Real Estate Investing in Summerville, South Carolina (29486)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 29486 (Summerville, SC)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Summerville, SC (29486)?
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Market Analysis: 29486 Summerville
The 29486 ZIP in Summerville, SC is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $409K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 29486 clocks in at the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
Within SC, ZIP 29486 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Berkeley County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and notable enough to shape underwriting.
A impressive renter share of 23% in 29486 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
The 29486 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 Summerville:
Property Strategy for 29486
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $413,393 | $1,850 | 3.2% | +7.0% | $206,697 |
| 3BR | $353,843 | $2,300 | 4.7% | +7.1% | $117,948 |
| 4BR | $414,412 | $2,650 | 4.6% | +6.8% | $103,603 |
| 5BR | $462,789 | — | — | +7.2% | $92,558 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 29486 Compare?
| Metric | 29486 | Summerville | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $409,085 | $381,057 | N/A | $299,690 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.6% | 4.6% | N/A | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,991 | $1,865 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.8% | 3.8% | - | - |
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 29486 (Summerville, SC). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $409,085 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,991 |
| Price-to-Rent | 17.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.8% |
| Cap Rate | 3.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -0.2% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +0.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.9% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +3.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.7% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.8%). 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 29486
Population: 48,964
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 29486
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 3,983 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical renter like in Summerville, SC?
Tenant quality in Summerville, SC ranks as solid. Landlords generally report reliable occupancy at market rents of $1,991/mo.
Is Summerville, SC a smart market for rental property?
The 3.0/5 investability rating in Summerville, SC reflects its $409K prices and $1,991/mo rents. Investors generally consider it a solid option within SC.
How quickly do rentals get leased in Summerville, SC?
Summerville, SC carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect consistent absorption at market rents of $1,991/mo.
Is SC a landlord-friendly state?
Landlord-friendliness in Summerville, SC is landlord-friendly. Eviction timelines and lease enforcement are considered reasonable by most property managers.
Can I live-in-and-rent in Summerville, SC?
House hacking in Summerville, SC is a challenging. With home values around $409K and rents at $1,991/mo, owner-occupants can offset a meaningful share of PITI.
You know 29486 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 29486 ranks in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
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