Real Estate Investing in Union Pier, Michigan (49129)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 49129 (Union Pier, MI)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 76.3% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 71.9 — 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 Union Pier, MI (49129)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 49129 Union Pier
ZIP 49129 in Union Pier, MI carries a healthy set of headwinds. Home values near $807K and rents of $936/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
For an experienced owner, 49129 can be a an appealing option for hunting ground — but the discount at $807K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Nearby ZIPs in Union Pier have seen price recovery that 49129 has not matched. Berrien County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
Meanwhile, 615 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.
Strategically, 49129 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 Union Pier:
Property Strategy for 49129
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $568,377 | $1,040 | 1.3% | +9.1% | $284,188 |
| 3BR | $744,444 | $1,370 | 1.3% | +9.9% | $248,148 |
| 4BR | $1,050,627 | $1,380 | 0.9% | — | $262,657 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 49129 Compare?
| Metric | 49129 | Union Pier | Niles, MI | Michigan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $807,031 | $807,031 | N/A | $253,279 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 7.5% | 7.5% | N/A | 6.8% |
| Avg Rent | $936 | $936 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 0.9% | 0.9% | - | - |
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 49129 (Union Pier, MI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 49129 (Union Pier, MI)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $807,031 |
| Monthly Rent | $936 |
| Price-to-Rent | 71.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 1.4% |
| Cap Rate | 0.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +6.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +7.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +8.1% ▲ |
🏠 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 (0.9%). 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 49129
Population: 615
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How strong are rents in Union Pier, MI?
The typical rental in Union Pier, MI commands about $936/mo monthly. That rent profile consistent cash flow against the $807K purchase basis.
What is the renter demographic in Union Pier, MI?
Union Pier, MI offers a consistent renter base at the $936/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
Is real estate in Union Pier, MI a good investment right now?
Union Pier, MI rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $807K and rents near $936/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
Which investment style suits Union Pier, MI?
A careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy Union Pier, MI best. The market produces even-keeled results for that approach at the $807K price point.
What price range are homes in Union Pier, MI?
Median home price in Union Pier, MI is near $807K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been consistent and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
You know 49129 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 49129 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 49129 ranks in Niles, MI
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 49129 (Union Pier)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 49129 (Union Pier, MI).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.