Real Estate Investing in Daphne, Alabama (36526)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 36526 (Daphne, AL)? 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.
- Elevated vacancy: 8.2% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Daphne, AL (36526)?
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Market Analysis: 36526 Daphne
ZIP 36526 in Daphne, AL carries a significant set of headwinds. Home values near $333K and rents of $1,552/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
For an experienced owner, 36526 can be a a solid fit for hunting ground — but the discount at $333K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Statewide comparisons place 36526 among AL's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
Employment concentration in 36526 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
Strategically, 36526 can be a high-return sleeve of a diversified portfolio — but it should not be the whole portfolio, and it should not be someone's first deal.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Daphne:
Property Strategy for 36526
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $182,901 | $1,520 | 6.0% | +7.0% | $91,450 |
| 3BR | $282,160 | $1,910 | 4.9% | +6.9% | $94,053 |
| 4BR | $395,424 | $2,450 | 4.5% | +7.3% | $98,856 |
| 5BR | $493,876 | — | — | +6.8% | $98,775 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 36526 Compare?
| Metric | 36526 | Daphne | Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $332,800 | $332,800 | N/A | $231,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.3% | 4.3% | N/A | 5.6% |
| Avg Rent | $1,552 | $1,552 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.6% | 3.6% | - | - |
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 36526 (Daphne, AL). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $332,800 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,552 |
| Price-to-Rent | 17.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.6% |
| Cap Rate | 3.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +1.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +0.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.3% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.3% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -8.1% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -1.9% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.4% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.6%). 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 36526
Population: 34,552
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 36526
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 1,020 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Daphne, AL a smart market for rental property?
With a 3.0/5 investability score, Daphne, AL ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $333K and rents of $1,552/mo drive the underlying numbers.
What is the smart move for investors in Daphne, AL?
In Daphne, AL the durable play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $333K prices and $1,552/mo rents suits that approach.
Is vacancy a concern in Daphne, AL?
Rental vacancy in Daphne, AL is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
How deep is the rental pool in Daphne, AL?
Expect a solid tenant pool in Daphne, AL. The rental market absorbs $1,552/mo rents without meaningful friction.
Does Daphne, AL favor landlords or tenants?
Rental owners in Daphne, AL deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
You know 36526 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 36526 ranks in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
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