Real Estate Investing in Holden, Massachusetts (01520)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 01520 (Holden, MA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
What’s happening in Holden, MA (01520)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 01520 Holden
Investors eyeing 01520 need to respect the fundamentals at play. Home values of $570K come alongside slower price movement and elevated management overhead.
The 01520 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
Within MA, ZIP 01520 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Worcester County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and healthy enough to shape underwriting.
The demographic picture in 01520 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Holden averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
The right play in 01520 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Holden:
Property Strategy for 01520
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $332,801 | $1,900 | 4.1% | +7.8% | $332,801 |
| 2BR | $424,809 | $2,450 | 4.2% | +7.7% | $212,404 |
| 3BR | $511,000 | $3,040 | 4.3% | +7.5% | $170,333 |
| 4BR | $700,842 | $3,370 | 3.5% | +8.3% | $175,211 |
| 5BR | $780,452 | — | — | +8.1% | $156,090 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 01520 Compare?
| Metric | 01520 | Holden | Worcester, MA-CT | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $569,752 | $556,610 | N/A | $645,115 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.7% | 5.6% | N/A | 7.0% |
| Avg Rent | $2,819 | $2,341 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% | 3.3% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 01520 (Holden, MA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $569,752 |
| Monthly Rent | $2,819 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.9% |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +4.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.8% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.9%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 01520
Population: 16,864
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 01520
Schools in This ZIP Code
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 2,709 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Holden, MA a good market for buy-and-hold investors?
Investors tracking Holden, MA will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $570K median home values and $2,819/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting reliable returns.
How high is vacancy risk in Holden, MA?
Holden, MA carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect consistent absorption at market rents of $2,819/mo.
How much rent can I charge in Holden, MA?
Holden, MA rentals go for roughly $2,819/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $570K acquisition costs.
What approach is best for Holden, MA real estate?
The best-fit strategy in Holden, MA is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
How strong is tenant demand in Holden, MA?
Holden, MA draws a measured base of working renters. Demand at the $2,819/mo rent level is reasonable for standard single-family and small multi rentals.
You know 01520 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 01520 ranks in Worcester, MA-CT
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