Real Estate Investing in Brookline, Massachusetts (02446)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 02446 (Brookline, MA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (1.4% CAGR).
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 25.0 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
What’s happening in Brookline, MA (02446)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 02446 Brookline
This part of Norfolk County is not an easy win. The 02446 ZIP sits at softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
For an experienced owner, 02446 can be a a solid fit for hunting ground — but the discount at $1.1M reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Regionally, 02446 sits on the difficult end of the MA spectrum. The an appealing option for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.
Employment concentration in 02446 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. resilient returns are possible in 02446, 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 Brookline:
Property Strategy for 02446
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $630,448 | $3,580 | 4.1% | +0.7% | $630,448 |
| 2BR | $919,458 | $4,250 | 3.3% | +1.4% | $459,729 |
| 3BR | $1,377,842 | $5,100 | 2.7% | +3.3% | $459,281 |
| 4BR | $1,952,326 | $5,630 | 2.1% | +4.1% | $488,082 |
| 5BR | $2,787,630 | — | — | +4.1% | $557,526 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 02446 Compare?
| Metric | 02446 | Brookline | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $1,068,489 | $1,209,327 | $645,115 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 1.4% | 3.3% | 7.0% |
| Avg Rent | $3,560 | $3,630 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.6% | 2.4% | - |
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 02446 (Brookline, MA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $1,068,489 |
| Monthly Rent | $3,560 |
| Price-to-Rent | 25.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.0% |
| Cap Rate | 2.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 3.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +2.1% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +3.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.4% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.6%). 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 02446
Population: 31,109
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 02446
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Amigos School
Blackstone Elementary School
Brighton High School
Cambridge Street Upper School
Dearborn 6-12 STEM 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
Investor Insight: With 1,369 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical home price in Brookline, MA?
Expect median prices around $1.1M in Brookline, MA. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been steady.
Is Brookline in MA worth investing in?
Yes - Brookline, MA a 2.0/5 investability score. With $1.1M home prices against $3,560/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
How qualified is the tenant pool in Brookline, MA?
The renter base in Brookline, MA is reasonable for the $3,560/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields reliable tenants.
Is Brookline, MA good for landlords?
MA law tenant-protective for landlords, and Brookline inherits those rules. Investors should still review local ordinances for rental licensing.
Is Brookline, MA suited for a house hack?
House hacking in Brookline, MA is a tougher. With home values around $1.1M and rents at $3,560/mo, owner-occupants can offset a meaningful share of PITI.
You know 02446 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 02446 ranks in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
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