Real Estate Investing in Damariscotta, Maine (04543)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 04543 (Damariscotta, 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 vacancy: 27.7% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 35.5 — 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 Damariscotta, ME (04543)?
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Market Analysis: 04543 Damariscotta
The 04543 ZIP covers a section of Damariscotta that demands careful diligence. Prices near $486K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
Meanwhile, the numbers look inviting — $486K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 04543 is substantial and deserves full respect.
Nearby ZIPs in Damariscotta have seen price recovery that 04543 has not matched. Lincoln County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
The demographic picture in 04543 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Damariscotta averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
Strategy in 04543 is an operator game, not a passive one. Looking more closely, entry prices of $486K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Damariscotta:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 04543 Compare?
| Metric | 04543 | Damariscotta | Maine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $486,169 | $486,169 | $401,109 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.9% | 5.9% | 8.6% |
| Avg Rent | $1,143 | $1,143 | - |
| Cap Rate | 1.8% | 1.8% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 04543 (Damariscotta, ME). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $486,169 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,143 |
| Price-to-Rent | 35.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 2.8% |
| Cap Rate | 1.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +0.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.6% ▲ |
🏠 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 (1.8%). 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 04543
Population: 2,249
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 04543
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rental occupancy rate in Damariscotta, ME?
Vacancy risk in Damariscotta, ME is elevated. That supports reliable cash flow for typical rental holds.
Is it easy to find good tenants in Damariscotta, ME?
Working renters make up the core of the Damariscotta, ME tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
Where do rents currently stand in Damariscotta, ME?
Damariscotta, ME rentals go for roughly $1,143/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $486K acquisition costs.
What is the best play in Damariscotta, ME?
Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in Damariscotta, ME. With home values at $486K and rents near $1,143/mo, other strategies can work but produce predictable rather than outsized returns.
What is the median home value in Damariscotta, ME?
The median home value in Damariscotta, ME is roughly $486K. That puts it reasonable relative to the ME statewide average.
You know 04543 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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