Real Estate Investing in Malden, Massachusetts (02148)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 02148 (Malden, MA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
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 Malden, MA (02148)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 02148 Malden
This part of Middlesex County is not an easy win. The 02148 ZIP records softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $688K asset, 02148 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Nearby ZIPs in Malden have seen price recovery that 02148 has not matched. Middlesex County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
A impressive renter share of 57% in 02148 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. durable returns are possible in 02148, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Malden:
Property Strategy for 02148
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $378,034 | $2,550 | 4.9% | +4.2% | $378,034 |
| 2BR | $514,913 | $3,030 | 4.2% | +4.6% | $257,456 |
| 3BR | $692,664 | $3,630 | 3.8% | +5.0% | $230,888 |
| 4BR | $769,455 | $4,010 | 3.8% | +4.9% | $192,364 |
| 5BR | $859,286 | — | — | +5.0% | $171,857 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 02148 Compare?
| Metric | 02148 | Malden | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $687,528 | $687,528 | $645,115 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.9% | 3.9% | 7.0% |
| Avg Rent | $2,935 | $2,935 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.3% | 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 02148 (Malden, MA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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Property managers serving Middlesex County
Manage rentals here? List your business →Green Ocean Property Management offers investment property management and condo association management services in Boston and surrounding areas like Allston, Brighton, Cambridge, and Quincy. summary from their website
McDonough Property Management offers full-service property management and HOA management in the Greater Boston Area, covering maintenance, inspections, legal compliance, and communication. summary from their website
New England Property Management & Maintenance offers property management for multi/single-family homes, apartments, rental properties, and condo associations in Brookline, MA and Cambridge, MA. summary from their website
Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $687,528 |
| Monthly Rent | $2,935 |
| Price-to-Rent | 19.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.1% |
| Cap Rate | 3.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +4.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.0% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +5.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.3% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.3%). 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 02148
Population: 65,509
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 02148
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
A. C. Whelan Elementary School
Abraham Lincoln
Beachmont Veterans Memorial School
Edgar A Hooks Elementary
Eugene Wright Science and Technology Academy
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Can owner-occupants cash flow in Malden, MA?
House hacking works a challenging in Malden, MA. Rents of $2,935/mo against $688K acquisition make the strategy solid for owner-occupants.
What is the typical rental rate in Malden, MA?
Rental rates in Malden, MA average $2,935/mo. Tenant demand and $688K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
What is the renter demographic in Malden, MA?
Working renters make up the core of the Malden, MA tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
How should investors approach Malden, MA?
Malden, MA investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($688K prices, $2,935/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.
Is housing expensive in Malden, MA?
The median home value in Malden, MA is roughly $688K. That puts it reasonable relative to the MA statewide average.
You know 02148 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 02148 ranks in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
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