Real Estate Investing in Mountain Rest, South Carolina (29686)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 29686 (Mountain Rest, 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.
- High vacancy: 27.7% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 31.4 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Limited market data — this is a very small market; averages are built from few observations and can swing widely. • Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Mountain Rest, SC (29686)?
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Market Analysis: 29686 Mountain Rest
ZIP 29686 in Mountain Rest, SC carries a impressive set of headwinds. Home values near $339K and rents of $900/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
The 29686 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
Statewide comparisons place 29686 among SC's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
A significant renter share of 25% in 29686 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. substantial returns are possible in 29686, 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 Mountain Rest:
Property Strategy for 29686
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $279,412 | $1,000 | 2.6% | — | $139,706 |
| 3BR | $376,925 | $1,220 | 2.3% | +8.6% | $125,642 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 29686 Compare?
| Metric | 29686 | Mountain Rest | Seneca, SC | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $339,453 | $301,797 | N/A | $299,690 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.5% | 6.5% | N/A | 7.3% |
| Avg Rent | $900 | $918 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.1% | 2.4% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 29686 (Mountain Rest, SC). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $339,453 |
| Monthly Rent | $900 |
| Price-to-Rent | 31.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.2% |
| Cap Rate | 2.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +8.3% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.1%). 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 29686
Population: 932
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 29686
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 average monthly rent in Mountain Rest, SC?
Rent in Mountain Rest, SC is around $900/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $339K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.
What is the median home value in Mountain Rest, SC?
Expect median prices around $339K in Mountain Rest, SC. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been consistent.
How high is vacancy risk in Mountain Rest, SC?
Mountain Rest, SC carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect even-keeled absorption at market rents of $900/mo.
What is the best play in Mountain Rest, SC?
For Mountain Rest, SC, careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management is the standard investor playbook. The market structure makes it a reasonable default approach.
How strong is Mountain Rest, SC for real estate investors?
Mountain Rest, SC rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $339K and rents near $900/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
You know 29686 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 29686 ranks in Seneca, SC
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