Real Estate Investing in Bristol, Maine (04539)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 04539 (Bristol, ME)? 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.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 34.8 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Bristol, ME (04539)?
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Market Analysis: 04539 Bristol
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Bristol's 04539 ZIP reports signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $525K pricing implies.
The investment case in 04539 is resilient only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $525K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
Within ME, ZIP 04539 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Lincoln County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and notable enough to shape underwriting.
Employment concentration in 04539 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
trends toward the ZIP is not uninvestable, but it is unforgiving. Section 8 landlords, local operators, and specialized value-add funds are the investor types that tend to succeed.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Bristol:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 04539 Compare?
| Metric | 04539 | Bristol | Maine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $525,467 | $592,347 | $401,109 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.3% | 4.8% | 8.6% |
| Avg Rent | $1,260 | $1,260 | - |
| Cap Rate | 1.9% | 1.7% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 04539 (Bristol, ME). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $525,467 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,260 |
| Price-to-Rent | 34.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 2.9% |
| Cap Rate | 1.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 6.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +5.1% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.3% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.5% ▲ |
🏠 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 (1.9%). 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 04539
Population: 1,524
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly do rentals get leased in Bristol, ME?
Bristol, ME sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader ME rental market.
What investment strategy works best in Bristol, ME?
Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in Bristol, ME. With home values at $525K and rents near $1,260/mo, other strategies can work but produce consistent rather than outsized returns.
What do rentals go for in Bristol, ME?
Rents in Bristol, ME run near $1,260/mo. Compared with median home prices of $525K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
Are landlord laws favorable in Bristol, ME?
Bristol, ME falls under ME landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
How does Bristol, ME rate as a rental market?
Investors tracking Bristol, ME will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $525K median home values and $1,260/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting measured returns.
You know 04539 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 04539 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
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