Real Estate Investing in Burien, Washington
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in Burien, WA? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
For Homebuyers
CAUTION
Grade D (42/100)
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
For Investors
WEAK
2.7 / 5
(42/100)
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
Risks to Know
1 flag
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
What’s happening in Burien, WA?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
🏦 30-yr Fixed Rate:
6.76%
as of Sep 10
Source: Freddie Mac PMMS
Avg Investability
★★★★★
Avg Home Value
$707,524
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,943
ZIP Codes
3
Market Trends — Burien, WA
Home Value History
Rent History
Local Pulse Report
AI-researched developments and news for Burien, WA. Updated on demand as visitors ask.
Growth & development in Burien, WA Updated 135 days ago
Burien is experiencing significant infrastructure upgrades and housing development, driven by a new comprehensive plan and increased building flexibility.
Opportunities
- The Burien 2044 Comprehensive Plan, approved in October 2024, aims to accommodate 7,500 new households and 4,770 additional jobs over 20 years. — This plan promotes sustainable growth, diverse housing options, and job creation in walkable, dense neighborhoods. Burien Economic Development
- Housing code and zoning map amendments, effective July 2025, expand the types of housing allowed and encourage small-scale businesses. — These changes foster walkability, mixed-use development, and more diverse housing choices for residents. Caring Real Estate
- The Miller Creek Daylighting Project, resuming construction in summer 2025, will relocate and enhance 500 feet of stream channel. — This project improves environmental quality and stormwater management in the area. City of Burien
- Multiple park playground equipment replacements are underway at Lakeview Park (2025) and Chelsea Park (late 2025/early 2026). — These upgrades provide improved recreational opportunities and amenities for families and children. City of Burien
- The South 136th Street Sidewalk Improvements are substantially complete as of January 2025, adding new landscaping and bike lanes. — These improvements enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety and accessibility. City of Burien
Concerns
- The Miller Creek Daylighting Project experienced temporary shutdowns in February 2024 due to material and permit delays. — These delays prolong construction and the full realization of project benefits. City of Burien
- The SW 148th Street Intersection Improvements will continue through Fall 2025, causing potential traffic congestion and minor delays. — Ongoing construction can inconvenience commuters and local traffic. City of Burien
- Burien's new minimum wage ordinance, effective January 2025, and a separate ballot measure (March 2025) have created inconsistencies for employers. — Conflicting regulations can create compliance challenges and uncertainty for local businesses. Miller Nash
Bottom line: Burien is actively investing in infrastructure and housing, though some projects face delays and new wage laws present employer challenges.
Local news & events in Burien, WA Updated 135 days ago
Burien has seen a mix of community engagement through various events and ongoing concerns regarding public safety, environmental issues, and city council transparency.
Opportunities
- Burien hosts numerous community events year-round, including the Burien Film Festival, B-Town Fiesta, and Arts-A-Glow, fostering camaraderie and local engagement. — These events expand opportunities for residents to participate in cultural activities and connect with their community. Discover Burien
- Crime overall in Burien is down by 14% compared to the previous month, with both property and violent crime decreasing. — A decrease in crime enhances residents' safety and freedom to enjoy their community. SpotCrime
- The City of Burien launched a new online portal for convenient filing of business and occupation (B&O) tax returns. — This streamlines administrative processes for local businesses, potentially reducing operational friction. City of Burien
- Burien's City Council voted 5-2 to fix zoning errors related to the Shoreline Master Plan after persistent resident advocacy. — This decision addresses resident concerns and aims to ensure zoning aligns with environmental protections. B-Town Blog
- The City of Burien was awarded $1 million in grant funding from King County to address family homelessness. — This funding provides resources to tackle a critical social issue, offering support to vulnerable families. City of Burien
Concerns
- There are growing concerns among residents about the Burien City Council's transparency, adherence to legal procedures, and potential Open Public Meetings Act violations. — Lack of transparency and procedural concerns can erode public trust and limit residents' informed participation in local governance. B-Town Blog
- Lake Burien, a critical area, has environmental concerns including increased sudden flooding, toxic algae blooms, and outdated wetland ratings. — These environmental issues pose health risks and can diminish the quality of natural resources for residents. B-Town Blog
- A recent incident involved a lockdown at Highline High School due to reports of a person with a weapon and a student being pistol-whipped. — Such incidents create fear and disrupt the educational environment, impacting student and staff safety. FOX 13 Seattle
- Burien's air quality is moderately polluted, exceeding the WHO's annual maximum limit, posing a long-term health risk. — Poor air quality can lead to adverse health outcomes and restrict outdoor activities for residents. Plume Labs
Bottom line: Burien is actively engaged in community life and addressing crime, yet faces significant challenges in governmental transparency and environmental protection.
Schools in Burien, WA Updated 135 days ago
Highline Public Schools is undertaking significant facility upgrades and program enhancements, while facing budget cuts and declining academic proficiency.
Opportunities
- Highline voters approved a $518.4 million bond in November 2022 for new school construction and critical district-wide improvements. — This bond funds modern facilities, enhancing learning environments and safety for students. Highline Public Schools
- New Evergreen and Tyee High Schools are slated to open in September 2025, replacing aging facilities. — These new schools offer modern learning spaces designed for collaboration and future readiness. Highline Public Schools
- A new Pacific Middle School is expected to open in September 2027, replacing its original 1960 facility. — This project provides updated infrastructure, improving the learning environment for middle school students. Highline Public Schools
- Highline Public Schools is expanding its secondary redesign to middle schools, focusing on real-world relevance and career-focused courses. — This initiative aims to better prepare students for future careers and higher education. Highline Public Schools
- A new Health Science program was implemented at Tyee High School in the 2024-25 school year. — This program expands specialized academic choices and career pathways for students. Highline Public Schools
Concerns
- Highline Public Schools plans to reduce its budget by $8 million for the 2026-27 school year, eliminating 31.5 central office positions. — Budget cuts and staff reductions may impact services and support available to schools and students. The B-Town (Burien) Blog
- Student proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA) in Highline Public Schools dropped from 47.5% in 2018-19 to 34% in 2022-23. — This decline indicates a restriction in educational outcomes and preparedness for a significant portion of students. JC Harris For Des Moines, Washington
- Math proficiency in Highline Public Schools decreased from 34.6% in 2018-19 to 22.5% in 2022-23. — This substantial drop suggests a limitation in students' foundational math skills and academic opportunities. JC Harris For Des Moines, Washington
- Statewide education cuts in 2026 include reductions to Transition to Kindergarten funding and limits to Running Start summer access. — These cuts may reduce opportunities for early childhood education and college credit for high school students. Highline Public Schools
- Highline High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all Washington schools for overall test scores, with 18% math proficiency. — Low proficiency rates can limit students' future academic and career options. Public School Review
Bottom line: Highline Public Schools is investing in new facilities and programs, but faces challenges with declining academic performance and budget constraints.
Civic & policy in Burien, WA Updated 135 days ago
Burien is experiencing significant changes in housing, labor, and public safety, driven by both local and state government decisions.
Opportunities
- On June 30, 2025, the Burien City Council adopted Ordinance No. 868, expanding the number and type of housing units permitted in residential zones. — This expands housing choices and supply, potentially increasing affordability and diversity of housing types. Burien Community Hub
- The City Council approved a 95-unit permanent supportive housing development by DESC into the Affordable Housing Demonstration Program. — This provides much-needed housing and supportive services for disabled and formerly homeless individuals. People Power Washington
- Burien voters approved Initiative Measure No. 1 on February 11, 2025, establishing a local minimum wage tied to Tukwila's for large employers. — This aims to increase wages for many workers, helping them keep pace with the cost of living. King County Elections
- The City Council unanimously approved $10 million on March 9, 2026, for a future Public Works Maintenance Center. — This investment in infrastructure will improve city services and operational efficiency. B-Town Blog
Concerns
- Burien voters will decide on Proposition No. 1 in November 2025, a public safety levy lid lift that would increase property taxes. — This measure would increase property taxes for residents to fund public safety initiatives. B-Town Blog
- The Burien City Council repealed its original minimum wage ordinance on May 4, 2026, in favor of a voter-approved initiative. — This action created legal complexities and disagreement among council members regarding the best approach to minimum wage. B-Town Blog
- Effective January 1, 2025, Burien's water and sewer utility tax increased from 8% to 10%. — This increases the cost of essential utility services for residents and businesses. City of Burien
- Shoreline residents advocated for months to fix zoning errors in the Comprehensive Plan, which were finally addressed by a City Council vote on September 23, 2025. — These zoning errors caused conflict with critical areas and shoreline protections, creating uncertainty for property owners. B-Town Blog
Bottom line: Burien is undergoing significant policy shifts, particularly in housing and public safety, with both expanded opportunities and increased costs for residents.
AI-generated from public web sources. Always verify with official records. Not financial, legal, or investment advice.
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Property managers serving King County
Manage rentals here? List your business →Alki Property Management
Seattle, WA
Alki Property Management LLC specializes in apartment rentals. summary from their website
Small multifamily
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Brink Property Management
Bellevue, WA
Brink Property Management offers residential property management and vacant home management services in Bellevue, providing marketing, tenant screening, rent collection, and maintenance. summary from their website
Single-familySmall multifamily
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Full Service Property Management
Seattle, WA
Full Service Property Management offers compassionate property management across Metro Seattle, including multi-family management, property marketing, and maintenance services. summary from their website
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Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.
Avg Home Value
$707,524
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,943
1% Rule
✗ Below
Landlord Friendly (WA)
★☆☆☆☆
Neighborhoods in Burien
Beverly Park
3 ZIP codes
Boulevard Park
3 ZIP codes
Evansville
3 ZIP codes
Five Corners
3 ZIP codes
Gregory Heights
3 ZIP codes
Highline
3 ZIP codes
Inglesea
3 ZIP codes
Mount View
3 ZIP codes
Old Burien
3 ZIP codes
Seahurst
3 ZIP codes
Seola Beach
3 ZIP codes
Shorewood
3 ZIP codes
Southern Heights
3 ZIP codes
Sunnydale
3 ZIP codes
ZIP Codes in Burien, WA
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View PlansFrequently Asked Questions About Burien, WA
Is housing expensive in Burien, WA?
Expect median prices around $708K in Burien, WA. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been reliable.
Is Burien, WA better for rentals, flips, or BRRRR?
Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Burien, WA. The numbers - $708K homes against $1,943/mo rents - support that play.
Is real estate in Burien, WA a good investment right now?
Our data puts Burien, WA at 2.7/5 for investability. Home prices of $708K and rents around $1,943/mo create a solid backdrop for investor activity.
How strict are landlord regulations in Burien, WA?
Burien, WA falls under WA landlord-tenant law, which is tenant-protective. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
Is house hacking profitable in Burien, WA?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Burien, WA reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
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