Prices

Market Activity

Source: Redfin ยท 2026-01-31
Sale-to-List 97.3%
Months Supply 8.1
Price Drops 25%
Gone in 2 Wks 21%

Market Position

Affordability Below Avg
Safety Higher Risk

ROI Projector Estimate your total return

Adjust the sliders to model different investment scenarios for Lafayette.

Total ROI
-114%
on $49,000 invested
Annual ROI
NaN%
compounded
Total Return
-$56,001
appreciation + cashflow
Mo. Cash Flow
-$1,015
year 1 estimate
Equity Growth Over 5 Years
Y151kY253kY355kY458kY560k
Appreciation
$0
Cash Flow
-$56,001
Final Equity
$60,486

* Estimates based on 0.0% annual appreciation, 3% rent growth, 5% vacancy. Does not include closing costs, tax benefits, or capital gains tax. For illustrative purposes only.

Rental Investment Calculator Estimate your monthly cashflow

Rental Income Estimator

Pre-filled for Lafayette

Property

Purchase Price$245,000
Monthly Rent$921
Down Payment20%

Financing

Interest Rate6.5%

Expenses

Property Tax1.2%
Insurance (Annual)$1,500
Maintenance Reserve1%
Vacancy Rate5%
Property Management0%
HOA (Monthly)$0
-$938
Monthly Cash Flow
-$11,257/ year
-23.0%
Cash-on-Cash
1.5%
Cap Rate

Monthly Breakdown

+ Rental Income$921
โˆ’ Mortgage (P&I)$1,239
โˆ’ Property Tax$245
โˆ’ Insurance$125
โˆ’ Maintenance$204
โˆ’ Vacancy Loss$46
= Net Cash Flow-$938

Investment Summary

Down Payment
$49,000
Loan Amount
$196,000
Total Monthly Expenses
$1,859
Gross Yield
4.5%

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investment decisions should be made after consulting with qualified professionals. Data sources include Zillow, Census Bureau, and BLS. Cap rates and yields are estimates based on available data.

Last updated: March 2026