Real Estate Investing in Swansea, South Carolina (29160)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 29160 (Swansea, SC)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- High vacancy: 15.9% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Swansea, SC (29160)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 29160 Swansea
The 29160 ZIP in Swansea, SC is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $176K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 29160 reflects the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
The gap between 29160 and stronger Swansea ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
The demographic picture in 29160 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Swansea averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
The 29160 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Swansea:
Property Strategy for 29160
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $102,688 | $1,170 | 8.2% | +6.5% | $51,344 |
| 3BR | $155,546 | $1,500 | 6.9% | +6.9% | $51,849 |
| 4BR | $224,649 | $1,800 | 5.8% | +8.5% | $56,162 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 29160 Compare?
| Metric | 29160 | Swansea | Columbia, SC | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $175,796 | $175,796 | N/A | $299,690 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.5% | 3.5% | N/A | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,053 | $1,053 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.7% | 4.7% | - | - |
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 29160 (Swansea, SC). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $175,796 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,053 |
| Price-to-Rent | 13.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 7.2% |
| Cap Rate | 4.7% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +8.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.2% ▲ |
🏠 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 (4.7%). 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 29160
Population: 7,196
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 29160
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 1,337 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best play in Swansea, SC?
For Swansea, SC, careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management is the standard investor playbook. The market structure makes it a reasonable default approach.
Is the tenant base reliable in Swansea, SC?
The renter base in Swansea, SC is reasonable for the $1,053/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields predictable tenants.
Is housing expensive in Swansea, SC?
Swansea, SC home values average about $176K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $1,053/mo in monthly income.
Does a duplex house hack pencil in Swansea, SC?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Swansea, SC reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
How tight is the rental market in Swansea, SC?
Swansea, SC carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect measured absorption at market rents of $1,053/mo.
You know 29160 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 29160 ranks in Columbia, SC
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