Washington
Investment Analysis

Washington, DC
Investor Report

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

Share:
27
Investment Score
Hold
Cap Rate (Est.)
1.8%
Gross Yield
3.0%
P/R Ratio
23.3x
YoY Growth
-3.2%
Median Home Price
$715,500
Average Rent (1BR)
$1,803/mo
Median Income
$108,210
Population
678,972

Investment Breakdown

30
Value Score
18
Growth Score
19
Safety Score
41
Afford Score

Washington has a price-to-rent ratio of 23.3x, which indicates renting and buying are roughly equal.

The estimated cap rate of 1.8% is below average, typical of appreciation-focused markets.

Year-over-year price growth of -3.2% suggests a cooling market.

Rental Cash Flow Analysis

Monthly Income

Gross Rent $1,803
Annual Gross $21,636

Est. Monthly Expenses

Property Tax (~1.5%) -$894
Insurance (~0.5%) -$298
Maintenance (~1%) -$596
Est. Net Cash Flow $14/mo

Price Forecast 2026โ€“2028

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

Based on 5-year Zillow ZHVI trend analysis ยท Statistical projection
๐Ÿ“‰ Downward Trend
PROJECTEDNOW$572K2027$562Kโ–ผ 1.6%2028$550Kโ–ผ 3.8%20232024Now
$640K$522K
Current
$716K
2026
Projected
$562K
โ†“ 1.6% by 2027
Projected
$550K
โ†“ 3.8% by 2028
5yr CAGR:-1.2%
Confidence:Moderate
Rยฒ:0.78
โ–ผ

For anyone evaluating the Washington housing market forecast through 2028, the data points to a period of stabilization rather than a dramatic rebound. The current median home price of $571,631 has already softened, with a YoY price change of -2.9% and a five-year CAGR of -1.1%. This suggests that the steep appreciation of the past is behind us. A key metric, the price-to-rent ratio at 24.8x (well above the national average of 18x), signals that buying remains expensive relative to renting. With a Market Temperature of just 56/100, the pace of transactions is deliberate, and Days on Market have stretched to 64, giving buyers more leverage than theyโ€™ve had in years. While the local government and legal sectors provide a stable employment floor, high borrowing costs will likely keep pressure on prices.

When asking will Washington home prices drop further, the answer is nuanced. The five-year price range of $568,729 โ€“ $646,053 shows we are near the lower end of recent valuations, suggesting much of the correction may already be priced in. However, affordability constraints are real; the median rent of $1,803/mo makes the "rent" verdict in the Buy/Rent analysis logical for many. For Washington real estate Washington 2027, much depends on federal sector stability and interest rate movements. If mortgage rates ease, we may see a floor put under prices, but a rapid appreciation cycle is unlikely without a significant income boost or inventory shortage. The Risk Grade of A- indicates relative safety compared to more volatile markets, appealing to long-term holders.

Projected Cap Rate (2027)
2.4%
5yr CAGR
-1.2%

Job Market

Unemployment 5.0%
National avg: 3.7%
Job Growth (YoY) +0.5%

Healthcare

85
Score
Excellent

Risk Factors

High Crime Area
Declining Prices

Market Position

Affordability Average
Safety Higher Risk

ROI Projector Estimate your total return

Adjust the sliders to model different investment scenarios for Washington.

Total ROI
-153%
on $143,100 invested
Annual ROI
NaN%
compounded
Total Return
-$218,823
appreciation + cashflow
Mo. Cash Flow
-$3,808
year 1 estimate
Equity Growth Over 5 Years
Y1149kY2155kY3162kY4169kY5177k
Appreciation
$0
Cash Flow
-$218,823
Final Equity
$176,644

* 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 Washington

Property

Purchase Price$715,500
Monthly Rent$1,803
Down Payment20%

Financing

Interest Rate6.5%

Expenses

Property Tax1.2%
Insurance (Annual)$1,500
Maintenance Reserve1%
Vacancy Rate5%
Property Management0%
HOA (Monthly)$0
-$3,342
Monthly Cash Flow
-$40,102/ year
-28.0%
Cash-on-Cash
0.5%
Cap Rate

Monthly Breakdown

+ Rental Income$1,803
โˆ’ Mortgage (P&I)$3,618
โˆ’ Property Tax$716
โˆ’ Insurance$125
โˆ’ Maintenance$596
โˆ’ Vacancy Loss$90
= Net Cash Flow-$3,342

Investment Summary

Down Payment
$143,100
Loan Amount
$572,400
Total Monthly Expenses
$5,145
Gross Yield
3.0%

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