🔥 Top Markets for Rental Investment in 2025
Here at Navigator Private Capital, we've been funding deals nationwide, and we're seeing some serious action in a few markets that align with recent economic data from the folks at Quicken Loans and First American.
The rental housing market is not a monolith. Rather, every market should be evaluated on its own merits. We always suggest our clients consider hard numbers, including population growth, inventory levels, days on market, etc.
Based on current trends, some U.S. markets appear to have more potential than others, but as always, do your due diligence before pulling the trigger.
1. Boise, Idaho
Median Sale Price: $497,096
Home Appreciation YoY: +13.5%
Median Rent: $1,224 (↑9.1% YoY)
Days on Market: 27 (↓30.8% YoY)
Population Growth: 1.28%
Boise has experienced consistent population growth over the past several years. Of late, lots of displaced Californians have made their way into Idaho looking for a more affordable way of life.. The western region continues to attract remote workers and families, leading to a robust real estate market with rising home values and rents.
2. St. Petersburg, Florida
Median Sale Price: $421,188
Home Appreciation YoY: +14.7%
Median Rent: $1,340 (↑10% YoY)
Days on Market: 41 (↑17.1% YoY)
Population Growth: .54%
Florida has taken a few hits lately, between rising insurance rates, flooding events, and hurricane risk. However, St. Petersburg still has a lot going for it. Its proximity to multiple public beaches will appeal to vacation renters and snowbirds. Conversely, homeowners considering job prospects will appreciate its location within the Tampa Bay metropolitan area.
3. Durham, North Carolina
Median Property Taxes Paid: $3,115
Home Appreciation Year Over Year: +12.2%
Days On Market: 38 days
DOM Year Over Year: -7.3%
Median Rent Asked: $1,269
Rent Appreciation Year Over Year: +11.6%
Population Growth: 1.3% annually
Part of the Research Triangle, Durham benefits from a strong tech and education sector, supporting steady rental demand. The city is located close to top-tier universities, research centers, and multi-national corporations including Biogen, Cisco, Fidelity Investments, and more.
4. Louisville, Kentucky
Average Home Price: $253,784 (Zillow)
Price Appreciation: 5.2% YOY
Cash-On-Cash Return: 5% YOY
Vacancy Rate: 8%
Population Growth: .89%
Time On Market: 14 days
Infrastructure projects like Beecher Terrace Phase IV and Waterfront Park Phase IV are set to boost real estate values by 2026. Louisville's affordability and economic stability make it an attractive option for investors seeking steady returns.
📉 Markets with Declining Prices
Sometimes markets become a bit too frothy with too many dollars chasing too few properties. Consider carefully whether in makes since to invest in markets experiencing price corrections:
Austin, Texas
Price Decline: 10.7% from May 2022 peak
Inventory Increase: Over 40% since February 2020
San Francisco, California
Price Decline: Nearly 10% from April 2022 peak
Inventory Increase: 16% since February 2020
Navigator Private Capital would like to help wherever you decide to invest. We work with investors at all experience levels to fund residential investment properties that cashflow.
✅Fix and Flip (1-4, 5+ Units)
✅DSCR/Rental (1-4, 5-8 Units)
✅Multi-Family (5+)
✅New Construction (1-4, 5-8 Units, Multi-Unit)
✅Bridge
Ready to Make Your Move?
At Navigator Private Capital, we're actively funding deals in all these markets with competitive rates and quick closings. Our team understands these areas inside and out, so we can help you structure financing that maximizes your returns.
Whether you're building a single-family rental portfolio or scaling up to small multifamily, we've got lending options tailored to your strategy.
What market are you targeting next? Drop us a line to discuss your investment plans!