Lakewood
Investment Analysis

Lakewood, CA
Investor Report

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

Share:
40
Investment Score
Rent
Cap Rate (Est.)
1.9%
Gross Yield
3.1%
P/R Ratio
25.2x
YoY Growth
-0.9%
Median Home Price
$875,000
Average Rent (1BR)
$2,252/mo
Median Income
$117,970
Population
78,132

Investment Breakdown

24
Value Score
41
Growth Score
71
Safety Score
35
Afford Score

Lakewood has a price-to-rent ratio of 25.2x, which indicates renting is more favorable than buying.

The estimated cap rate of 1.9% is below average, typical of appreciation-focused markets.

Year-over-year price growth of -0.9% suggests a cooling market.

Rental Cash Flow Analysis

Monthly Income

Gross Rent $2,252
Annual Gross $27,024

Est. Monthly Expenses

Property Tax (~1.5%) -$1,094
Insurance (~0.5%) -$365
Maintenance (~1%) -$729
Est. Net Cash Flow $65/mo

Price Forecast 2026โ€“2028

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

Based on 5-year Zillow ZHVI trend analysis ยท Statistical projection
๐Ÿ“ˆ Upward Trend
PROJECTEDNOW$859K2027$909Kโ–ฒ 5.8%2028$940Kโ–ฒ 9.5%20232024Now
$987K$722K
Current
$875K
2026
Projected
$909K
โ†‘ 5.8% by 2027
Projected
$940K
โ†‘ 9.5% by 2028
5yr CAGR:+4.8%
Confidence:Moderate
Rยฒ:0.81
โ–ผ

For anyone tracking the Lakewood housing market forecast through 2028, the data suggests a period of plateau and rebalancing rather than dramatic shifts. With a median home price of $875,000 and zero year-over-year price change, the market has effectively stalled after a strong run. The 5-year CAGR of 4.9% shows solid historical gains, but the current market temperature of 50/100 and a Risk Grade of C indicate that momentum has faded. This stagnation is largely driven by affordability constraints; the price-to-rent ratio sits at 32.4x, well above the national average of 18x. As a result, the buy/rent verdict leans heavily toward RENT, signaling that owning is stretched relative to income and rental costs.

When asking will Lakewood home prices drop, the answer appears to be a soft no, with prices likely moving sideways or seeing minimal appreciation. The days on market of 35 days shows homes are still moving, but not with the urgency seen in prior years. Local factors will play a key role: Lakewoodโ€™s appeal as a stable, family-oriented community in Los Angeles County provides a floor for values, but regional economic headwinds and interest rate sensitivity are capping growth. The 5-year price range of $672,382 to $863,076 suggests a potential ceiling around current levels if affordability remains a barrier. For Lakewood real estate Lakewood 2027, we expect a balanced market where well-priced homes attract buyers, but speculative gains are unlikely.

Projected Cap Rate (2027)
1.8%
5yr CAGR
+4.8%

Job Market

Unemployment 5.2%
National avg: 3.7%
Job Growth (YoY) +1.5%

Healthcare

78
Score
Good

Risk Factors

Overvalued Market
Low Inventory
Declining Prices

Market Activity

Source: Redfin ยท 2026-01-31
Sale-to-List 99.5%
Months Supply 2.1
Price Drops 20%
Gone in 2 Wks 52%

Market Position

Affordability Average
Safety Very Safe

ROI Projector Estimate your total return

Adjust the sliders to model different investment scenarios for Lakewood.

Total ROI
-151%
on $175,000 invested
Annual ROI
NaN%
compounded
Total Return
-$264,669
appreciation + cashflow
Mo. Cash Flow
-$4,612
year 1 estimate
Equity Growth Over 5 Years
Y1182kY2190kY3198kY4207kY5216k
Appreciation
$0
Cash Flow
-$264,669
Final Equity
$216,021

* 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 Lakewood

Property

Purchase Price$875,000
Monthly Rent$2,252
Down Payment20%

Financing

Interest Rate6.5%

Expenses

Property Tax1.2%
Insurance (Annual)$1,500
Maintenance Reserve1%
Vacancy Rate5%
Property Management0%
HOA (Monthly)$0
-$4,014
Monthly Cash Flow
-$48,171/ year
-27.5%
Cash-on-Cash
0.6%
Cap Rate

Monthly Breakdown

+ Rental Income$2,252
โˆ’ Mortgage (P&I)$4,424
โˆ’ Property Tax$875
โˆ’ Insurance$125
โˆ’ Maintenance$729
โˆ’ Vacancy Loss$113
= Net Cash Flow-$4,014

Investment Summary

Down Payment
$175,000
Loan Amount
$700,000
Total Monthly Expenses
$6,266
Gross Yield
3.1%

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