Real Estate Investing in Houghton Lake, Michigan (48629)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 48629 (Houghton Lake, MI)? 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: 47.9% 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 Houghton Lake, MI (48629)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 48629 Houghton Lake
Investors eyeing 48629 need to respect the fundamentals at play. Home values of $201K come alongside slower price movement and elevated management overhead.
The investment case in 48629 is resilient only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $201K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
In the broader MI picture, 48629 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
On balance, 7,922 residents fill the ZIP, renter turnover runs higher than neighboring postal codes and delinquency risk is a real line item rather than a theoretical one.
New investors are better served looking at Houghton Lake's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 48629. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Houghton Lake:
Property Strategy for 48629
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $160,732 | $970 | 4.3% | +12.3% | $80,366 |
| 3BR | $235,344 | $1,240 | 3.8% | +10.3% | $78,448 |
| 4BR | $328,284 | $1,640 | 3.6% | +8.7% | $82,071 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 48629 Compare?
| Metric | 48629 | Houghton Lake | Michigan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $201,421 | $201,421 | $253,279 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.2% | 6.2% | 6.8% |
| Avg Rent | $873 | $873 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.4% | 3.4% | - |
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 48629 (Houghton Lake, MI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $201,421 |
| Monthly Rent | $873 |
| Price-to-Rent | 19.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.2% |
| Cap Rate | 3.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +4.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.2% ▲ |
| 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 (3.4%). 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 48629
Population: 7,922
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 48629
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 renter demographic in Houghton Lake, MI?
Tenant quality in Houghton Lake, MI ranks as solid. Landlords generally report predictable occupancy at market rents of $873/mo.
Does Houghton Lake, MI make sense for an investment property?
The 3.0/5 investability rating in Houghton Lake, MI reflects its $201K prices and $873/mo rents. Investors generally consider it a solid option within MI.
What is the median home value in Houghton Lake, MI?
Typical homes in Houghton Lake, MI go for around $201K. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% steady price movement.
Is Houghton Lake, MI a friendly market for rental owners?
For rental operators, Houghton Lake, MI rates as landlord-friendly. The regulatory environment standard buy-and-hold operations.
Is vacancy a concern in Houghton Lake, MI?
Rental vacancy in Houghton Lake, MI is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
You know 48629 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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Community Ratings
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